Drugs as Chemical Weapons: Past and Perspectives

Abstract

The emergence of modern chemical weapons and chemical warfare is traditionally associated with World War I, but the use of poisons in the military has its roots deep in the past. The sources of these poisons have always been natural agents that also served as medicines. This relationship between poison and medicine, and nowadays between chemical warfare and medicine, or between ‘military chemistry’ and pharmacy, appears to be very important for understanding not only the history but also the possible future of both phenomena. This article looks at some historical examples of the use of drugs as chemical weapons and, conversely, the use of chemical weapons as medicines. It seeks to find answers to some questions that are particularly relevant to the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which aims to achieve a world without chemical warfare.

Xylazine does not enhance fentanyl reinforcement in rats: a behavioral economic analysis

“…In conclusion, we offer a speculative hypothesis regarding the IMF adulteration with xylazine. One insidious hypothesis is that xylazine is being added to IMF not to enhance the addictive effects of fentanyl, but as a vector for use as a chemical weapon by hostile groups that warrants further research and investigation (Pitschmann and Hon, 2023). Support for this speculative hypothesis comes from the United States Prohibition Era where ethanol was intentionally adulterated and has parallels to the current opioid crisis where increased potency and product contamination exacerbated mortality rates (Greenwood et al, 2022).…”

Xylazine does not enhance fentanyl reinforcement in rats: A behavioral economic analysis

“…One insidious hypothesis is that xylazine is being added to IMF not to enhance the addictive effects of fentanyl, but as a vector for use as a chemical weapon by hostile groups that warrants further research and investigation (Pitschmann and Hon, 2023). Support for this speculative hypothesis comes from the United States Prohibition Era where ethanol was intentionally adulterated and has parallels to the current opioid crisis where increased potency and product contamination exacerbated mortality rates (Greenwood et al, 2022).…”

An Engineered Human-Antibody Fragment with Fentanyl Pan-Specificity That Reverses Carfentanil-Induced Respiratory Depression

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