UP scientists develop new test for designer drugs

MANILA, Philippines — Researchers from the University of the Philippines Manila have developed a new test kit that can be used to detect selected New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), more commonly known as “designer drugs,” and other pharmaceuticals, which cause poisoning.

The “E-Tox POCT (Point of Care Testing)” test kit uses urine samples and is available in two models: E-Tox-NPS, which can detect designer drugs such as ketamine, synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones; and E-Tox-PHX, which looks for pharmaceuticals such as paracetamol (a popular medicine for mild to moderate pain), isoniazid (an antibiotic used against tuberculosis) and salicylates (including aspirin, a commonly used drug for pain and fever).

Dr. Ailyn Yabes, the project leader, who is also a professor at the UPM-College of Medicine’s Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, said there was a need for “a portable, user-friendly and cost-effective point-of-care testing device in emergency settings.”

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