Theme: Plenaries & invited speakers Year: 2025
This session examined the evolving dynamics of synthetic opioids within global drug markets, highlighting how shifts in supply chains, drug composition, and regional patterns – particularly the rise of synthetic opioids and potent novel substances – are reshaping risk environments worldwide. Drawing on global surveillance data, the presentation outlined trends in morbidity and mortality, noting that opioids remain the leading contributor to overdose deaths globally, with growing concern around non‑medical use of pharmaceutical opioids and highly potent synthetic compounds. The session emphasised the critical role of early warning systems and trend analysis, showcasing case studies where timely data from drug checking, toxicology, seizures, and community‑based monitoring have enabled faster detection of emerging substances and informed more effective public health and harm reduction responses.
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