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International Journal of Pharmacokinetics
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Research Article

Towards identifying nicomorphine administration in doping control: synthesis of metabolites

    Giuseppe Floresta

    Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College London, Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK

    Department of Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, King’s College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK

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    ,
    Ivana Gavrilović

    Drug Control Centre, King’s Forensics, School of Population Health & Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK

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    ,
    Scarlett Devey

    Drug Control Centre, King’s Forensics, School of Population Health & Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK

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    ,
    Rhian Harris

    Drug Control Centre, King’s Forensics, School of Population Health & Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK

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    ,
    David Cowan

    Department of Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, King’s College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK

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    &
    Vincenzo Abbate

    *Author for correspondence:

    E-mail Address: vincenzo.abbate@kcl.ac.uk

    Department of Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, King’s College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK

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    Published Online:16 Sep 2021https://doi.org/10.4155/bio-2021-0076

    Abstract

    Aim: Nicomorphine is rapidly metabolized mainly to the biologically active 6-nicotinoyl morphine and morphine. In sport, morphine and nicomorphine use is prohibited whereas codeine use is permitted. Accredited laboratories routinely test for morphine hence must be able to distinguish morphine, as a metabolite of a prohibited substance, from that whose use is permitted. Results: Here we show a relatively simple method to synthesize the nicomorphine metabolites, 3-nicotinoyl and 6-nicotinoyl morphine, and indicate how they may be used to identify nicomorphine administration. Conclusion: This approach should help confirm that it is not codeine, an allowable analgesic in sport, that has been administered.

    Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest

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