Dermorphin (CAS 77614-16-5) is a synthetic heptapeptide opioid with a molecular weight of 802.9 g/mol. Defined by the amino acid sequence Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH2, Dermorphin was originally isolated from the skin of South American tree frogs of the genus Phyllomedusa and is notable for incorporating a D-alanine residue at position 2, an extremely rare occurrence of a D-amino acid in a naturally occurring vertebrate peptide. This D-Ala2 residue is considered critical to Dermorphin’s binding characteristics at the mu-opioid receptor (MOR), as it confers resistance to enzymatic degradation and alters the peptide’s conformational profile relative to endogenous enkephalin sequences. Produced via solid-phase peptide synthesis, Dermorphin is a highly selective MOR agonist.

Dermorphin is one of the most selective naturally derived mu-opioid receptor agonists characterised to date. Its selectivity for MOR over delta-opioid (DOR) and kappa-opioid (KOR) receptors has made it a valuable pharmacological tool for dissecting receptor subtype-specific signalling. In vitro receptor binding studies have documented that dermorphin binds a single homogeneous population of high-affinity mu-opioid sites in rat brain tissue with marked selectivity for the mu receptor over the delta receptor [1]. In vivo rodent studies have investigated the compound in antinociceptive paradigms and neuropharmacological models, documenting that dermorphin produces potent and long-lasting analgesia in mouse and rat models; approximately 752 to 2170 times more potent than morphine depending on the analgesia test, with tolerance and physical dependence less pronounced than morphine [2], making Dermorphin a reference compound in preclinical opioid pharmacology examining mu-selective peptide agonism and central MOR-mediated antinociception in rodent models.

Dermorphin is manufactured in a cGMP compliant, ISO9001 certified laboratory to a guaranteed purity of 98% or above. Every batch is independently tested using HPLC and MS-UPLC analysis before dispatch. Vials are vacuum sealed and stored in a temperature controlled, monitored cold storage system. Certificates of Analysis are available on request.

Sold strictly for in vitro research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Intended for use by qualified researchers in laboratory settings only.

Editorial Team

Dr. Martina Rossi, PhD

Scientific Contributor and Reviewer

Reviewed and approved 14 June 2026

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