Dermorphin
Also known as: Dermorfina, Dermorpin
Molecular Identifiers
Overview
Natural opioid heptapeptide isolated from the skin of Phyllomedusa frogs, with a molecular weight of approximately 803.88 Da. Contains the non-standard amino acid D-alanine at position 2, conferring exceptional potency and selectivity for the mu-opioid receptor. Considered one of the most potent known peptide analgesics, with 30-40 times greater activity than morphine.
The scientific interest in Dermorphin lies in its analgesia: it is an extremely potent and selective mu-opioid receptor agonist, inhibiting nociceptive transmission and substance P release, with activity described as 30-40 times greater than morphine in preclinical studies. For the same reason, it carries a high risk of respiratory depression, sedation, tolerance, and dependence.
It is not approved as a medicine by any agency (FDA, EMA, ANVISA), and its use is restricted to laboratory research. There is no legitimate clinical prescription or compounding context for human use. There is documented illicit use as a doping agent in horse racing, and its handling is controlled in several countries due to abuse potential.
It was originally isolated from the skin of Phyllomedusa frogs in the Amazon, being one of the first natural opioid peptides described to contain a D-amino acid — in this case, D-alanine at position 2 — a feature that gives it unusual resistance to enzymatic degradation and high potency.
Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH₂ Contains D-alanine at position 2
Half-life
~2-4 hours
Administration Route
Subcutaneous
Category
Specialized Research
Mechanism of Action
- Potent and selective mu-opioid receptor (MOR) agonism
- Deep analgesia via inhibition of nociceptive transmission
- Modulation of the descending pain control pathway
- Inhibition of substance P release in sensory neurons
- Central and peripheral action on opioid receptors
Dosage Protocol
Data compiled from the literature. This does not constitute medical advice.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose | 1-5 mcg/kg (research only) |
| Frequency | Single dose or per research protocol |
| Timing | Acute administration under supervision |
| Duration | Acute use only (not indicated for prolonged use) |
Reported Side Effects
Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.
- Respiratory depression
- Sedation
- Nausea
- Rapid tolerance
- Dependence (potential)
Product Properties
| Purity | >98% |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and bacteriostatic water |
| Source | Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) |
| Storage | Lyophilized: -20°C for up to 2 years, 2-8°C for up to 6 months. Reconstituted: 2-8°C for up to 4 weeks. Protect from light and moisture. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. |
Presentations & Preparation
Vials of Dermorphin found in the research market:
Reconstitution
- Diluent: Sterile saline solution
- Volume: 1 ml per vial
- Reconstitute with sterile saline solution
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved — never shake
- Prepare only in a controlled research environment
Storage
- Lyophilized: Refrigerated 2-8°C
- Reconstituted: Use immediately after reconstitution
- Protect from direct light
- Discard unused solution
- Long-term storage at -20°C
Scientific Studies
Published studies on Dermorphin.
Intrathecal dermorphine in postoperative analgesia
Basso N, Marcelli M, Ginaldi A, De Marco M
Amino acid composition and sequence of dermorphin, a novel opiate-like peptide from the skin of Phyllomedusa sauvagei
Montecucchi PC, de Castiglione R, Piani S, Gozzini L, Erspamer V
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