The Tox Lab

The Tox Lab

The Tox Lab is a podcast dedicated to exploring the science of toxicology and its real-world implications. Each week we aim to break down complex research, investigate real-life cases, and discuss emerging trends in toxicology. Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab Email us here: thetoxlab@gmail.com

  1. 6D AGO

    Episode 77: Novel Synthetic Opioids – An Update on Emerging Trends

    This week on The Tox Lab, we’re back with a long-awaited update on novel synthetic opioids. We begin by discussing the April 2026 UNODC announcement on the increasingly varied forms in which synthetic opioids are being encountered, including vapes, powders, and counterfeit tablets marketed as benzodiazepines, oxycodone, and MDMA. We then turn to the emergence of orphine analogues in both the UK and the US, discussing recent reports and trends associated with these compounds. Finally, we examine a clinical case involving N-propionitrile chlorphine (cychlorphine), exploring the toxicological features and the challenges these emerging opioids present for clinicians, laboratories, and public health systems. Join us as we examine the changing landscape of novel synthetic opioids, consider what these developments may mean for toxicology, harm reduction, and public health, and discuss where the market may be heading next. Hope you enjoy! This episode is very kindly sponsored by Cayman Chemical. Check out their Synthetic Opioid Analytical Standards Panel here: https://www.caymanchem.com/product/44436/synthetic-opioid-analytical-standards-panel-1 Links to papers we discussed: https://www.unodc.org/LSS/Announcement/Details/973e194e-f8d6-4b4e-8aca-166aaec4ac7c https://www.polizei.bayern.de/aktuelles/pressemitteilungen/100413/index.html https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dar.70081 https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69f3343fab602a88957eef2b/Seventh_addendum_to_the_ACMD_report_on_the_use_and_harms_of_2-benzyl-benzimidazole__nitazene__and_piperidine_benzimidazolone__brorphine-like__opioids_FINAL.pdf https://www.cfsre.org/nps-discovery/public-alerts/increase-in-fatal-overdoses-linked-to-novel-synthetic-opioid-n-propionitrile-chlorphine-cychlorphine https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15563650.2025.2594070 Link to our paper on N-pyrrolidino Isotonitazene: https://academic.oup.com/jat/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jat/bkag027/8663758?redirectedFrom=fulltext Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab Email us here: thetoxlab@gmail.com Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/thetoxlab

    21 min

  2. MAY 4

    Episode 76: Naloxone - Access, Harm Reduction and Disparities

    This week on The Tox Lab, we are taking a look at the role of naloxone in risk taking behaviours, harm reduction and disparities surrounding naloxone access. We begin by discussing a study looking at the expansion of naloxone access laws in the United States, exploring whether increased availability is associated with changes in heroin use among adolescents. We then turn to a commentary paper examining the benefits and limitations of educating school children recognise an opioid overdose and administer naloxone. Finally we discuss a paper investigating disparities in naloxone uptake amongst different ethnic and racial groups, and between individuals who inject versus smoke substances. Join us as we explore the impact of naloxone access, education, and disparities, and consider what these findings mean for harm reduction and public health. Hope you enjoy! Links to the papers we discussed: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955395923000294 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/josh.70089 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41428846/ Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab Email us here: thetoxlab@gmail.com Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/thetoxlab

    25 min

  3. APR 27

    Episode 75: Kratom Is Changing - New Semi-Synthetic Compounds & Rising Harm

    A year after we first took a look at mitragynine (kratom), we are back with an update episode looking at how the landscape surrounding mitragynine is evolving. We begin by examining poison centre data, exploring trends in reported exposures in the US and internationally, and the increase in its use. We then discuss a case involving semi-synthetic mitragynine derivatives, including 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, highlighting the clinical features including dose escalation, and challenges associated with withdrawal. Finally, we turn to reports of combined use of kratom and kava, and consider how this may influence toxicity and withdrawal. Join us as we examine emerging data, evolving patterns of use, and the clinical implications of mitragynine and its derivatives, and consider what these findings mean for toxicology and public health. Hope you enjoy! If you'd like us to cover an episode on Kava, please let us know in the comments! Links to the papers we discussed: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7511a1.htm https://www.cureus.com/articles/467977-severe-early-onset-withdrawal-following-intentional-use-of-mitragynine-pseudoindoxyl-a-case-report-and-emerging-clinical-considerations#!/ https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/pdfs/mm7512a1-H.pdf https://journals.lww.com/journaladdictionmedicine/abstract/9900/kava_potentiated_withdrawal_in_persons_using.687.aspx Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab Email us here: thetoxlab@gmail.com Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/thetoxlab

