San Francisco Reports 48 Overdoses in September, Including First Death Linked to Synthetic Opioid MGM-15

The disclosure highlights the emergence of a new synthetic opioid sold in retail stores under misleading herbal supplement packaging, with health officials advising the use of naloxone for suspected overdoses.

• •San Francisco recorded 48 fatal drug overdoses in September, bringing the year's total to 399.
• •The city recorded its first fatal overdose from the synthetic opioid MGM-15, which was sold at gas stations and convenience stores.
• •MGM-15 is a kratom-derived opioid that produces more potent effects than morphine and can cause physical and psychological dependence.
• •The pill's packaging was marketed as a 'paradise blend' of 'uncaria tomentosa extract' (cat's claw) and did not mention kratom or MGM-15.
• •The Drug Enforcement Agency has labeled MGM-15 as a schedule-1 controlled substance.
• •Officials in Utah and Washington have previously identified overdose deaths from MGM-15 in their states.
• •Health officials state that anyone believed to be suffering an overdose from MGM-15 should be given naloxone (Narcan).
• •The majority of individuals who died in September were white men.
• •Nearly half of the September deaths occurred in ZIP codes including the Tenderloin, Civic Center, and Mid-Market neighborhoods.
• •Overdose deaths have fallen in recent years in San Francisco but remain higher than pre-pandemic levels.