Dermorphin
⚠ Potent mu-opioid agonist — ~30–40× more potent than morphine; has been misused as a horse-racing doping agent and carries serious overdose/dependence risk. Included for reference and harm-reduction only. Not a therapeutic or "longevity" peptide.
⚠ A naturally occurring D-amino-acid-containing heptapeptide (Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH2) isolated from the skin of Phyllomedusa sauvagei and related South American tree frogs, and one of the few known naturally occurring peptides containing D-amino acids; dermorphin is a highly potent mu-opioid receptor agonist (~30–40× the analgesic potency of morphine by weight in animal models) and has been notoriously misused as a horse-racing performance enhancer (multiple FEI and US Racing Commission positive tests). It is NOT used therapeutically in humans, is NOT a "peptide for wellness or recovery," and has the same overdose/respiratory-depression/dependence risk profile as any other potent opioid — arguably worse given its potency. This entry exists for reference, harm reduction, and scientific completeness only.
Mechanism of action
⚠ Potent mu-opioid receptor (MOR) agonist, selective for MOR over DOR and KOR. MOR activation produces analgesia, respiratory depression, euphoria, constipation, and the full dependence/tolerance profile of opioid receptor agonism. The D-alanine at position 2 confers resistance to proteolytic degradation.
Primary uses
- ⚠ No legitimate human therapeutic use
- Research: opioid receptor pharmacology (animal models)
- ⚠ Historical: illicit horse-racing performance enhancement (prohibited by FEI / ARCI)
Typical dosing
⚠ There is no legitimate human dosing. Any self-administration carries serious risk of opioid overdose, respiratory depression, and dependence — risks that are plausibly worse than morphine given the higher per-mg potency. If you are reading this entry because you are considering using dermorphin, please do not; if you are struggling with opioid use or curiosity, SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (US), free, 24/7, confidential.
Regulatory status
Not approved by any regulatory body for any indication. Prohibited in racing animals (FEI, ARCI). Scientific use limited to animal opioid-receptor pharmacology research.
References
- [pubmed] Erspamer V, et al. "Deltorphins: A family of naturally occurring peptides with high affinity and selectivity for δ opioid binding sites." Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 1989;86:5188-5192.
- [pubmed] Broccardo M, et al. "Pharmacological data on dermorphins, a new class of potent opioid peptides." Br J Pharmacol, 1981;73:625-631.
- [manufacturer] Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) and FEI prohibited substances list; dermorphin classified as Class 1 prohibited substance in horse racing.
This entry is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dosing information reflects published regulatory or research data and is not a recommendation. Many compounds described here are not approved for human use in the United States. Consult a licensed medical professional before considering any peptide therapy.