Demoxytocin is a synthetic analog of oxytocin with a deaminated N-terminal amino group that provides improved resistance to enzymatic degradation (aminopeptidases). It was developed as a more stable alternative to oxytocin for clinical use, particularly for lactation support and labor induction. It can be administered intranasally or buccally, offering convenience over IV oxytocin. Demoxytocin has also attracted interest for its anxiolytic and pro-social effects, similar to oxytocin but with a longer duration of action.
Category: Reproductive / Neurological. Evidence rating: C (early/mixed human evidence).
Clinical status: Approved in some countries for labor induction and lactation support. Used off-label for anxiolytic and pro-social effects.
Demoxytocin acts as an agonist at the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a Gq-coupled GPCR expressed in the uterus, mammary glands, brain, and cardiovascular system. The deaminated N-terminus confers resistance to aminopeptidase degradation, extending its biological half-life compared to native oxytocin.…
Safety considerations: Mild headaches or pressure sensation reported; Emotional blunting in some users at higher doses; Risk of uterine contractions in pregnant women (contraindicated outside obstetric supervision).
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team.
| Molecular weight | ~992 g/mol |
|---|---|
| Half-life | Longer than oxytocin (~3-5 minutes for oxytocin) |
| Production method | synthetic |
| Anti-doping status | not-listed |
| US regulatory status | Not FDA-approved. Available as research compound. |
Demoxytocin has a deaminated N-terminus that makes it resistant to aminopeptidase enzymes. This gives it a longer duration of action than native oxytocin and allows buccal/intranasal administration rather than IV only.
It has anxiolytic potential through oxytocin receptor activation, but clinical data is limited. Most oxytocin-for-anxiety research uses native oxytocin nasal spray rather than demoxytocin specifically.
Demoxytocin is a synthetic analog of oxytocin with a deaminated N-terminal amino group that provides improved resistance to enzymatic degradation (aminopeptidases). It was developed as a more stable alternative to oxytocin for clinical use, particularly for lactation support and labor induction. It can be administered intranasally or buccally, offering convenience over IV oxytocin. Demoxytocin…
On the PeptideAtlas A–F scale, Demoxytocin is rated C (Early Evidence). Early human evidence, limited trials, or mixed findings
Approved in some countries for labor induction and lactation support. Used off-label for anxiolytic and pro-social effects.