Wiley has announced the release of the Mass Spectra of Designer Drugs 2025, an essential resource for forensic laboratories worldwide. The annually updated database provides rapid identification of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), including fentanyl analogs, xylazine, synthetic cannabinoids, and other emerging opioids.
This year’s edition expands the database to 36,360 spectra, covering 27,500 unique chemical entities. The 2025 update introduces over 1,260 new spectra and more than 780 newly identified compounds across key drug categories. Compiled from both legal and underground sources, the database remains a critical tool for forensic scientists monitoring evolving NPS trends.
“Forensic laboratories require up-to-date databases to stay ahead of emerging NPS trends. This resource remains crucial in the ongoing battle against drugs,” said Graeme Whitley, director of data science solutions at Wiley.
The Mass Spectra of Designer Drugs database is compatible with major mass spectrometry data systems and is also available through Wiley’s KnowItAll spectral analysis software. The platform features automated non-targeted analysis, automatic deconvolution, and AI-enhanced spectral search tools, including Wiley’s patented MS Adaptive Search. These capabilities enable forensic chemists to classify unidentified substances and determine structural similarities even when an exact match is unavailable.
With its latest enhancements, Wiley continues to support forensic and law enforcement communities in the rapid detection and classification of illicit substances, reinforcing the importance of data-driven drug analysis in public safety efforts.
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