Dermorphin is a naturally occurring opioid heptapeptide originally isolated from the skin of South American tree frogs (Phyllomedusa). It is a highly potent and selective mu-opioid receptor agonist, approximately 30-40 times more potent than morphine. Primarily a research compound studied for analgesic properties.
Category: Pain & Analgesia. Evidence rating: D (animal/preclinical only).
Clinical status: Research compound only. No approved human indication. Banned in competitive horse racing.
Selective mu-opioid receptor agonist with significant analgesic potency. Contains a D-alanine residue at position 2, which confers resistance to enzymatic degradation and contributes to its high receptor affinity and potency.
Safety considerations: Opioid-class side effects: respiratory depression, tolerance, physical dependence; Not approved for human use in any jurisdiction; Banned in horse racing due to performance-enhancing analgesic effects.
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team.
| Amino-acid sequence | Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH2 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 803.9 Da |
| Half-life | Minutes (rapid enzymatic degradation despite D-Ala) |
| US regulatory status | Research chemical only. Not FDA-approved. DEA Schedule status varies. |
A naturally occurring opioid peptide from frog skin, notable for containing a D-amino acid and being 30-40x more potent than morphine at mu-opioid receptors.
It is sold as a research chemical. It is banned in competitive horse racing. Regulatory status for human possession varies by jurisdiction.
Dermorphin is a naturally occurring opioid peptide originally isolated from frog skin, researched for its potent analgesic properties.
DERMORPHIN has been studied for: Pain relief research, Analgesic studies. Opioid-like; niche research peptide.
Selective mu-opioid receptor agonist with significant analgesic potency.