Dermorphin vs AOD-9604
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Recovery & Repair
DermorphinFat Loss & Metabolic
AOD-9604- Summary
- 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.
- AOD-9604 is a modified fragment of human growth hormone (residues 177-191) with an additional tyrosine residue that significantly enhances bioavailability. Originally developed as an anti-obesity drug by Metabolic Pharmaceuticals, it stimulates lipolysis and inhibits lipogenesis without the diabetogenic effects of full GH.
- Half-Life
- Estimated 30-60 minutes (longer than endorphins due to D-Ala)
- 30-45 minutes injectable; longer with nasal spray formulation
- Admin Route
- Subcutaneous (research), Intrathecal (research), Intranasal (research)
- SubQ, Intranasal, Oral
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- Not established for human use; research doses vary widely
- 300-600 mcg
- Frequency
- Not established
- Once daily
- Key Benefits
- 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
- Selective fat loss without anabolic side effects
- No effect on blood glucose or insulin resistance
- Improved bioavailability over Fragment 176-191
- GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status in Australia
- Potential cartilage repair and anti-inflammatory properties
- Does not suppress natural GH production
- Side Effects
- High addiction and dependence potential (mu-opioid agonism)
- Respiratory depression at high doses
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation
- Sedation and cognitive impairment
- +2 more
- Localized injection site reactions
- Headache (rare)
- Hypoglycemia risk in combination with insulin (very rare)
- Stacks With
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