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Displaying 1 - 25 of 42 Results

What’s new with benzodiazepine NPS: Here come the ethyl analogues!

Webinars

Benzodiazepines were discovered in the 1950s and were rapidly adopted as prescription medicines for the treatment of a variety of conditions, such as anxiety or use as sedatives. However, the increase in popularity of benzodiazepines, along with their addictive properties, also led to an increase in the misuse and abuse of these compounds. 

In this presentation, Kirk Hering, Director of Process Exploration and Psychoactive Substance Chemistry at Cayman Chemical, reviews the known metabolic pathways of established designer benzodiazepines and discusses the metabolites likely to form from emerging NPS ethyltriazolobenzodiazepines.

Presented as part of the CFSRE's 2026 Current Trends in Forensic Toxicology Symposium. 

Do you have a question or comment for the presenter? Let us know. 


NSOs, DBZDs, and HLMs! Oh My!

Webinars

Novel designer benzodiazepines (DBZD) and novel synthetic opioids (NSO) continue to emerge on the illicit novel psychoactive substance (NPS) market. Given this trend, and the continuing rise in benzodiazepine prescriptions, the likelihood for benzodiazepines to appear in toxicological samples alongside synthetic opioids is high. Understanding the synthesis and analytical interpretation of both NPS classes can help prepare forensic toxicologists for the appearance of unknown compounds in their casework.

Join Nathan Layle and Becca Boyce, synthetic organic chemists at Cayman Chemical, as they present the results of our in-house human liver microsome (HLM) studies and demonstrate how these findings can be applied to new analogs. Attendees will gain insights into emerging compounds and metabolites that may soon appear in forensic casework.

Presented as part of the CFSRE's 2026 Current Trends in Forensic Toxicology Symposium.

Do you have a question or comment for the presenter? Let us know.

Semi-Synthetic Opioids: Cracking the Kratom Code

Webinars

Mitragynine is an indole-based alkaloid and is one of the main psychoactive constituents in the Southeast Asian plant Mitragyna speciosa, commonly known as kratom. It is an atypical opioid that is typically consumed as a part of kratom for its pain-relieving and euphoric effects and has also been researched for its use to potentially manage symptoms of opioid withdrawal and as a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). More recently, analogs of mitragynine have begun to appear in the unregulated consumer marketplace and some are readily available in gas stations and vape shops in products branded as "7-hydroxymitragynine" or "7OH" causing heightened concern due to studies showing that 7-hydroxy mitragynine and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (the rearrangement product of 7-hydroxy mitragynine) are more potent opioid agonists, exceeding that of mitragynine on the order of 10x and 100x, respectively.


Listen as Nathan Layle and Camille Waston-Gooden, synthetic chemists at Cayman Chemical, explain more about the history, pharmacology, metabolism, semi-synthetic modifications, and new emerging analogs of Mitragynine.

Presented as part of the CFSRE's 2026 Current Trends in Seized Drug Analysis Symposium.

Do you have a question or comment for the presenter? Let us know.


What's New With NPS: The Rise of Semi-synthetics Complicates the Picture

Webinars

The emergence of previously unencountered novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in adulterated tablets, vape cartridges, and other consumer-marketed products continues to push forensic chemists, forensic toxicologists, emergency medical responders, and regulatory agencies into unchartered territory. Adding complexity to this evolving landscape is the recent discovery of semi-synthetic compounds in consumer products — substances not typically found in nature or present in quantities that suggest synthetic laboratory production.

Donna Iula summarizes the novel substances of greatest concern across classes such as synthetic opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, and synthetic cannabinoids including the concerning rise of semi-synthetic opioid NPS derived from Kratom, which are extremely potent.

Presented as part of the CFSRE's 2026 Current Trends in Seized Drug Analysis Symposium.

Do you have a question or comment for the presenter? Let us know.

