Randox Toxicology, UK, introduces an ELISA targeting UR-144, XLR-11 and additional synthetic cannabinoid compounds, which are commonly found in new ‘Spice’ and ‘K2’ blends.

These emerging compounds have been rapidly introduced to the designer drug market in response to legislation banning previously identified compounds. UR-144 and XLR-11 are chemically different structures to earlier generations of synthetic cannabinoids such as JWH-018, JWH-073, or AM-2201.

Randox toxThis new ELISA provides a comprehensive solution for the rapid detection of more than 55 current synthetic cannabinoids in urine, blood, and oral fluid.

The last decade has seen a proliferation in ‘designer drugs,’ developed by changing the molecular structure of one or more existing drugs to create a new substance.

The Drug Enforcement Administration recently announced plans to schedule UR-144, XLR-11, and AKB48, which are often seen in falsely marketed ‘herbal incense’ products. They are sold under various brand names, online, in head shops, and even at gas stations. Despite many uncertainties, the use of these products is widespread.

The Randox Toxicology Synthetic Cannabinoids ELISA package delivers a comprehensive cross reactivity profile, allowing toxicologists to ensure that samples positive with new drug blends are not concealed. A batch of samples can be economically processed with the 96-test kits, eliminating negative samples from further analysis.

The company offers a range of designer drug solutions, including ELISAs for the detection of ‘bath salts’ (mephedrone, methcathinone, MDPV), and a comprehensive 11-plex biochip array, which can detect up to 110 novel drug compounds.

[Source: Randox Toxicology]