W-18 (drug)
Chemical compound
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
W-18 is a compound in a series of 32 substances (named W-1 to W-32) that were first synthesized in academic research on analgesic drug discovery in the 1980s and appeared as a designer drug in the 2010s.
- Illegal in Sweden and Canada
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| Formula | C19H20ClN3O4S |
| Molar mass | 421.90 g·molâ1 |
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| Melting point | 157 to 158 °C (315 to 316 °F) |
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History
W-18 was invented at the University of Alberta by a lab working on analgesic drug discovery in the 1980s, and preliminary studies in animals showed it had pain-killing activity in mice.[1][2]
The chemical was detected in connection with recreational drug use as substitute for other controlled substances in Europe in 2013,[3] and in the United States.[4] In Canada, Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) seized four kilograms of W-18 in a drug bust in Edmonton in December 2015[5] and W-18 was also detected by Health Canada in at least three of 110 fentanyl tablets seized from a Calgary home in August 2015.[6][4]
Pharmacology
W-18 was commonly reported to be an opioid in the popular press in the 2010s, which was later revealed not to be correct.[7][8][9] W-18 was found to obtain weak activity at both sigma receptors and the translocator protein (peripheral benzodiazepine receptor).[9] It also inhibits the hERG potassium channel with micromolar affinity, which could potentially cause cardiac arrhythmia at high doses.[10]
Legality
- In Sweden, W-18 was made illegal in January 2016.[11]
- In Canada, W-18 and its analogues were made Schedule I controlled substances.[12] Possession without legal authority can result in maximum 7 years imprisonment. Further, Health Canada amended the Food and Drug Regulations in May, 2016 to classify W-18 as a restricted drug. Only those with a law enforcement agency, person with an exemption permit or institutions with Minister's authorization may possess the drug.