IUPAC Name
opioid
Current Scheduling Status
Year(s) and type of review / ECDD meetings
Drug Class
Recommendation (from TRS)
Substance identification
FUB-AMB (methyl (2S)-2-({1-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-1H-indazole-3- carbonyl}amino)-3-methylbutanoate) is a synthetic cannabinoid that is also referred to as MMB-FUBINACA and AMB-FUBINACA. FUB-AMB is available as a powder, in solution or sprayed on plant material that mimics the appearance of cannabis. It is sold as herbal incense or branded products under a variety of different names.
WHO review history
FUB-AMB has not been previously pre-reviewed or critically reviewed by the WHO ECDD. A critical review was proposed based on information brought to WHO’s attention that FUB-AMB poses a serious risk to public health and has no recognized therapeutic use.
Similarity to known substances and effects on the central nervous system
FUB-AMB is similar to other synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists that are currently scheduled under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971. It binds to both the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors with full agonist activity as demonstrated by in vitro studies. The efficacy and potency of FUB-AMB is substantially greater than that of Δ9-THC and it has effects similar to those of other synthetic cannabinoids, including severe central nervous system depression.
Dependence potential
No reports of controlled experimental studies examining the dependence potential of FUB-AMB in humans or animals were available. However, based on its central nervous system action as a full CB1 agonist, FUB-AMB would be expected to produce dependence in a manner similar to or more pronounced than cannabis.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
Consistent with its CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonist activity, FUB-AMB produces complete dose-dependent substitution for the discriminative stimulus effects of Δ9-THC when administered to mice by various routes. This suggests that it has abuse potential similar to that of Δ9-THC.
Use of FUB-AMB has been reported from Europe, New Zealand and the United States. It is smoked (as preparations of drug components introduced onto plant material) or vaped (i.e. using an e-cigarette). Owing to the nature of synthetic cannabinoid products, users cannot tell which synthetic cannabinoid is contained in such products.
FUB-AMB use was confirmed in case reports of a mass intoxication in the United States. The predominant symptom was severe central nervous system depression, resulting in markedly slowed behaviour and speech. It was reported that in New Zealand, there were at least 20 deaths related to the use of FUB-AMB. The amounts of FUB-AMB in confiscated products in New Zealand were found to be 2 to 25 times greater than those reported in the incident in the United States.
Therapeutic usefulness
FUB-AMB is not known to have any therapeutic uses.
Recommendation
FUB-AMB is a synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist that is administered by smoking plant material sprayed with the substance or inhaling vapour after heating. Its mode of action suggests the potential for dependence and the likelihood of abuse. Its use has been associated with a range of severe adverse effects including a number of deaths. Its mechanism of action and manner of use are similar to those of other synthetic cannabinoids placed in Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971. FUB-AMB has no therapeutic use.
■■ Recommendation: The Committee recommended that FUB-AMB (methyl (2S)-2-({1-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-1H-indazole-3-car- bonyl}amino)-3-methylbutanoate) be added to Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971.
FUB-AMB (methyl (2S)-2-({1-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-1H-indazole-3- carbonyl}amino)-3-methylbutanoate) is a synthetic cannabinoid that is also referred to as MMB-FUBINACA and AMB-FUBINACA. FUB-AMB is available as a powder, in solution or sprayed on plant material that mimics the appearance of cannabis. It is sold as herbal incense or branded products under a variety of different names.
WHO review history
FUB-AMB has not been previously pre-reviewed or critically reviewed by the WHO ECDD. A critical review was proposed based on information brought to WHO’s attention that FUB-AMB poses a serious risk to public health and has no recognized therapeutic use.
Similarity to known substances and effects on the central nervous system
FUB-AMB is similar to other synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists that are currently scheduled under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971. It binds to both the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors with full agonist activity as demonstrated by in vitro studies. The efficacy and potency of FUB-AMB is substantially greater than that of Δ9-THC and it has effects similar to those of other synthetic cannabinoids, including severe central nervous system depression.
Dependence potential
No reports of controlled experimental studies examining the dependence potential of FUB-AMB in humans or animals were available. However, based on its central nervous system action as a full CB1 agonist, FUB-AMB would be expected to produce dependence in a manner similar to or more pronounced than cannabis.
Actual abuse and/or evidence of likelihood of abuse
Consistent with its CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonist activity, FUB-AMB produces complete dose-dependent substitution for the discriminative stimulus effects of Δ9-THC when administered to mice by various routes. This suggests that it has abuse potential similar to that of Δ9-THC.
Use of FUB-AMB has been reported from Europe, New Zealand and the United States. It is smoked (as preparations of drug components introduced onto plant material) or vaped (i.e. using an e-cigarette). Owing to the nature of synthetic cannabinoid products, users cannot tell which synthetic cannabinoid is contained in such products.
FUB-AMB use was confirmed in case reports of a mass intoxication in the United States. The predominant symptom was severe central nervous system depression, resulting in markedly slowed behaviour and speech. It was reported that in New Zealand, there were at least 20 deaths related to the use of FUB-AMB. The amounts of FUB-AMB in confiscated products in New Zealand were found to be 2 to 25 times greater than those reported in the incident in the United States.
Therapeutic usefulness
FUB-AMB is not known to have any therapeutic uses.
Recommendation
FUB-AMB is a synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist that is administered by smoking plant material sprayed with the substance or inhaling vapour after heating. Its mode of action suggests the potential for dependence and the likelihood of abuse. Its use has been associated with a range of severe adverse effects including a number of deaths. Its mechanism of action and manner of use are similar to those of other synthetic cannabinoids placed in Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971. FUB-AMB has no therapeutic use.
■■ Recommendation: The Committee recommended that FUB-AMB (methyl (2S)-2-({1-[(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-1H-indazole-3-car- bonyl}amino)-3-methylbutanoate) 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
Link to full TRS
9789241210270-eng.pdf453.93 KB
MS Questionnaire Report