Dossier overview
4
research areas
3
references
3
handling notes
01
Mechanism of action
Dermorphin is a potent at the μ-opioid (MOR) with substantially higher affinity than morphine. Its D-Ala at position 2 confers proteolytic and is essential for activity. research has focused on peripherally restricted variants to reduce centrally-mediated side effects.
02
Research applications
- μ-opioid pharmacology
- Opioid and structure-activity research
- Peripheral analgesia research (DALDA and related variants)
- Anti-doping detection methodology
Evidence at a glance
What's behind this profile
3 citations · 1988–2024
- Animal
- 1
- In vitro
- 1
- Review
- 1
Studies in rodents or other animal models.
Cell, tissue, or biochemical assays outside a living organism.
Narrative or systematic reviews; no primary data.
Publication years
- 88
- 89
- 90
- 91
- 92
- 93
- 94
- 95
- 96
- 97
- 98
- 99
- 00
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
- 05
- 06
- 07
- 08
- 09
- 10
- 11
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- 13
- 14
- 15
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- 18
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- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
Counts are derived from the cited studies below. A study covering both in vivo and in vitro work is counted by its primary model. Sample size is reported in 0 of 3 citations. Findings remain model-specific and are not extrapolated to therapeutic use.
03
Study references
Each profile cites a minimum of two peer-reviewed sources, with model type and reported sample size where the source provides it. Findings are model-specific and must not be extrapolated to therapeutic use.
Opioid peptide-derived analgesics
2005
Schiller PW et al. · AAPS Journal
- Model
- Narrative review of opioid peptide analgesic research
- Sample
- N/A (review)
Reviewed dermorphin-derived analgesics (incl. DALDA and mixed μ/δ modulators) framed for reduced tolerance and dependence profiles in models.
Structural requirements for dermorphin opioid receptor binding
1988
Amiche M et al. · International Journal of Peptide and Protein Research
- Model
- In vitro receptor binding / structure-activity study
- Sample
- N/A (biochemical assay)
Established that the D-Ala2 configuration and C-terminal are critical structural features for dermorphin's high-affinity μ-opioid binding.
Peripheral μ-opioid receptor activation by dermorphin alleviates behavioural and neurobiological aberrations in chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain
2024
Gadepalli A et al. · Neurotherapeutics
- Model
- In vivo — rat model of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain (DALDA peripheral μ-agonist)
- Sample
- Not reported in abstract
Reported that peripheral μ-opioid activation by a dermorphin-derived (DALDA) was associated with reduced behavioural and neurobiological markers of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain in rats.
Evidence caveats
- Dermorphin and its analogues are controlled substances in many jurisdictions and WADA-prohibited. Research access is restricted; clinical / unsupervised use is not endorsed.
- Published primary evidence on the parent dermorphin compound is concentrated in 1980s–1990s pharmacology; modern research focuses on analogues such as DALDA.
04
Storage and handling
Store under controlled laboratory conditions, in secured controlled-substance inventory where applicable, with batch and chain-of-custody details recorded.
- Dermorphin is treated as a controlled substance in many jurisdictions due to its opioid potency.
- Research-only inventory under strict access controls; subject to local controlled-substance regulations.
- Verify supplier provenance and document for every transfer.