A UCLA research team has discovered dangerously high levels of the industrial chemical bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate (BTMPS) in drugs being sold as fentanyl across the United States. The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal JAMA, raises serious health concerns as BTMPS is not approved for human consumption and has been linked to cardiotoxicity, ocular damage, and sudden death in animal studies.

Key Highlights:
Widespread Presence of BTMPS in Illicit Fentanyl:

• From June to October 2024, the team found high levels of BTMPS in fentanyl samples from multiple U.S. locations, including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Delaware, Maryland, Nevada, Washington, and Puerto Rico.

• BTMPS sometimes accounted for more than 50% of the substance sold as fentanyl.

• On average, samples contained 7 times more BTMPS than fentanyl.

BTMPS and Its Potential Health Risks:

• BTMPS belongs to a class of compounds called hindered amine light stabilizers and is typically used in sealants, adhesives, and plastics.

• Though not a controlled substance, animal studies have shown BTMPS can cause serious health effects, including cardiotoxicity and sudden death.

• The chemical’s impact on human health remains unknown, raising concerns about its inclusion in illicit drugs.

Challenges in Detection:

• BTMPS is unlikely to be detected by traditional methods such as postmortem toxicology, clinical testing, or criminal investigations.

• The reasons for its addition to fentanyl are unclear, but its simultaneous emergence across the U.S. suggests it may be introduced high up in the drug supply chain.

Statements from Researchers:
Chelsea Shover, Assistant Professor, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA:
“The emergence of BTMPS is more sudden than previous changes in the illicit drug supply. Its widespread detection suggests it may be added at a high level in the supply chain, which is concerning given its serious health risks and lack of approval for human consumption.”The discovery of BTMPS in fentanyl highlights a new and alarming trend in the illicit drug market. Researchers are calling for increased surveillance and testing methods to detect such substances and protect public health. The long-term effects of BTMPS exposure in humans remain unknown, and health authorities are urged to monitor developments closely and issue appropriate safety guidelines.