Semi-Synthetic Cannabinoids: An Emerging NPS Overview and Case Study on In-Vitro Metabolism

Webinars

Semi-synthetic cannabinoids (SSCs) represent an emerging class of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPSs) that are often advertised and sold as legal. SSCs can be described as partially synthetic materials that are derived from natural components of the Cannabis Sativa L. plant, such as Cannabidiol (CBD). New studies on the in-vivo and in-vitro metabolism of SSC’s, such as Δ10-THC, Δ6a,10a-THC, and HHC, are emerging, which detail the similarities and differences seen to natural phytocannabinoid like Δ9-THC.


Alicyn Stothard and Jonathon Bassman, synthetic organic chemists at Cayman Chemical, discuss the overall landscape of newly emerging SSCs and their metabolism, along with a case study utilizing LC/MS-based identification of putative in-vitro metabolites for the SSC’s Δ10-THC and Δ6a,10a-THC.

Presented as part of the CFSRE's 2025 Current Trends in Forensic Toxicology Symposium.

Do you have a question or comment for the presenter? Let us know.

The Shifting Synthetic Cannabinoid NPS Landscape

Webinars

The current wave of so-called ‘semi-synthetic cannabinoids’ are defined as molecules that are not fully synthetic, as in JWH-018 or AB-FUBINACA, nor are they naturally occurring, as in Δ9-THC. This new class of ‘semi-synthetic’ NPS (Novel Psychoactive Substances) are structurally phytocannabinoid-like in composition and are similar to Δ9-THC. Analytical labs, clinicians, and policy administrators have always struggled to keep pace with the ever-changing synthetic cannabinoid landscape while keeping detection methods and policies current with the latest molecules-of-the-moment.

Jeffrey Williams presents a summary of the current wave of NPS called ‘semi-synthetic cannabinoids’ which are complicating the NPS scene.

Presented as part of the CFSRE's 2025 Current Trends in Forensic Toxicology Symposium.

Do you have a question or comment for the presenter? Let us know.

Metabolic Profiling of the Semi-synthetic Tetrahydrocannabinols (THCs), Δ10-THC and Δ6a,10a-THC, Using Human Liver Microsomes and LC/MS

Webinars

The pharmacology of several naturally occurring phytocannabinoid constituents of Cannabis sativa L., such as Δ9-THC, has previously been studied and well-documented in the scientific literature. However, since the deregulation of hemp in the 2018 USDA Farm Bill, new semi-synthetic structurally related isomers, analogs, and homologs have emerged, presenting new chemical entities with unknown metabolic profiles.

Listen as Nathan Layle, a synthetic organic chemist at Cayman Chemical, discusses the LC/MS-based identification of putative in vitro metabolites of the semi-synthetic tetrahydrocannabinols Δ10-THC and Δ6a,10a-THC.

Presented as part of the 77th Annual Scientific Conference of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Do you have a question or comment for the presenter? Let us know.

Making a splash: Nitazenes and Orphines, the latest wave of opioid NPS

Webinars

Nitazenes have been implicated in numerous overdoses and pose analytical challenges to forensic analysts. Many analogs have been identified in counterfeit prescription tablets and present a clear danger to the public. This webinar provides a description of nitazene history, nomenclature, synthesis, and analytical analysis as well as a glimpse into the latest opioid structural class to flood the recreational drug market, the piperidinylbenzimidazolones, also known as the ‘orphines’.

Listen as Danielle St. Germaine, a synthetic organic chemist in Cayman’s Forensic Chemistry Department, offers insight into these emerging threats and highlights valuable tools and resources available on our website.

Presented as part of the 2024 All Ohio Drug Chemists Meeting in Columbus, Ohio.

Do you have a question or comment for the presenter? Let us know.

