Bill > HR5032

This bill seeks to permanently schedule nitazenes, a class of highly potent synthetic opioids, under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Nitazenes are benzimidazole-based drugs first synthesized in the 1950s that can be significantly more powerful than fentanyl and have no accepted medical use. The bill provides a detailed chemical definition for the class, including substances with a specific molecular structure that activates mu-opioid receptors, and lists several specific nitazene compounds like etonitazene, isotonitazene, and metonitazene. The legislation aims to proactively address the emerging threat of these designer drugs by creating a comprehensive scheduling that covers not just current known compounds but also potential future analogs. The bill includes a research exemption that allows existing researchers with active investigational new drug applications to continue their work for a limited time, provided they notify the Attorney General and subsequently apply for proper registration. By permanently scheduling these substances, the bill intends to streamline law enforcement efforts and protect public health by preventing the proliferation of these extremely dangerous synthetic opioids.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5032/all-info