PinnyPeptide

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) vs Dermorphin

Side-by-side comparison: effects, dosing ranges, side effects, regulatory status, and reconstitution.

Peptide A

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin)

Cognitive

Full-length adrenocorticotropic hormone — endocrine research peptide, melanocortin agonist.

Peptide B

Dermorphin

Research

Naturally occurring μ-opioid receptor agonist ~30-40× more potent than morphine — research-only.

Typical vial

5 mg

Typical dose

250 (diagnostic) mcg

Half-life

~10-15 minutes (plasma)

FDA status

Cosyntropin (ACTH 1-24) FDA approved as Cortrosyn. Repositor…

Typical vial

2 mg

Typical dose

Research-only mcg

Half-life

~30-60 minutes

FDA status

Not FDA approved. Not scheduled in the US (research peptide …

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) effects

  • Stimulates adrenal cortex to release cortisol
  • Activates MC2R on adrenocortical cells (primary)
  • Secondary activation of MC1R (pigmentation), MC3-5R
  • Used diagnostically to assess adrenal function
  • Anti-inflammatory effects via cortisol release

Dermorphin effects

  • Potent selective μ-opioid receptor agonism
  • Analgesia 30-40× more potent than morphine
  • Sedation and respiratory depression
  • Euphoria (opioid effect)
  • Tolerance and physical dependence develop rapidly with repeated use

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) side effects

  • All side effects of pharmacological hypercortisolism: hyperglycemia, weight gain, mood changes, immunosuppression, hypertension
  • Hyperpigmentation with chronic use (MC1R activation)
  • HPA axis suppression with prolonged dosing
  • Acne, fluid retention
  • Adrenal hyperplasia with chronic stimulation

Dermorphin side effects

  • Respiratory depression (life-threatening at high doses)
  • Sedation, drowsiness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Severe constipation
  • Physical dependence and addiction
  • Overdose risk
  • Hyperalgesia with chronic use
  • Hormonal suppression (testosterone, cortisol)

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) dosing ranges

Adrenal stimulation test (clinical)

250 mcg · Single IV or IM dose · Diagnostic, one-time

Endocrine research

Variable · Per study protocol · Per study protocol

Dermorphin dosing ranges

Animal opioid pharmacology research

Per protocol (typically µg/kg) · Per protocol · Per protocol

Human self-experimentation

Not appropriate under any circumstances · — · —

Full ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) guide → Full Dermorphin guide →

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) vs Dermorphin — common questions

What is the difference between ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) and Dermorphin?

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin): Full-length adrenocorticotropic hormone — endocrine research peptide, melanocortin agonist. Typical dose 250 (diagnostic) mcg. Dermorphin: Naturally occurring μ-opioid receptor agonist ~30-40× more potent than morphine — research-only. Typical dose Research-only mcg. Both fall under the Cognitive and Research categories.

Can you stack ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) and Dermorphin?

Stacking ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) with Dermorphin is a protocol-design question best raised with a clinician — it depends on your goal, current bloodwork, and whether both peptides target overlapping mechanisms. Both peptides should be tracked independently with separate injection sites and timing. PinnyPeptide supports multi-peptide stacks with automatic injection site rotation.

Which is dosed more frequently, ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) or Dermorphin?

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) is typically dosed: Single IV or IM dose for Adrenal stimulation test (clinical); Per study protocol for Endocrine research. Dermorphin is typically dosed: Per protocol for Animal opioid pharmacology research; — for Human self-experimentation.

Are ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin) and Dermorphin FDA approved?

ACTH 1-39 (Corticotropin): Cosyntropin (ACTH 1-24) FDA approved as Cortrosyn. Repository ACTH (porcine, full-length) FDA approved as Acthar Gel for infantile spasms, MS exacerbations, and other indications. Dermorphin: Not FDA approved. Not scheduled in the US (research peptide status), but functionally an unregulated opioid.

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