Emergence of Orphines: Novel Synthetic Opioids in Canada

The one page document aim to offer an overview of Orphines, a novel class of synthetic opioids with expected fentanyl-like potency. •Brorphine, first identified by DAS in 2019, was rapidly scheduled under the CDSA and internationally. Since then, new analogs have emerged, likely reflecting structural diversification following regulatory controls. •While brorphine was identified between 2019 and 2022, other analogs emerged in 2025, primarily in Ontario and Quebec. •53% of the orphine samples were identified as counterfeit tablets.

Publisher

Health Canada

Resources

2

Updated

2026-08-13