10 Nov NPS Frontline Alert: Emerging Substances
NASHVILLE, TN. (November 10, 2025) – To stay current with the rapidly changing landscape of new and emerging drugs, Aegis has committed to bi-annual NPS test menu updates to include the tier one and tier two recommendations established collaboratively by the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) and the Society of Forensic Toxicologist (SOFT) NPS Committee.
Since implementation of our previous test update in June 2025, we have identified 9 new substances not previously detected in our laboratory.
Details on Findings for Substances Added to NPS Testing in November 2025
(Total samples tested with positive findings: 1,163)
Findings reflect reported results from samples received for testing between 6/2/2025-11/4/2025 and reported as of 11/6/2025.
Samples may be positive for more than one substance.
Emerging Threat Spotlight: Phenazolam Use Continues to Rise
About Phenazolam
- Phenazolam, also known as clobromazolam, was first reported as detected in the United States in 20221
- Though bromazolam has been the most commonly detected designer benzodiazepine identified through Aegis testing for the past year, phenazolam is now being detected more frequently than bromazolam in parts of the county.
- For samples received in Q3 2025, Aegis identified phenazolam more often than other designer benzodiazepines in 5 states: Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, and Tennessee.
- Though published literature on phenazolam is limited, one study demonstrated that its potency may far exceed that of most benzodiazepines and designer benzodiazepines.2 This could create significant risk for adverse effects in individuals encountering this drug.
References:
1. https://www.cfsre.org/images/monographs/Phenazolam-120622-CFSRE-Toxicology-Report.pdf
2. Manchester KR, Waters L, Haider S, Maskell PD. The blood-to-plasma ratio and predicted GABAA-binding affinity of designer benzodiazepines. Forensic Toxicol. 2022;40(2):349-356. doi:10.1007/s11419-022-00616-y
For real-time findings of definitive testing results, please visit our NPS Insights Dashboard
