Pain

Dermorphin

Heptapeptide · Opioid receptor ligand · Amphibian-derived sequence

FDA · NOT APPROVED

Half-life

~3 hours

Short

minsdays

Route

SubQ injection

Evidence

Preclinical only

Risk

Elevated

Overview

Known for

Extremely potent opioid peptide (40x more potent than morphine). Originally found in South American frogs. Highly selective mu-opioid receptor agonist. Used in pain research.

Mechanism

⚠️ Potent mu-opioid receptor agonist — 30-40x more potent than morphine. Naturally found in South American frog skin. NOT developed for human medicine.

Key facts

Format
Lyophilized powder
Mechanism targets
Classification
Active
Supply & nature
ExogenousExogenous
FDA category
Not approved

Evidence & standing

Evidence base
Preclinical only
Risk level
Elevated
Best studies
6 references
  • Montecucchi et al. (1981) Int J Pept Protein Res 17:316-21 — Discovery (frog skin)
  • ~40x more potent than morphine
  • NOT FDA APPROVED
  • ILLEGAL in equine racing
  • ⚠️ POTENT OPIOID — extreme addiction/overdose risk
  • No therapeutic human development

Dosage & protocol

Typical dose
0.1-1mcg/kg
Onset
0 days first effects
Full effect
0 days
Half-life
~2-4h
~2-4 hours
Protocol

⚠️ Extremely potent. Microgram-level dosing. No established safe human protocol.

Time to effects

EARLY: Minutes

FULL: Single dose

⚠️ POTENT OPIOID. Effects within minutes of injection. Pain relief, euphoria, sedation.

This is an acute-acting compound, not a protocol. Effects last hours per dose. HIGH RISK of dependence and overdose.

Recommended vial

⚠️ 5mg (only size)

Microgram dosing = many doses. Will exceed shelf life. ⚠️ Potent opioid — extreme caution.

Reference figures only

Dosing reflects published laboratory protocols and is not guidance for use in any living subject.

Safety

Reversibility
Unknown
Side effects

⚠️ Full opioid side effect profile: respiratory depression (POTENTIALLY FATAL), sedation, nausea/vomiting, constipation, euphoria, physical dependence, tolerance

Interactions

ALL CNS depressants (POTENTIALLY FATAL): benzodiazepines, alcohol, other opioids, sedatives, antihistamines. Naloxone reverses effects (emergency).

Do not combine
DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide)DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide)

Handle with research caution

  • ⚠️ Do NOT combine with ANY other opioid, sedative, benzodiazepine, or CNS depressant (fatal respiratory depression risk)
  • Do NOT combine with DSIP (compounded CNS depression)

Storage & handling

Lyophilised
12–24 months
2–8°C
Reconstituted
4–6 weeks
2–8°C