Educational reference only — not medical advice. Nothing is sold on this site. Research compounds are not for human use.
Home>>Peptides>>Dermorphin
Minimal evidenceNeuro / nootropic / cosmetic

Dermorphin

A potent opioid peptide discovered in frog skin. It has no legitimate medical use, and its detection in racehorses led to major doping scandals.

CompoundDermorphin
CategoryAmphibian opioid peptide
ClassNeuro, Nootropic, and Cosmetic Peptides
Evidence tierMinimal evidence
WADA statusNot individually listed; verify current status if subject to testing
Sold on this siteNo — this is a reference database

Overview

Dermorphin is catalogued here as a amphibian opioid peptide and graded at the "Minimal evidence" evidence tier. There is little or no formal study of this compound. Claims rest on anecdote, theory, or very early-stage work; risk data are absent by definition.

A potent opioid peptide discovered in frog skin. It has no legitimate medical use, and its detection in racehorses led to major doping scandals.

Mechanism of Action

Dermorphin is an extremely potent mu-opioid receptor agonist — far more potent than morphoid peptides — which is precisely why it has attracted both abuse and analytical scrutiny.

Research and Evidence

No human therapeutic trials; veterinary forensic detection literature documents its misuse.

Evidence in context: the Neuro, Nootropic, and Cosmetic Peptides class page collects the shared evidence themes and study-reading guidance for this category.

Safety and Side Effects

Opioid-class potency with no human safety characterization; respiratory-depression risk is inherent to the mechanism, and legal exposure is severe.

Educational notice: this entry describes published research and, where they exist, regulator labels. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation for use. Research-grade compounds have no verified human-safety data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the evidence tier of Dermorphin?

Dermorphin is graded "Minimal evidence" on this site. There is little or no formal study of this compound. Claims rest on anecdote, theory, or very early-stage work; risk data are absent by definition.

Is Dermorphin an approved medicine?

No. Minimal evidence means the compound has not reached universal regulatory approval; the tier description above explains exactly what level of evidence exists.

Where can I read the primary studies for Dermorphin?

The references section at the end of this entry links the key primary sources — regulator labels, trial registrations, and peer-reviewed papers. Our "How to Read a Peptide Study" guide explains how to evaluate them.

References

  1. ClinicalTrials.gov — search for dermorphin studies (none registered). [source]
EM
Dr. Elena Marsh, PhDMolecular Pharmacology · Lead Editor

Written and maintained by the editorial team. Medically reviewed by Dr. James Okafor, MD (Internal Medicine).

Evidence tier: Minimal evidence · Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Sources cited below.

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