Page data last changed: . Registry refreshes and identity assessments are separate from scientific content review.
POMC-derived endogenous opioid beginning with the classic YGGFM motif.
Also known as: β-endorphin
Part of the Neuropeptides & signaling cluster
Overview
Beta-endorphin is a 31-amino-acid endogenous opioid peptide cleaved from the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) precursor. It is a foundational molecule in pain, stress, and reward neuroscience research.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Pituitary; derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC)
Primary research or clinical context: Pain, reward and stress neuroscience research
From POMC precursor
Beta-endorphin is one of several peptides processed from POMC, alongside ACTH and MSH peptides. Its N-terminal Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met sequence is the same opioid motif found in met-enkephalin.
Receptor context
Beta-endorphin acts mainly at mu-opioid receptors within endogenous analgesia and reward circuits. Educational coverage here concerns this physiology and makes no claim about therapeutic use.
Sequence of the selected reference form
Sequence backbone for the reference form: Human beta-endorphin(1-31), unacetylated free-acid mature peptide. Termini, stereochemistry and modifications are described below.
YGGFMTSEKSQTPLVTLFKNAIIKNAYKKGE
Residues plotted ~100° apart around an α-helix — clustering of one color reveals an amphipathic face.
Structure & chemistry
Molecular identity & reference confidence
Source-supported reference
Select the 31-residue unacetylated human beta-endorphin chain from reviewed human POMC. Its sequence and free-acid termini exactly match the independently inspected PubChem graph.
- Molecular form
- Human beta-endorphin(1-31), unacetylated free-acid mature peptide
- Species
- Homo sapiens
- Termini (N / C)
- Free alpha-amino group of L-tyrosine / Free L-glutamate carboxylic acid (-COOH)
Average reference mass · Molecular identity assessment: 2026-10-05
Reference policy updated: 2026-10-05
- Molecular formula
- C158H251N39O46S
- Average reference mass
- ≈ 3,465
- Backbone
- Human beta-endorphin(1-31), unacetylated free-acid mature peptide
- C-terminus
- Free L-glutamate carboxylic acid (-COOH)
- PubChem CID: 16132316
Chemistry values: curated profile, PubChem.
Clinical development snapshot
ClinicalTrials.gov lists 180 registered studies with “Beta-endorphin” as an intervention (snapshot 2026-10-01). A registry footprint is not evidence of efficacy or approval.
| NCT | Title | Phase | Status | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07833163 | Corticotropin for Behçet's Disease: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled TrialAcronym. | Phase 2 | not yet recruiting | 2026-09-22 |
| NCT05907291 | Evaluate the Safety, Efficacy, and Pharmacokinetics of CRN04894 in Participants With Congenital Adrenal Hyperp | Phase 2 | completed | 2026-09-10 |
| NCT01367964 | Prevention of West Syndrome With Low-dose Adrenocorticotropin Hormone (ACTH) | Not applicable | terminated | 2026-09-09 |
| NCT07005154 | A Phase 2 Study to Evaluate the Effects of ASP5541 in Participants With Prostate Cancer | Phase 2 | recruiting | 2026-09-03 |
| NCT02541955 | Use of Acthar in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Related Flares | Phase 4 | completed | 2026-08-11 |
| NCT02683889 | Use of Acthar in Patients With FSGS That Will be Undergoing Renal Transplantation | Phase 3 | completed | 2026-07-01 |
Beta-endorphin — reconstitution calculator
Enter how much peptide is in the vial and how much diluent (e.g. bacteriostatic water) is added. The tool returns the resulting solution concentration — and, for any amount you type, the volume it corresponds to. This is educational arithmetic, not a dosing recommendation.
Reference form: Human beta-endorphin(1-31), unacetylated free-acid mature peptideAverage reference mass: 3,465 Da
Enter an amount to see the volume it corresponds to.
Educational concentration mathematics only. This tool does not recommend a dose, amount, or protocol, and nothing here is medical advice. Many peptides are not authorized by Health Canada for human use — see our reconstitution and bacteriostatic-water guides for context.
Change log
Dated observations from the data pipeline (registry flags, trial footprints, identifiers) and editorial reviews of this profile.
- ChemistryPubChem formula updated to C158H251N39O46S.
- Trials1 registered study added on ClinicalTrials.gov (now 180).
FAQ about Beta-endorphin
What is Beta-endorphin?+
Beta-endorphin is a 31-amino-acid endogenous opioid peptide cleaved from the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) precursor. It is a foundational molecule in pain, stress, and reward neuroscience research.
What Canadian product status is recorded for Beta-endorphin?+
Canadian product status for Beta-endorphin has not been verified in this profile. No verified record here does not mean no authorization exists. Status depends on the product, formulation and use; consult Health Canada's product records.
What is the length of the selected reference form for Beta-endorphin?+
The selected reference form (Human beta-endorphin(1-31), unacetylated free-acid mature peptide) has 31 residues or residue-derived units in its backbone. Other forms in this family may have a different length.
Related peptides
References & further reading
- 1.Kato (1999). [Beta-endorphin]. Nihon Rinsho
- 2.Li (1982). beta-Endorphin. Cell
- 3.Okasha (1979). The brain's opium (human beta-endorphin). Egypt J Psychiatry
- 4.Kato (2005). [Beta-endorphin (beta-end)]. Nihon Rinsho
- 5.Heijnen et al. (1991). Beta-endorphin: cytokine and neuropeptide. Immunol Rev
- 6.Metzger et al. (1984). Beta-endorphin and sprint training. Life Sci
- 7.Foley et al. (1980). Intrathecal beta-endorphin. Lancet
- 8.Li (1979). Chemistry of beta-endorphin. Adv Biochem Psychopharmacol
- 9.PubChem — compound summary for beta-Endorphin (CID 16132316)
- 10.Wikipedia — Beta-endorphin