designer drug

noun

1. a drug produced by a minor modification in the chemical structure of an existing drug, resulting in a new substance with similar pharmacologic effects, especially one created to achieve the same effect as a controlled or illegal drug.

designer drug

noun

1. any of various narcotic or hallucinogenic substances manufactured illegally from a range of chemicals
2. med a drug designed to act on a specific molecular target

designer drug

/ dĭ-zī′nər /

1. Any of various drugs with properties and effects similar to a known hallucinogen or narcotic but having a slightly altered chemical structure, especially such a drug created in order to evade restrictions against illegal substances.

designer drug

1. A drug that is manufactured to target a specific molecule in the body, for example, to treat a specific disease or condition.

Notes

Some believe that these drugs are the future of the pharmaceutical industry, in that a drug will be tailored to an individual's unique genome .

Word History and Origins

Origin of designer drug¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

But their signature style and thematic occupations remain thankfully intact in this tale of two New Orleans paramedics who discover the mind-bending effects of a new designer drug.

From New York Times

Researchers used an algorithm to produce a database of molecules that could be developed as potential designer drugs.

From Scientific American

The algorithm could also effectively give illicit chemists a roadmap to new designer drugs.

From Scientific American

Eutylone, a synthetic drug sometimes known as “bath salts,” is similar to designer drugs sold on the streets as Ecstasy or Molly.

From Washington Times

“The pills were later identified as Flualprazolam, a rare designer drug,” the District Attorney’s office statement said.

From Washington Times