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Understanding methiopropamine, a new psychoactive substance: an in-depth review on its chemistry, pharmacology and implications to human health

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Abstract

Methiopropamine or 1-(thiophen-2-yl)-2-methylaminopropane (MPA) is a thiophene ring-based structural analogue of methamphetamine, first synthesized in 1942 but become popular when it started to be available for purchase on websites selling ‘legal highs’ since 2010. While it is legally controlled in many countries, it remains readily accessible and frequently encountered in recreational settings. The growing prevalence of MPA use results in new therapeutic challenges. Relatively few studies have focused on its pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, making it important to better understand its potential risks and harmful effects in humans in terms of its toxicity. This review provides a comprehensive profiling of MPA toxicological properties, including its chemical properties, analytical methods, prevalence, patterns of use, and legal status. Additionally, it discusses the drug’s effects on the central nervous system, its potential for addiction, and its adverse physical and mental health effects. Improving the understanding of safety aspects of MPA and how it imposes health threats for public health will guide the development of therapeutic approach of its intoxication and guide the authorities in deciding its legal status.

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Funding

This work was supported by a grant from the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia, Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS/1/2020/SKK0/UKM/02/1).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Mohd Khairulanwar Bunaim, Nor Syafinaz Yaakob, Mohd Makmor-Bakry & Norazrina Azmi

  2. Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Hanafi Ahmad Damanhuri

  3. Department of Pharmaceutical Life Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Hui-Yin Yow

  4. Department of Biomedical Sciences and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), 88400, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

    Mohd Khairulanwar Bunaim

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NA conceived the idea of this study. The draft of the manuscript was written by MKB. HAD, HYY, NSY, MMB and NA participated in multiple rounds of revisions, offering critical feedback and suggestions that substantially improved the manuscript. All the authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Norazrina Azmi.

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Bunaim, M.K., Damanhuri, H.A., Yow, HY. et al. Understanding methiopropamine, a new psychoactive substance: an in-depth review on its chemistry, pharmacology and implications to human health. Int J Legal Med (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-024-03201-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-024-03201-7

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