An evaluation of 25B-, 25C-, 25D-, 25H-, 25I- and 25T2-NBOMe via LC-MS-MS: method validation and analyte stability.

As potent serotonin (5-HT2A) receptor agonists, the NBOMe class of drugs including 25B-, 25C-, 25D-, 25H-, 25I- and 25T2-NBOMe is frequently abused due to the intense hallucinations that they induce. From the limited literature available, the concentration of these NBOMe compounds reported in postmortem cases is exceedingly low. In most instances, published concentrations are <0.50 ng/mL. Therefore, the need for a sensitive, rapid and comprehensive analytical method for the quantification of these compounds was evident. In addition to the more publicized analog 25I-NBOMe, evaluation of 25B-, 25C-, 25D-, 25H and 25T2- in whole blood, plasma and urine was conducted. This publication presents the data obtained from the validation of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous quantification of these six NBOMe analogs. The method utilizes ultra-performance liquid chromatography technology for the separation followed by positive electrospray ionization of each analog. Limits of quantification for these analogs ranged from 0.01 to 0.02 ng/mL (10-20 pg/mL) with typical linear dynamic ranges of 0.01-20 ng/mL. Data for recovery, intraday control accuracy and precision, matrix effects, ion suppression/enhancement and analyte stability are included. Validation was completed in whole blood, plasma and urine. Short run times and high sensitivity afforded by this newly validated analytical method that allows for the detection of these six analogs in the most common toxicological matrices and can be applied to both ante- and postmortem specimens.

Pathological findings in 2 cases of fatal 25I-NBOMe toxicity.

The research compound 25I-NBOMe, also known as CIMBI-5 or INBMeO, was created in academic laboratories as a potent serotonin 2A receptor agonist. Because of its high affinity and ambiguous legal status, recreational drug enthusiasts have used this compound as a powerful alternative to other hallucinogenic drugs such as lysergic acid diethylamide. We report 2 deaths after 25I-NBOMe ingestion by decedents who attended separate "rave" parties. The first case involved a 21-year-old male who admitted taking "acid" to his friend. A sudden violent rage caused him to flail about, and he subsequently became unresponsive. The postmortem examination revealed numerous external injuries that were consistent with physical aggression. The second case involved a 15-year-old female who was socializing outside a rave party, became ill, and rapidly deteriorated as her friend transported her to the hospital. The postmortem assessment was similar to the first case in that external contusions featured prominently. Comprehensive toxicology screens in both cases revealed only evidence of marijuana use. A deeper analysis using time-of-flight mass spectrometry revealed the presence of 25I-NBOMe, which was further confirmed by tandem-mass spectrometry. The behavior and injuries in these cases reveal a consistent pattern preceding fatal 25I-NBOMe toxicity.