    26 min

  4. APR 20

    Episode 74: Codeine – Pharmacogenetics, Breastfeeding and the 2006 Lancet Case

    This week on The Tox Lab, we’re examining the controversial 2006 Lancet paper on codeine and fatal opioid toxicity in a breastfed infant. We begin by introducing the paper and the case at its centre, in which an infant developed fatal opioid toxicity following exposure to codeine via breast milk. We then explore the proposed mechanism, focusing on the role of CYP2D6 metabolism and how variability in this pathway may lead to higher-than-expected morphine concentrations. We also discuss the limitations and criticisms of the paper, including questions around causality, alternative explanations, and the extent to which pharmacogenetics alone can account for the outcome. Finally, we consider the wider impact of this publication, including changes to clinical guidance, prescribing practices, and the ongoing debate around codeine use in breastfeeding individuals. Join us as we examine the pharmacology, pharmacogenetics, and controversy surrounding this landmark case, and consider what this means for clinical toxicology and patient safety. Hope you enjoy! Links to the papers we discussed: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(06)69255-6/abstract https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(26)00245-X/fulltext https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140673608612544/abstract https://ascpt.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cpt.1882 Link to the New Yorker Article : https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/02/02/did-a-celebrated-researcher-obscure-a-fatal-poisoning Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab Email us here: thetoxlab@gmail.com Support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/thetoxlab

    18 min

  5. APR 13

    Episode 73: Pesticides – Flowers, Food and Forensics

    This week on The Tox Lab, we’re examining pesticides and their role in toxicology. We begin by discussing a study investigating pesticide exposure in florists, highlighting occupational risks and the potential for chronic low-level exposure. We then turn to a paper analysing pesticide residue levels in commonly consumed fruits, including kiwifruit and bananas, and consider what this may mean for dietary exposure. Finally, we discuss a study examining pesticide-related fatalities in Turkey, exploring the clinical and toxicological features associated with these cases. Join us as we explore the occupational, environmental, and clinical aspects of pesticide exposure, and consider what these findings mean for toxicology and public health. Hope you enjoy! Links to the papers we discussed: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5451977/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0273230026000103?via%3Dihub https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12024-026-01220-x Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab Email us here: thetoxlab@gmail.com Support us on: https://buymeacoffee.com/thetoxlab

    30 min

  6. APR 6

    Episode 72: GHB – Forensic Toxicology, Detection and Interpretation (Part 2)

    This week on The Tox Lab, we continue our discussion on GHB, focusing on its role in forensic toxicology. We begin by examining a study investigating GHB in drug‑facilitated crime in Paris, highlighting patterns of reported incidents and toxicological findings. We then turn to post‑mortem toxicology, discussing the challenges of interpreting GHB concentrations after death and exploring research aimed at distinguishing post‑mortem formation from exogenous intake. Join us as we explore the forensic applications, interpretive challenges, and analytical considerations associated with GHB, and consider how these factors impact casework. This is part two of a two‑part series on GHB. In last week’s episode, we explored patterns of use, harms, and user perspectives. Hope you enjoy! Links to the papers we discussed: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0379073825003780?via%3Dihub https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589871X24000925?via%3Dihub https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0379073825001306?via%3Dihub Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab Email us here: thetoxlab@gmail.com

    24 min

  7. MAR 30

    Episode 71: GHB – Patterns of Use, Harms and User Experience (Part 1)

    This week on The Tox Lab, we’re examining GHB, its use, and the harms associated with it. We begin by exploring what GHB is and how it works, before turning to a study from Australia examining trends in use over a 10-year period and the associated increase in harms. We then discuss a qualitative study focusing on GHB use among individuals identifying as heterosexual, exploring patterns of use, motivations, and the ways in which users perceive and navigate risk, harm, and stigma. Join us as we examine the pharmacology, patterns of use, and lived experiences associated with GHB, and consider what these findings may mean for understanding its risks. This is part one of a two-part series. In next week’s episode, we will turn to the forensic aspects of GHB. Hope you enjoy! Links to the papers we discussed: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/add.70308 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12954-026-01405-1 Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab Email us here: thetoxlab@gmail.com

    22 min

  8. MAR 23

    Episode 70: Poison Centre Data – Insights into Drug Trends and Toxicology Surveillance

    This week on The Tox Lab, we’re taking a closer look at poison centre data and how it can be used to identify drug trends and support toxicovigilance efforts. We begin by discussing a study analysing data from six European poison centres in the Netherlands, Freiburg, Austria, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. The paper examines reports involving the eleven most commonly encountered recreational drugs and highlights how patterns of drug use differ both over time and between countries. We then turn to a study focusing on reports of novel psychoactive substances submitted to several European poison centres in 2021, exploring how these data can contribute to monitoring emerging substances and strengthening drug early warning systems. Join us as we explore how poison centre data can provide valuable insights into drug use trends and play an important role in toxicology surveillance and public health. Hope you enjoy! Links to the papers we discussed: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15563650.2026.2628073 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15563650.2024.2430311 Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab Email us here: thetoxlab@gmail.com

    26 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Tox Lab is a podcast dedicated to exploring the science of toxicology and its real-world implications. Each week we aim to break down complex research, investigate real-life cases, and discuss emerging trends in toxicology. Disclaimer: All opinions are our own. Find us on instagram: @the_tox_lab Email us here: thetoxlab@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    The Tox Lab
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    77
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Tox Lab
  • Show Website
    The Tox Lab

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