Toxicological Insights into Broflanilide: A Novel Meta-Diamide Pesticide with Potential Health Risks in Mammals

Broflanilide, a meta-diamide insecticide launched in 2021 by Mitsui Chemical Agro Inc., represents a major breakthrough in pest management due to its potent action on insect Y-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABARs). Classified under Group 30 by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) as a GABA-gated chloride channel allosteric modulator, it represents a major breakthrough in pest control strategies. Lindane and cyclodienes, such as dieldrin and a-endosulfan represent the first generation of noncompetitive antagonist (NCAs), but pests developed resistance to cyclodienes. It provides effective control of Lepidopteran, Coleopteran, and Thysanopteran pests. However, despite its agricultural significance, concerns remain about its impact on non-target organisms, particularly mammals. Recently, it has been demonstrated that Broflanilide exhibits potent chronic metabolic impacts on aquatic species such as Danio rerio, as reflected by moderate bioaccumulation of this pesticide and the induction of detoxification enzymes including CYP450 and GST. In spite of bioaccumulation of these hazardous pesticides in environment, very limited information is available regarding its toxicity in living system and environment. This review consolidates current evidence on broflanilide’s toxicity, biochemical alterations, and anticipated health risk. By integrating findings from environmental, biochemical, and animal studies, this review bridges critical gaps between pesticide chemistry, mammalian toxicology, and public health. The analysis highlights an urgent need for comprehensive in vivo mammalian studies and risk assessment frameworks to ensure safe regulatory use of broflanilide and to guide evidence-based policy development.