Morazone

ECDD Technical summary
Morazone is an N-methylantipyrine-substituted phenmetrazine. The chemical structure of morazone raises theoretical concern that it could have a possible role as a pro-drug for phenmetrazine, a substance that is currently controlled as a central stimulant under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances. However, there were no data available to the Expert Committee indicating that morazone does act as a pro-drug for phenmetrazine. In addition, no data were available on its pharmacological profile. It was not possible for the Expert Committee to obtain any dependence potential data for this drug from studies in animals or man. Morazone is registered and available in several countries as an analgesic and as an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agent. Medical use of morazone as an antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drug suggests that its pharmacological profile does not significantly resemble those of stimulants or hallucinogens. In summary, there is no evidence, except for its structure and the possibility that it could be metabolized to phenmetrazine, that morazone has a pharmacological profile or dependence potential similar to that of compounds already controlled under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Thus, the Expert Committee considered itself unable to make any recommendation until more information becomes available about the substance. In addition, since no significant public health problems have been

associated with the use of morazone, no recommendation for urgent control seemed necessary.