PNNL expands library of known fentanyl variants to save lives
February 16, 2022
The opioid epidemic kills more than 100,000 Americans a year. At the core of this crisis is the extremely potent and deadly synthetic substance fentanyl, which scientists estimate has hundreds of millions of possible chemical variants. First responders rely on chemical libraries of variants to help them quickly identify the substances, dangers, and information they need to keep people safe. Therefore, keeping those databases up-to-date is vital. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory leads a project funded by the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate to help close the gap and keep the libraries updated.