Some Assembly Required: Emerging Synthetic Cannabinoids

Webinars

Following China's generic structural class ban of several sub-classes of synthetic cannabinoids in 2021, the NPS/designer-drug landscape continues to evolve to evade regulation. As new structural variations appear on the grey market, another new phenomenon is the emergence of 'DIY' semi-finished kits. These semi-finished kits provide the end-user with non-regulated precursors enabling the user to finish the synthesis themselves to the desired synthetic cannabinoid of choice. Because the end-user often does not have the appropriate engineering and quality controls in place, drug substances on the illicit market are commonly contaminated with unreacted chemical precursors.  Several of these tail-less penultimate precursors have been detected on the grey market since late 2021.

Listen in as Holly Pierzynski, Cayman's Manager of Forensic Novel Psychoactive Substance Research, discusses several emerging synthetic cannabinoids, their precursors, synthesis, and byproducts from the synthesis. This presentation also highlights Cayman's new application note, "GC Separation of ADB-BUTINACA from its precursor ADB-INACA". 

Presented as part of the 2024 Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists Conference in Kansas City, Missouri.

Do you have a question or comment for the presenter? Let us know.

Modulation of ENPP1 Activity and 2´3´-cGAMP Degradation in Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines via Loadable Preformed Lipid Nanoparticles

Webinars

Ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) suppresses innate immunity and promote tumor progression and metastasis in the tumor microenvironment. ENPP1 inhibits STING signaling by hydrolyzing the degradation of 2',3'-cGAMP, blunting induction of the type 1 interferon response and antitumor immunity.

Listen as David Taylor, Ph.D., a scientist in Cayman's Assay Research & Development group, modulates ENPP1 expression and STING activation in ovarian cancer cell lines and macrophages with LipidLaunch™ Loadable LNPs and explores the contribution of ovarian cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles in the tumor microenvironment.

Presented as part of the 2024 Tumor Microenvironment and Therapy Symposium at The University of Michigan.

Read the Webinar Highlights for a quick overview of the key takeaways. 

Do you have a question or comment for the presenter? Let us know.

Learn more about LipidLaunch™ LNPs and reagent kits.

Cayman's CDMO Services: A Trusted Partner from Molecule to Market

Webinars

Cayman is a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that supports academic, pharma, and biotech clients across the entire drug development lifecycle, from drug discovery through clinical trials to commercialization. With over 40 years of experience in API manufacturing, we have proven expertise in API development and manufacturing in full compliance with CGMP standards. Listen as Randy Strube, Cayman's GMP Sales Specialist, provides an overview of the collaborative, flexible approach we offer that allows our clients to create a customized service plan that meets their needs.

Contact us to inqure about Cayman's CGMP services

What’s New on the Designer Drug Scene: Synthetic Cannabinoids, Precursors, and More

Webinars

As an important partner to the forensic community, Cayman Chemical is dedicated to the research, development, and production of a wide variety of research/analytical tools.  It is our responsibility to monitor current trends and rapidly develop reference standards necessary for the early detection of NPS.  Listen as Holly Pierzynski, Cayman’s Manager of Forensic Novel Psychoactive Substance Research, discusses recent developments among several popular drug classes including new analogues that have appeared recently on the grey marketplace and reviews the emergence of synthetic precursors being sold for the non-legitimate production of opioids, benzodiazepines, and synthetic cannabinoids. 

Presented as part of the 2024 Current Trends in Seized Drug Analysis Symposium.

Read the Webinar Highlights for a quick overview of the key takeaways. 

Do you have a question or comment for the presenter? Let us know.

Delving into the World of Lysergamides: The Past, Present, and Future

Webinars

Lysergamides are a class of alkaloids with a tetracyclic ergoline core structure. These compounds elicit their hallucinogenic properties by binding to and activating the serotonin 2A receptor. Variations to the ergoline core typically occur at three main regions of the core. These modifications give rise to some analogs with comparable efficacy to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Listen to Camille Watson-Gooden and Danielle St. Germaine, scientists from Cayman’s Forensic Chemistry Division, discuss the history, modifications, fragmentation, and new emerging analogs of lysergamides.

Presented as part of the 2024 Current Trends in Seized Drug Analysis Symposium.

Read the Webinar Highlights for a quick overview of the key takeaways.

