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Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide

Also known as: DSIP, Emideltide, DSIP Nonapeptide, Delta Sleep Peptide

Research Only

Molecular Formula

C35 H48 N10 O15 Fr Ba

Molecular Weight

848.83 Da (Free Base; Acetate ~908.8 Da)

Half-Life

~8 minutes (IV plasma in humans; ~3–6 minutes in animal models; subcutaneous PK unestablished)

Sequence

WAGGDASGE (Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu)

Clinical Applications & Evidence

Mechanism of Action

In preclinical models, DSIP exhibits complex neuromodulatory effects, including calcium-dependent endogenous opioid release and electrophysiological modulation of GABAergic and NMDA glutamatergic pathways in rat neurons. Animal studies report upregulation of antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide Dismutase, Glutathione Peroxidase). Controlled human trials demonstrated that exogenous DSIP does not alter CRH- or meal-induced ACTH and cortisol secretion.

Investigated Uses

  • Insomnia & sleep architecture (Investigational — small historical IV pilot trials; 1992 double-blind study PMID 1299794 found weak effects and no subjective sleep improvement)
  • Opioid & alcohol withdrawal (Historical open-label uncontrolled IV research; unestablished efficacy and not recommended in current clinical guidelines)
  • Chronic pain & migraine (Preclinical rodent models)
  • Ischemic stroke & seizure management (Preclinical animal models)
Early Clinical / Animal Models

Regulatory & Safety Status

FDA Status

Research Only

WADA / Athletic Status

Prohibited at All Times (WADA S4.4.1)

Known Side Effects

Headache, nausea, and vertigo (reported in historical IV clinical studies)Hypotension / progressive hypotension (identified in FDA review after IV administration)Human subcutaneous safety, systemic pharmacokinetics, and long-term toxicity remain unstudiedPotential immunogenicity and peptide impurity risks associated with compounded injectables

Contraindications

  • WADA-tested athletes (Prohibited at all times under S0 Non-Approved Substances)
  • Cardiovascular disease or baseline hypotension (Precaution due to IV hypotension reports)
  • Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and active malignancy (Unstudied safety profile)

Drug Interactions

  • Peptidase inhibitors like Captopril (Theoretical prolongation of peptide degradation in vitro)
  • Valproate & anticonvulsants (Preclinical potentiating observations in animal seizure models)
  • CNS depressants, opioids, and alcohol (Theoretical additive sedating overlap)

Citations & Clinical Trials

PubMed Acute and Delayed Effects of DSIP on Human Sleep Behavior (1981) PubMed Effect of Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide in Chronic Insomnia (1992) PubMed Determination of Metabolic Clearance Rate of DSIP (1984) FDA FDA Briefing Document: Emideltide (DSIP) — PCAC Meeting (July 24, 2026) World Anti-Doping Agency WADA 2026 Prohibited List — S0 Non-Approved Substances