A new study from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has revealed significant variations in the types and prevalence of adulterants mixed into illicit fentanyl supplies across the United States. Researchers analyzed over 4,500 drug samples collected between January 2024 and June 2026, finding that substances like xylazine are more common on the East Coast than the West. The study also identified emerging adulterants such as medetomidine, a potent sedative, and an industrial chemical used in plastics. This research, part of the Rapid Drug Analysis and Research program (RaDAR), aims to provide timely information to first responders and public health officials to help combat the fentanyl epidemic by alerting them to dangerous local drug compositions. AI
RANK_REASON Research study published in a scientific journal. [lever_c_demoted from research: ic=1 ai=0.1]
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