Do you have a question or comment for the presenter? Let us know.

Intoxicating Hemp and Synthetic Cannabinoids: Insights into Lab Testing

Webinars

Intoxicating hemp and synthetic cannabinoids have permeated the cannabis market, but there are not many regulatory requirements for production and product testing. The disparity in quality and safety between cannabinoid-containing products found in state-legal dispensaries and those available in gas stations or smoke shops is significant and concerning. Moreover, there's a general lack of awareness among lawmakers about the intricacies of laboratory testing and the distinctions between natural and synthetic cannabinoids.

Key Learning Outcomes: 
  • Learn more about various compounds like THC, THCa, THCP, THCjd, HHCP, and others. 
  • Understand the nuanced differences in testing requirements for products labeled as "hemp-derived" versus "Cannabis-derived." 
  • Examine the potential risks and public health and safety concerns associated with unregulated cannabinoid-containing products.
Hosted by the GMP Collective as part of the When Things Go Wrong series. 

The Mind-Bending Mushroom: Expanding Consciousness and Cultural Acceptance of Psychedelic Alkaloids as Medicinal Tools

Webinars

Mushrooms have been used in medicinal and spiritual practices by Indigenous cultures around the world for several millennia. Because of renewed interest in entheogenic plant molecules as therapeutics, there is a large body of research building around psychedelic alkaloids found in the fungi kingdom. These fungi have captured our imagination and lie at the heart of scientific, health and even political movements, from Life Magazine to Mario Brothers and project MK-Ultra. Listen as Danielle St. Germaine, a scientist from Cayman’s Forensic Chemistry Division, discusses the history, chemistry, and pharmacology behind some of the most notorious alkaloids in human history - Claviceps purpurea, Psilocybe cubensis, and Amanita muscaria. 

Presented during webinar hosted by Xtalks. 

Read the Webinar Highlights for a quick overview of the key points. 

Do you have a question or comment for the presenter? Let us know.

Isomers, Homologs, and Analogues of THC - Challenges for Identification and Separation of New Psychoactive Substances

Webinars

Loopholes in the 2018 Farm Bill legislation have led to an increase of psychoactive THC products within the marketplace. Listen as Jeffrey B. Williams, Manager of Phytocannabinoid R&D at Cayman Chemical, discusses isomers, homologs, and analogues of tetrahydrocannabinol. Learn about the structural differences of new psychoactive products that are appearing showing up in Cannabis and Cannabis-based products, as well as associated challenges in identification and separation of these substances. 

Presented as part of the 2023 Current Trends in Forensic Toxicology Symposium

Do you have a question or comment for the presenter? Let us know.

Make, characterize and optimize LNPs with Nunchuck & Stunner

Webinars

​Listen as Julie Rumble, PhD, Director of Immunology Services at Cayman Chemical, discusses the workflow for formulation, analysis, and testing of LNPs in multiple cell types. 

Presented by Unchained Labs and Fierce Biotech. 

Do you have a question or comment for Dr. Rumble? Let us know.

LIPID MAPS® Podcast - Episode 6

Webinars

Listen in as Miguel Gijón, a scientist in Cayman’s Bioanalytical Chemistry Dept., chats with LIPID MAPS® Senior Biocurator, Matthew Conroy, discussing a variety of topics from the world of lipids and lipidomics.

Presented as part of the LIPID MAPS® podcast series.

Do you have a question or comment for Dr. Gijón? Let us know.

​The Magic and Chemistry Behind Psychedelic Mushrooms

Webinars

The revival of research into psychedelics as medicine has given rise to increased interest in psilocybin-containing fungi. Psilocybin and its active metabolite psilocin are currently undergoing numerous clinical trials for various maladies such as depression, PTSD, addiction recovery, and smoking cessation among others. Given this renewed interest it is important to consider the chemistry behind these tryptamines as well as appropriate sample preparation, storage, and preferred handling conditions. Listen as Danielle St. Germaine, a scientist from Cayman’s Forensic Chemistry Division, discusses the biosynthesis pathways, analytical considerations and challenges, and handling and preparation recommendations for psilocybin and psilocin.

