The project Pharmaceutical-based agents was initiated in 2017 by the board of FOI and from 2019, the project is founded by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The aim is to increase the knowledge of pharmaceutical-based agents that may pose potential threat properties. Initial basic understanding are based on their effects related to chemical properties and the need for protection such as skin decontamination, medical countermeasures and detection. Primarily has substances with sedative and/or anaesthetic properties been prioritized, mainly substances that affect opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Research activities include experimental studies on chemistry, biological effects and protection. To facilitate studies, new experimental methods have been established and collaboration with a selection of MoD-projects has been critical for further development. The project has improved the capacity to assess effects of opioid substances and the protective needs based on several experimental methods that individually response to critical issues and together result in a comprehensive assessment.