CUMYL-PEGACLONE

IUPAC Name

N-[2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-N-prop-2-enylprop-2-en-1-

Year(s) and type of review / ECDD meetings
Drug Class

Recommendation (from TRS)

Substance identification
CUMYL‐PEGACLONE (chemical name: 5-pentyl-2-(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)- 2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indol-1-one) is a synthetic cannabinoid. It has been found in seized material formulated for smoking and vaping.

WHO review history
CUMYL-PEGACLONE has not been formally reviewed by WHO and is not currently under international control. Information was brought to WHO’s attention that this substance is manufactured clandestinely, poses a risk to public health and has no recognized therapeutic use.

Similarity to known substances and effects on the central nervous system
CUMYL-PEGACLONE is a synthetic cannabinoid with a mechanism of action similar to that of other synthetic cannabinoids. It is a potent full agonist at CB1 receptors. No controlled studies have been reported of its effects, but online user reports describe euphoria, dissociation, red eyes, dry mouth and appetite stimulation. These effects are consistent with the known effects of cannabinoid agonists.

Dependence potential
No controlled studies have been reported in animals or humans on the dependence potential of CUMYL-PEGACLONE. However, CUMYL- PEGACLONE has been shown to be a full, potent agonist at the CB1 receptor and would therefore be expected to produce dependence similarly to other CB1 receptor agonists.

Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
No controlled animal or human studies have been reported on the abuse potential of CUMYL-PEGACLONE. A number of countries in several regions have reported that CUMYL- PEGACLONE is being used for its psychoactive properties. Adverse effects such as seizures and fatalities involving CUMYL- PEGACLONE have been reported. While other drugs were also used, CUMYL-PEGACLONE was deemed to be a causal or contributory factor in a number of these deaths.

Therapeutic usefulness
CUMYL-PEGACLONE is not known to have any therapeutic use.

Recommendation
CUMYL‐PEGACLONE (chemical name: 5-pentyl-2-(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)- 2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indol-1-one) is a synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist with a mode of action that suggests the likelihood of dependence and abuse and ill effects similar to those of other synthetic cannabinoids. Its use has been associated with severe adverse effects and fatalities. The effects of CUMYL‐PEGACLONE are similar to those of other synthetic cannabinoids that are controlled under Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971. CUMYL‐PEGACLONE has no therapeutic use, and its use constitutes a substantial risk to public health.

Recommendation: The Committee recommended that CUMYL‐ PEGACLONE (Chemical(chemical name: 5-pentyl-2-(2-phenylpropan-2- yl)- 2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indol-1-one), be added to Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971.

ECDD Recommendation

Inclusion in Schedule II of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances