Valorphin and Related Peptide

Valorphin is a natural endogenous opioid heptapeptide, it is also known as VV-hemorphin-5. Valorphin has amino acid sequence of H-Val-Val-Tyr-Pro-Trp-Thr-Gln-OH (VVYPWTQ). It is produced via proteolyic cleavage of residues 33-39 on the β-chain of hemoglobin.

Valorphin is an endogenous opioid-like homoglobin fragment, it is the precursor of hemorphin. Valorphin can bind to the μ-opioid receptor preferentially, and create analgesia and self-administration effects in animals. It also has cytotoxic and antiproliferative properties.