The fentanyl-specific antibody FenAb024 can shield against carfentanil effects.

The surge in opioid-related deaths, driven predominantly by fentanyl and its synthetic derivatives, has become a critical public health concern, which is particularly evident in the United States. While the situation is less severe in Europe, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction reports a rise in drug overdose deaths, with emerging concerns about the impact of fentanyl-related molecules. Synthetic opioids, initially designed for medical use, have infiltrated illicit markets due to their low production costs and high potency, with carfentanil posing additional threats, including potential chemical weaponization.