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ToolsCompareARA-290 vs Dermorphin

ARA-290 vs Dermorphin

Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.

Immune SupportRecovery & Repair
ARA-290
Recovery & Repair
Dermorphin
Summary
ARA-290 is a synthetic 11-amino acid peptide derived from the helix B region of erythropoietin (EPO). Unlike EPO, it selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR) without stimulating hematopoiesis, providing tissue protection, anti-inflammation, and neuropathy relief.
Dermorphin is a naturally occurring heptapeptide opioid isolated from the skin of South American phyllomedusine frogs. It is one of the most potent endogenous mu-opioid receptor agonists known, approximately 30-40 times more potent than morphine by weight. Explored for pain management and fatigue modulation.
Half-Life
~2–4 hours (SC administration)
Estimated 30-60 minutes (longer than endorphins due to D-Ala)
Admin Route
SubQ
Subcutaneous (research), Intrathecal (research), Intranasal (research)
Research
Typical Dose
4 mg (fixed dose)
Not established for human use; research doses vary widely
Frequency
Once daily
Not established
Key Benefits
  • Reduces neuropathic pain from small fiber neuropathy
  • Anti-inflammatory without immune suppression
  • Tissue protection after ischemia/reperfusion injury
  • Promotes nerve fiber regeneration
  • Improves symptoms of sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy
  • May reduce insulin resistance and improve metabolic health
  • Shown to improve autonomic neuropathy symptoms
  • Potent analgesia superior to morphine on a per-weight basis
  • May reduce perception of fatigue in high-intensity activity
  • Longer-lasting than endogenous opioids due to D-amino acid substitution
  • Research tool for mu-opioid receptor pharmacology
  • Potential therapeutic application in refractory pain
Side Effects
  • Injection site reactions
  • Mild fatigue at initiation
  • Transient warm sensation post-injection
  • Rare: mild headache
  • High addiction and dependence potential (mu-opioid agonism)
  • Respiratory depression at high doses
  • Nausea, vomiting, constipation
  • Sedation and cognitive impairment
  • +2 more
Stacks With