Also known as: Fentanyl Citrate, opioid
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid analgesic that is far more potent than morphine. It is commonly used clinically for severe pain management and as a sedative or analgesic in perioperative and critical care settings. Fentanyl was first produced in 1960 and approved for use in the United States in 1968.
The FDA granted Breakthrough Device Designation to TOBY Inc.'s urine-based Alzheimer's diagnostic test and Instanosis Inc.'s Xylazine Rapid Test (Urine), accelerating development of both non-invasive diagnostic technologies.
Three people were arrested after a Hancock County investigation into a December 2024 overdose death. Authorities said the death was caused by fentanyl toxicity and led to indictments returned on February 9.
Cychlorphine has been detected in central Kentucky as Tennessee authorities link the synthetic opioid to 41 deaths in 11 counties in 2026. The drug is believed to be 10 times more potent than fentanyl and is not detectable by fentanyl testing strips.
Officials in Kentucky, the Carolinas and Tennessee are warning about cychlorphine, a synthetic opioid reportedly up to 10 times stronger than fentanyl. Authorities say it has been tied to overdose deaths and may require more Narcan to reverse overdoses.
Knox County officials are seeking restrictions on cychlorphine after the synthetic opioid was detected in 41 overdose deaths in and around Knox County. The drug is described as extremely potent, not detectable through most test kits, and may require repeated naloxone doses in an overdose.
New Zealand police arrested 11 people and seized drugs, cash, and firearms after uncovering a dark web drug import network, while Canadian police made a separate bust seizing cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. The New Zealand operation involved international cooperation and intercepted over 200kg of drugs at borders. The busts come as New Zealand data shows record-breaking cocaine consumption nationwide.
Delaware State Police arrested a North Carolina man and seized 2.3 kilograms of cocaine during a traffic stop on I-95. The suspect faces multiple felony drug charges and is being held on $120,801 cash bond. Separate drug investigations in West Virginia and Ohio also resulted in arrests and seizures of fentanyl, methamphetamine, firearms, and child pornography.
Two Mexican nationals have been extradited to face federal drug trafficking charges in New Mexico. Daniel Alfred Blanco-Joo faces five counts including fentanyl distribution and money laundering, while David Eliezer Seas-Centeno faces conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Both defendants face minimum 10-year prison sentences if convicted.
DEA and New York authorities seized over 8,800 counterfeit fentanyl pills and 891 grams of cocaine in Brooklyn, arresting one suspect. In a separate operation, agents recovered 20 pounds of methamphetamine and $50,000 in cash. The busts are part of efforts to disrupt synthetic drug shipments into New York City.
Salem city councilors are considering spending $250,000 in opioid settlement funds for a new drug treatment and recovery program at Redwood Crossings supportive housing. The proposal comes as the city launches a broader "Prevent, Treat, and Enforce" initiative to address substance abuse through treatment, prevention, and law enforcement coordination.
| NCT ID | Title | Status | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07556523 |
Patient Quality of Recovery After TAVR With Different Sedation Regimens |
RECRUITING | PHASE4 |
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A Phase 2 Safety, Tolerability, PK, and Efficacy Study of CS-1103 Following Fentanyl Challenge With Naloxone Blockade |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | PHASE2 |
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Effect of Dexmedetomidine Dosage on Postoperative Delirium in Geriatric Orthopedic Surgery |
RECRUITING | PHASE2 |
| NCT07435337 |
Effect of Nalbuphine Versus Fentanyl on Hemdoynamic Effects of Laryngoscopy |
RECRUITING | PHASE4 |
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Investigation of Antibacterial Effect of Levobupivacaine on Staphylococcus Aureus |
COMPLETED | NA |
| NCT07276906 |
Comparing Intramuscular Fentanyl and Ketorolac With Nerve of Arnold (NOA) Block for Bilateral Myringotomy |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | PHASE4 |
| NCT07276867 |
Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine-Fentanyl Combination Versus Fentanyl Alone as Adjuvant to Bupivacaine in Spinal Anesthesia for Above Knee Amputation in Sarcomas of Lower Extremity |
RECRUITING | NA |
| NCT07238101 |
Hemodynamic Effects of Fentanyl Vs Dexmedetomidine in Spine Surgery |
COMPLETED | PHASE4 |
| NCT07224620 |
Fentanyl Versus Hydromorphone in Patients on Mechanical Ventilation |
RECRUITING | PHASE2 |
| NCT07166666 |
Study Comparing Atomizerd Midazolam & Fentanyl and Dexmedomidine for Procedural Sedation in Adult and Pediatric Patient (2 to 60 Years Old) |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | NA |
