A New Synthetic Opioid 10 Times Stronger Than Fentanyl Is Showing Up in New York
Orphines, a new class of synthetic opioids including cychlorphine, have been detected in New York. These drugs are 10 times more potent than fentanyl and may not respond to standard test strips.
Since last fall, a new and deadly class of synthetic opioids has begun appearing in street drugs across the United States. Called orphines — or benzimidazol-2-ones by chemists — these compounds are now circulating in New York and at least six other states, according to forensic data from the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education (CFSRE).
The most common variant, cychlorphine (scientifically known as N-propionitrile chlorphine), is approximately 10 times more potent than fentanyl, which itself is roughly 50 times stronger than heroin. The drug has been linked to 25 confirmed fatal overdoses across nine U.S. states and three Canadian provinces, with most deaths occurring in late 2025 and early 2026.
What Are Orphines?
Orphines represent the latest evolution in synthetic opioids. They emerged after China scheduled nitazenes — another potent class of synthetic opioids — in late 2024. As nitazenes began fading from the market, orphines rapidly took their place.
The first orphine, brorphine, appeared in European drug markets around 2019 and in the U.S. in 2020. After brorphine was emergency-controlled in multiple jurisdictions, chemists pivoted to new analogs. Today, at least six orphine variants have been identified, including chlorphine, cychlorphine, spirochlorphine, and spirobrorphine.
These drugs are chemically distinct from fentanyl and its analogs, which means they pose unique challenges for detection and treatment.
The New York Connection
CFSRE confirmed the presence of cychlorphine in New York as of January 2026, alongside California, Illinois, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas. The drug is being found in counterfeit pills and as a powder, often mixed with or substituted for fentanyl.
In some cases, cychlorphine has been detected in drugs sold as stimulants like methamphetamine — meaning users may not even realize they're consuming a potent opioid. This pattern of adulteration significantly increases overdose risk.
Detection and Response Challenges
Perhaps most concerning is that standard fentanyl test strips may not detect orphines. This creates a dangerous gap in harm reduction strategies that have become critical tools for people who use drugs.
Naloxone, the opioid reversal medication, can still be effective against orphine overdoses. However, multiple doses may be required due to the extreme potency of these drugs — potentially delaying life-saving treatment. Emergency responders and bystanders should be prepared to administer repeated doses and call 911 immediately when an overdose is suspected.
What This Means for New York
The emergence of orphines adds another layer of complexity to New York's ongoing overdose crisis. While the state has made progress — overdose deaths dropped 32% in 2025 compared to the previous year — the introduction of more potent synthetic opioids threatens to reverse these gains.
Health officials recommend:
- Never using drugs alone — have someone nearby who can respond if something goes wrong
- Carrying naloxone and knowing how to use it — but being prepared to administer multiple doses
- Calling 911 immediately in any suspected overdose, even if naloxone has been given
- Using drug checking services where available, while understanding their limitations with new compounds
For those seeking help with substance use, SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) provides free, confidential support 24/7.
Written by
MTNYC Editorial TeamThe MTNYC Editorial Team is a group of healthcare writers, researchers, and addiction specialists dedicated to providing accurate, compassionate, and evidence-based information about addiction treatment and recovery resources in New York State.
