By the Banger Labs Research Team · Updated June 2026
What is Dermorphin?
Dermorphin is an opioid heptapeptide originally isolated and sequenced from methanol extracts of the skin of the South American frog Phyllomedusa sauvagei. Its reported amino acid sequence is H-Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH2, notable for containing a D-alanine residue at position 2 – an unusual feature for an animal-derived peptide that is generated post-translationally via enzymatic epimerization of an L-alanine residue in the precursor polypeptide. It is studied as a member of the dermorphin/deltorphin family of amphibian skin peptides.
How Dermorphin is studied
In published preclinical pharmacology, dermorphin is characterized as a high-affinity, high-selectivity agonist at the mu (µ) opioid receptor, with reported binding-affinity studies indicating strong mu preference over delta and kappa sites. Structure-activity research describes an N-terminal Tyr-D-Ala-Phe “message” domain associated with receptor activation and a C-terminal “address” domain associated with receptor subtype selectivity. The D-Ala2 configuration has been reported to contribute to its receptor selectivity and to its resistance to enzymatic degradation in in vitro models.
Research areas
- Studied in receptor-pharmacology research as a tool compound for characterizing mu-opioid receptor binding and selectivity in vitro
- Used in radioligand-binding and receptor-visualization studies (e.g., [3H]dermorphin) in rodent brain tissue research models
- Investigated in structure-activity relationship (SAR) research on D-amino-acid-containing peptides and message/address domain design
- Examined in peptide biosynthesis research on post-translational L-to-D amino acid epimerization in amphibian skin
- Studied in preclinical neuropharmacology models examining mu-opioid-mediated signaling and peptide metabolic stability
These describe laboratory/preclinical research only. No therapeutic, medical, or efficacy claims are made.
Dermorphin specifications
Handling & quality
Dermorphin is held to a ≥ 99% HPLC purity standard with a Certificate of Analysis available per batch. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water and store refrigerated; handle strictly for research. See reconstitution & storage.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dermorphin?
Dermorphin is an opioid heptapeptide originally isolated and sequenced from methanol extracts of the skin of the South American frog Phyllomedusa sauvagei. Its reported amino acid sequence is H-Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH2, notable for containing a D-alanine residue at position 2 – an unusual feature for an animal-derived peptide that is generated post-translationally via enzymatic epimerization of an L-alanine residue in the precursor polypeptide. It is studied as a member of the dermorphin/deltorphin family of amphibian skin peptides.
Is Dermorphin research use only?
Yes. Dermorphin is supplied strictly for laboratory research — not for human or veterinary use, and not as a drug, food, or supplement.
Does Banger Labs provide a COA for Dermorphin?
Yes — a Certificate of Analysis (HPLC purity + mass-spec identity) is available per batch on request. See the COA Library.
References
- Amino acid composition and sequence of dermorphin, a novel opiate-like peptide from the skin of Phyllomedusa sauvagei — PubMed (Montecucchi et al., Int J Pept Protein Res, 1981)
- Dermorphin-related peptides from the skin of Phyllomedusa bicolor and their amidated analogs activate two mu opioid receptor subtypes that modulate antinociception and catalepsy in the rat — PNAS (PMC49674; Negri et al.), 1992
- Characterisation and visualisation of [3H]dermorphin binding to mu opioid receptors in the rat brain. Combined high selectivity and affinity in a natural peptide agonist for the morphine (mu) receptor — PubMed (Amiche et al., Eur J Biochem, 1990)
- Identification of a D-alanine-containing polypeptide precursor for the peptide opioid, dermorphin — PubMed (Mor, Delfour, Nicolas; J Biol Chem, 1991)
Sources are provided for scientific reference and describe laboratory/preclinical research; they do not constitute medical advice or efficacy claims.
Shop Dermorphin & related research peptides
By the Banger Labs Research Team. For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not a drug, food, or cosmetic. Educational information, not medical advice.