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Dermorphin

H-Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH2 · [D-Ala2]-Dermorphin

Think of it as a frog-derived opioid peptide studied only in the lab.

Dermorphin is a potent opioid peptide originally isolated from the skin of South American frogs. It binds opioid receptors in the brain, and in animal studies it has shown analgesic activity. Because it acts on the same receptor system as morphine, it carries the same controlled-substance and dependence considerations, and it is handled strictly as a research compound.

In preclinical animal studies, dermorphin has been observed to cross into the brain efficiently and to produce analgesia with a different respiratory profile than morphine at comparable doses, which is why it has drawn interest in laboratory research on pain pathways. It has not been evaluated for human use and is a controlled substance in many jurisdictions.

Who it's for

  • Researchers studying advanced pain management solutions
  • Biohackers interested in natural compounds with strong effects
  • People curious about unique, nature-derived substances

Probably not for you if…

  • Anyone without a background in peptide research
  • Individuals looking for over-the-counter pain solutions
  • Those concerned about the ethical use of animal-derived substances

Editorial summary for research context · Not medical advice

Mechanism of Action

Dermorphin is a naturally-occurring opioid heptapeptide (Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH2) first isolated from the skin of Phyllomedusa frogs native to South America. It is a highly selective μ-opioid receptor agonist with potency that has been reported as orders of magnitude greater than morphine on a molar basis in animal models. The unusual D-alanine residue confers resistance to enzymatic degradation and crosses the blood-brain barrier more readily than endogenous enkephalins. Dermorphin has been detected as a doping agent in equine racing and is considered a controlled substance in human and animal sport contexts.

Researched Benefits

Analgesia research (preclinical)

Rodent models demonstrate potent and long-lasting antinociception via μ-opioid receptor agonism, with reduced respiratory depression relative to morphine at equi-analgesic doses in some studies.

  • [Broccardo et al. 1981]
  • [Negri et al. 2000]

μ-receptor selectivity

Binding studies indicate higher μ vs δ/κ receptor selectivity compared with classic opioid references, making dermorphin a useful research probe for μ-pathway biology.

  • [Amiche et al. 1989]

Research Protocols

The following dosing ranges have appeared in published research protocols. Presented for informational purposes only, not a recommendation for human use.

Research use only

Dosage
0 mcg
Frequency
not recommended for self-administration
Timing
n/a
Cycle
0 weeks

Dermorphin is a potent μ-opioid agonist. No established self-administration protocol exists. Published research is preclinical and conducted under tightly controlled laboratory conditions. Considered a controlled substance in many jurisdictions and banned in human and equine sport.

Reported Side Effects

  • Respiratory depression, a defining risk of potent μ-opioid agonists; can be fatal at supratherapeutic doses
  • Sedation, pruritus, constipation, nausea (classic opioid profile)
  • Physical dependence and withdrawal with repeated administration
  • High potency increases overdose risk versus conventional opioids
  • Tolerance develops rapidly with repeated dosing

Contraindications

  • Any self-administration outside a controlled research setting
  • Pregnancy and lactation
  • Personal or family history of opioid use disorder
  • Respiratory disease, sleep apnea, or compromised airway
  • Concurrent CNS depressant use (benzodiazepines, alcohol, sedatives), additive respiratory risk
  • Banned in WADA-governed sport and equine racing

Vendor Pricing

No tracked vendors carry this peptide yet. Check back as we add more affiliate partners.

Gear + Companions

Reconstitution supplies and research-backed supplement companions for Dermorphin. Editorial picks only, we earn a commission through Amazon on the click, no sponsorship.

Gear you'll need

· Reconstitution + storage essentials
  • Bacteriostatic Water 30mL (0.9% Benzyl Alcohol)

    Empower Pharmacy / generic medical supply

    Reconstitutes every lyophilized peptide. 28-day viability refrigerated.

  • Insulin Syringes 31G × 5/16" × 0.5mL (100 count)

    EasyTouch

    31G × 0.5mL insulin syringes — the default size for sub-0.25mL peptide doses.

  • Alcohol Prep Pads (Sterile, 200 count)

    Dynarex

    Sterile 70% IPA prep pads — one per vial stopper + one per injection site.

  • 1-Quart Sharps Disposal Container

    BD / Becton Dickinson

    FDA-cleared sharps container — pharmacies won't accept improvised disposal.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases · Disclosed per FTC guidelines

Top Videos

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Research Papers

  • Pharmacological data on dermorphins, a new class of potent opioid peptides from amphibian skin

    Broccardo M, et al. · British Journal of Pharmacology · 1981

    PubMed 6121605
  • Dermorphin and its analogues: multiple receptors and multiple actions

    Negri L, et al. · Biopolymers · 2000

    PubMed 11054570

Legal

For research purposes only. Not medical advice. Content on this page summarizes published preclinical and clinical research. It is not a recommendation for human use, nor a substitute for guidance from a qualified medical professional. Stacked does not sell peptides.

Summaries partially AI-assisted · citations verified against source material

Frequently Asked

What is Dermorphin?
Dermorphin is a other studied in laboratory research. This profile covers its researched mechanism of action, study context, reported side-effect profile, and current vendor pricing. For research purposes only; not medical advice.
Is Dermorphin legal to buy?
Dermorphin is sold strictly for laboratory and research use and is not approved by the FDA for human consumption. Legal status and import rules vary by country and are the buyer's responsibility.
How much does Dermorphin cost?
Compare live $/mg, total price, stock, and each vendor's Stacked Score for Dermorphin on its price page. Stacked does not sell peptides; it links out to vetted research vendors.

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Details