Presented during Analytical Cannabis’s Advances in Psilocybin Research webinar.

Do you have a question or comment for the presenter? Let us know.

New Adversaries in the Opioid Crisis: The Nitazenes

Webinars

Listen as Danielle St. Germaine, a scientist from Cayman’s Forensic Chemistry Division, highlights the collaboration between Cayman’s Forensic Division and scientists at Ghent University in Belgium to profile a new synthetic opioid series which has emerged on the recreational drug scene. Watch this presentation to learn about the pharmacology of this class of very potent compounds that was published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience.

Presented as part of the special Eastern Michigan University Alumni session at the 2022 Central Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society.

Do you have a question or comment for the presenter? Let us know.

Uncovering Complexity of Natural Epilipidomes

Webinars

Presented by Dr. Maria Fedorova, a group leader at the Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, at the University of Leipzig. 

Hosted by LIPID MAPS® as part of the LIPID MAPS® Webinar Series.

Synthetic Cannabinoid News from 2021

Webinars

As an important partner to the forensic community, Cayman Chemical is dedicated to the research, development, and production of a wide variety of research and analytical tools. It is our responsibility to monitor current trends and rapidly develop standards necessary for the early detection of NPS. Listen as Robert Schelkun, a synthetic organic chemist in Cayman’s Forensic Chemistry Division, discusses recent developments in popular drug classes. 

Presented as part of the What’s New on the Designer Drug Scene: Synthetic Cannabinoids, Arylcyclohexylamines and Others Workshop from the 2022 Current Trends in Seized Drug Analysis Symposium. 

Do you have a question or comment for the presenter? Let us know.

Bringing Back the Oldies: A Review of Phencyclidine and Ketamine Analogues, their Naming, Pharmacology, and EI-MS Interpretation

Webinars

As an important partner to the forensic community, Cayman Chemical is dedicated to the research, development, and production of a wide variety of research and analytical tools. It is our responsibility to monitor current trends and rapidly develop standards necessary for the early detection of NPS. Listen as Danielle St. Germaine, a synthetic organic chemist in Cayman’s Forensic Chemistry Division, discusses new analogues that have appeared recently on the grey marketplace and addresses common naming. Her presentation will focus on common naming and EI-MS fragmentation of new phencyclidine and ketamine analogues. She will also present a quick snap shot of recent hallucinogen, stimulant, opioid, and benzodiazepine NPS observed from 2020-2021.

Presented as part of the What’s New on the Designer Drug Scene: Synthetic Cannabinoids, Arylcyclohexylamines and Others Workshop from the 2022 Current Trends in Seized Drug Analysis Symposium. 

Do you have a question or comment for the presenter? Let us know.

The NPS Reference Standard Manufacturer’s Role Within the Forensic Community

Webinars

As an important partner to the forensic community, Cayman Chemical is dedicated to the research, development, and production of a wide variety of research and analytical tools. It is our responsibility to monitor current trends and rapidly develop standards necessary for the early detection of NPS. Listen as Dr. Donna Iula, Cayman’s Vice President of Forensic Chemistry, discusses Cayman’s workflow and involvement in the development of standardized naming systems. She also explores recent and ongoing collaborations meant to bring increased NPS knowledge to the forensic community.  


Do you have a question or comment for the presenter? Let us know.

Synthesis, Development, and Naming of NPS Reference Materials

Webinars

The rapid introduction of novel and diverse psychoactive substances on the designer drug scene continues to pose a challenge. Listen as Dr. Donna Iula, Cayman’s Vice President of Forensic Chemistry, describes the challenges of staying on top of this evolving market and what goes into the production of authentic reference standards. She will also discuss some of the latest NPS developments with a particular emphasis on recent changes within the synthetic cannabinoid landscape. 


Do you have a question or comment for the presenter? Let us know.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 42 Results