$2 Xylazine Test Strips To Strike ‘Zombie Drug’ US Epidemic

Test strips that detect a deadly animal tranquilizer – called xylazine or ‘zombie drug’ – are making their way to the US amid fears of an overdose epidemic. With a budget-friendly price of $2 per strip and 91% accuracy, the testing kits aim to curb accidental overdoses. 

Developed by BTNX, which also produces fentanyl strips, the testing kits give results in just five minutes. They will soon be available at public health workers, health departments, and harm-reduction groups. 

Xylazine -known for its flesh-rotting effects – has become a staple cutting agent for drug dealers looking to stretch supply.

Daily Mail reports that the deadly substance is one of the most common mixers in local drug supplies. Since 2021, the sedative has been found in over 90% of the heroin and fentanyl samples. 

The substance is immune to Narcan, which could lead to deadly consequences in 48 of the 50 states.

Alex Krotulski, a Forensic Toxicologist at Philadelphia’s Center for Forensic Science Research & Education, recently published a study analyzing xylazine test strips’ effectiveness.

According to his findings, they follow the same concept as fentanyl test strips, noting “their utility is going to be among people who want to know if their opioids are adulterated.”

On March 20th, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued an alert warning people about xylazine’s dangerous effects. In addition, DEA’s administrator Anne Milgram called the substance “the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced.”