Dermorphin
Aliases: Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH2
Last verified: 2026-09-24
The short version
Dermorphin on a peptide vendor's list is a direct marker of how unregulated that market is: it is a potent opioid, more resistant to breakdown than morphine, abused as doping in horse racing, without a single clinical indication for humans. There is no 'protocol', no 'cycle', no 'recovery benefit' — there is only the risk of dependence and respiratory depression with unverified vial content. If one thing on this site deserves a red card without nuance, it is this.
Identity & type
- Molecular type
- peptide
- Sequence / structure
- Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH2
- Molecular weight
- ~803 Da
- Origin
- A natural peptide from frog secretions (Phyllomedusa sauvagii and relatives); biosynthesis runs through non-ribosomal peptide synthetases — hence the D-amino acid.
Mechanism of action
A heptapeptide from the skin of South American Phyllomedusa frogs; an exceptionally potent mu-opioid receptor agonist (~30× morphine affinity in vitro), stable to proteolysis thanks to its D-alanine; contains no codeine/morphine scaffold — a fully peptidoid opioid.
not confirmed in humans
Dosing & routes
Official / clinical context
Only control frameworks: controlled-substance lists, WADA S7, anti-doping toxicology.
Regulator-approved labeling and published study designs — never a recommendation.
Community-reported practice
There is no legitimate community practice; it appears exclusively in the context of opioid abuse, with predictable outcomes.
Unverified self-reports. Not medical advice. Not endorsement.
Protocol — official vs community
Official / label
No approved protocol exists — and none could. Dermorphin is a potent mu-opioid agonist (~30× morphine affinity in vitro) with no medical development; its only documented 'use' is veterinary doping in horse racing.
Duration: —
There is no approved or sensible human dose. The D-alanine that protects it from proteolysis also makes it a durable, potent opioid — the risk profile is that of a street drug, not a research chemical.
Community (anecdotal)
Structured protocol data for this entry is coming.
Human evidence
None — and none should be sought: no human-use development program ever existed.
Preclinical evidence
The pharmacology is classic and complete (receptor studies, analgesia in animals); that describes the molecule, it is not a recommendation.
Known risks
- Respiratory depression — potentially fatalcharacterized
- Rapid tolerance and physical dependencecharacterized
- Completely unverified content of gray vialscharacterized
Teal: characterized in clinical/labeling contexts. Amber: theoretical or reported outside controlled settings.
Unknowns & evidence gaps
- No therapeutic unknowns — everything relevant is known and bad
Frequently asked questions
References
- Montecucchi PC et al. — dermorphin isolation and structure (Int J Pept Protein Res, 1981)
- WADA Prohibited List — S7 Narcotics; doping-control literature on dermorphin in equine sports