u/TheToxLab

Hi all,

In the latest episode of The Tox Lab, we discuss poison dart frogs and the alkaloid epibatidine.

We start with recent reports suggesting epibatidine may have been involved in the death of Alexei Navalny, before discussing poison dart frog toxins more broadly and the discovery and pharmacology of epibatidine.

We also cover:

-its potent analgesic properties

-attempts to develop safer analogues

-and the evolutionary mechanisms that may prevent poison dart frogs from poisoning themselves

This is a really interesting intersection of toxicology, pharmacology, evolution, and current events.

🎧 Listen now: https://pod.link/1778531114

Rebecca and Rob 🧪

Disclaimer: All opinions are our own.

Hi all,

In the latest episode of The Tox Lab, we revisit novel synthetic opioids with an update on emerging compounds, changing drug markets, and associated harms.

We discuss the recent UNODC announcement covering the increasingly varied forms in which synthetic opioids are being encountered, including counterfeit tablets sold as benzodiazepines, oxycodone, and MDMA, alongside powders and vapes.

We also cover the emergence of orphine analogues in the UK and US, before discussing a clinical case involving N-propionitrile chlorphine (cychlorphine).

It’s an interesting look at how rapidly this landscape is changing and some of the challenges this creates for clinicians, toxicology laboratories, and harm reduction efforts.

🎧 Listen now: https://pod.link/1778531114

This episode is very kindly sponsored by Cayman Chemical. Check out their Synthetic Opioids Analytical Standards Panel here: https://www.caymanchem.com/product/44436/synthetic-opioid-analytical-standards-panel-1

Rebecca and Rob 🧪

Disclaimer: All opinions are our own.

Hi all,

In the latest episode of The Tox Lab, we discuss naloxone from a few different angles relevant to toxicology and public health.

We cover:

- expansion of naloxone access laws in the US and whether this is associated with changes in heroin use among adolescents

- the potential benefits and limitations of educating school children to recognise opioid overdose and administer naloxone

- disparities in naloxone uptake across different groups, including differences between individuals who inject versus smoke substances

It’s an interesting mix of policy, education, and real-world use, and raises some important questions about how naloxone is distributed and utilised.

Would be interested to hear others’ thoughts, particularly around:

- whether increased access influences behaviour

- how effective education initiatives are in practice

- experiences with disparities in access or uptake

🎧 Listen now: https://pod.link/1778531114

Rebecca and Rob 🧪

Disclaimer: All opinions are our own.

Hi all,

In the latest episode of The Tox Lab, we revisit mitragynine (kratom) a year after our original discussion, focusing on emerging trends and clinical considerations.

We look at poison centre data describing trends in reported exposures in the US and internationally, followed by a case involving semi-synthetic derivatives such as 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, including features of dose escalation and withdrawal.

We also discuss reports of combined use with substances such as kava and how this may influence toxicity and withdrawal.

Would be interested to hear if others have seen similar trends or cases in practice or research.

🎧 Listen now: https://pod.link/1778531114

Rebecca and Rob 🧪

Disclaimer: All opinions are our own.