Dermorphin vs Orforglipron
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Recovery & Repair
DermorphinGLP-1 / Weight Loss Agonists
Orforglipron- 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.
- Orforglipron is an oral, once-daily small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly. Unlike injectable GLP-1 peptides, it is a non-peptide compound absorbed orally without food restrictions, representing a major convenience advancement. Phase 2 trials showed up to 9.4% weight loss at 36 weeks, and Phase 3 trials (ATTAIN program) are ongoing for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- Half-Life
- Estimated 30-60 minutes (longer than endorphins due to D-Ala)
- ~12 hours (once-daily oral dosing)
- Admin Route
- Subcutaneous (research), Intrathecal (research), Intranasal (research)
- Oral
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- Not established for human use; research doses vary widely
- 12 mg → 24 mg → 36 mg → 45 mg
- 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
- Oral pill — no injections required
- Once-daily dosing without food restrictions (unlike oral semaglutide)
- Up to 9.4% body weight reduction in Phase 2 at 36 weeks
- Significant HbA1c reduction in type 2 diabetes trials
- Small-molecule stability — no cold chain requirements
- Broadens access for injection-averse patients
- Potential class-defining convenience advantage over injectable GLP-1s
- Side Effects
- High addiction and dependence potential (mu-opioid agonism)
- Respiratory depression at high doses
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation
- Sedation and cognitive impairment
- +2 more
- Nausea (most common, dose-dependent)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- +2 more
- Stacks With
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