Randox Toxicology Launches First-of-its-Kind Nitazenes Array Amid Rising Synthetic Opioid Deaths in Europe

As Europe grapples with a sharp rise in drug-related fatalities linked to synthetic opioids, Randox Toxicology is proud to announce the launch of its Nitazenes Array – a pioneering immunoassay designed to detect a broad spectrum of nitazene analogues with speed, accuracy, and clinical relevance.

A newly released report from the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) has identified nitazenes as a rapidly emerging threat across the continent. These laboratory-synthesised opioids are often more potent than fentanyl, making them particularly dangerous even in trace amounts. The EUDA highlights that nitazenes are increasingly detected in toxicology reports from multiple European countries, frequently in polysubstance overdose cases involving cocaine, benzodiazepines, and alcohol.

The scale of the issue is alarming:

• In England and Wales, 195 deaths involving nitazenes were recorded in 2024, up from 52 in 2023 – a 275% increase.

• Nitazenes were detected in toxicology reports from 16 European countries, with over 70% of cases involving multiple substances.

• EUDA experts note that nitazenes are often missed in toxicology screens, delaying clinical responses and complicating forensic investigations.

In response to this growing crisis, Randox Toxicology has developed the Nitazenes Array using its proprietary Biochip Array Technology, available on the Evidence MultiSTAT platform. This is the first immunoassay of its kind, capable of detecting multiple nitazene compounds from a single sample with rapid turnaround times and results comparable with that of confirmatory testing methods. The streamlined workflow enables laboratories to delivery timely, actionable results.

Randox Toxicology remains committed to advancing drug detection technologies that respond to real-world challenges. With the launch of this array, we aim to equip laboratories and public health systems with the tools they need to stay ahead of emerging drug threats, improve outcomes, and safeguard communities.

Want to find out more? Contact us at info@randoxtoxicology.com.

Source: European Union Drugs Agency