Later this month, three of Axis’ toxicologists will be presenting at SOFT-TIAFT 2026 Joint Meeting in Chicago from September 19th-24th. Every few years the Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT) and The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT) come together for a joint meeting, and this is the first in person event since 2017. We are looking forward to this opportunity to network with clients and colleagues from around the world and to share our expertise.
Stuart Kurtz will be jointly presenting the following workshop: SOFT 2026 WS 03 Fentanyl and Beyond: Detection, Interpretation, and Emerging Threats in the Evolving Synthetic Opioid Landscape – The Return of Carfentanil: Why You Shouldn’t Sleep On Past NPS.
Fentanyl and its analogs continue to be at the forefront of the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States. As these analytes undergo regional and international scheduling, the drug market continues to evolve presenting challenges for the forensic and public health organizations. This workshop will first give a brief overview of the footprint of fentanyl from its analgesic origins to its misuse and abuse in Western countries leading to it being a dominant driver in opioid-related deaths. For more information on the workshop, please see the full abstract here: https://soft.memberclicks.net/assets/2026-Chicago/WorkshopAbstracts/WS%203%20Fentanyl%20and%20Beyond.pdf
Laureen Marinetti, PhD, wtill be make an oral platform presentation: BTMPS in Biological Samples in the Absence of Illicit Drugs
Testing for the presence of BTMPS in forensic toxicology casework began after it was discovered that it was being cut into illicit drugs. BTMPS, (Bis[2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl] sebacate), brand name Tinuvin®770, is commonly used in the manufacture of both food and medical grade plastics as a UV‑stabilizing additive. While BTMPS is often found in samples alongside fentanyl, synthetic opioids, and stimulants, it can also be found in the absence of illicit drugs. This presentation will show that BTMPS can be found in casework without the presence of illicit drugs and how this may affect case interpretation. Also, possible sources of BTMPS in licit drug cases will be discussed.
Kevin Shanks will be making an oral platform presentation: Novel (Re)Emerging Substance? 5F-ADB Detection in Postmortem Toxicology
5F-ADB is a synthetic cannabinoid that was controlled by the US Federal government in 2016 and its prevalence in evidence seized by the DEA peaked in 2018, but rapidly decreased over the next couple of years. The toxicology laboratory previously tested for 5F-ADB butanoic acid for several years until it was removed from the testing scope in 2022 due to a lack of positive results over the previous 3 years. In 2025, reports of the drug’s re-emergence surfaced as it was again detected in the illicit drug supply and in postmortem toxicology casework in the USA. The toxicology laboratory added the metabolite back to the scope of testing in October 2025. During the 6 months after re-adding the metabolite, it was detected in 40 postmortem toxicology cases. It is prudent to remember that while most novel substances emerge and disappear, some, like 5F-ADB, re-emerge and reestablish a presence on the drug market.
If you will be attending SOFT, please stop by to connect with your “experts down the hall”. They will be pleased to have the opportunity to connect in person.