Page data last changed: . Registry refreshes and identity assessments are separate from scientific content review.
A vasopressin analog engineered for antidiuretic action without vasoconstriction.
Also known as: DDAVP
Part of the Foundational & therapeutic peptides cluster
Overview
Desmopressin (DDAVP) is a synthetic nonapeptide analog of vasopressin, modified by deamination of the first residue and a D-arginine substitution. These changes favor V2-mediated antidiuresis while minimizing V1 vasoconstriction, and it is an approved therapeutic for diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis and some bleeding disorders. This page is educational and not medical advice.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Synthetic nonapeptide analog of vasopressin
Primary research or clinical context: Approved for diabetes insipidus, bedwetting and certain bleeding disorders
Selective redesign
Two structural changes to vasopressin extend the half-life and shift activity toward the V2 receptor. The result is strong water-retaining action with little blood-pressure effect, a frequently cited example of receptor selectivity achieved by minimal peptide modification.
Hemostatic use
Beyond fluid balance, desmopressin triggers release of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII from endothelial stores, which is why it is used in mild hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease. This dual profile makes it a versatile teaching example of peptide pharmacology.
Sequence of the selected reference form
Sequence backbone for the reference form: Desmopressin parent, without acetate/water. Termini, stereochemistry and modifications are described below.
XYFQNCPRG
X1 is3-mercaptopropionyl (Mpa/deamino-Cys), not cysteine; R8 is D-Arg; disulfide Mpa1-Cys6; Gly9 amidation.. X marks a noncanonical residue; see the expanded sequence and reference chemistry below.
Analyze sequences in the playground →Structure & chemistry
Molecular identity & reference confidence
Source-supported reference
The selected cyclic parent has an N-terminal3-mercaptopropionyl unit, D-Arg8 and Gly9 amidation. The old CID omits stereochemistry. The parent 1069.2 Da reference is distinct from the label’s1183.34 Da monoacetate trihydrate.
- Molecular form
- Desmopressin parent, without acetate/water
- Species
- Synthetic8-arginine vasopressin analogue; no natural source species applies
- Termini (N / C)
- 3-Mercaptopropionyl (deamino-cysteine); no free alpha-amino terminus / Glycinamide (Gly9-NH2)
Average reference mass · Molecular identity assessment: 2026-10-05
Reference policy updated: 2026-10-05
deamino-Cys(1)-Tyr-Phe-Gln-Asn-Cys(1)-Pro-D-Arg-Gly-NH2
- Molecular formula
- C46H64N14O12S2
- Average reference mass
- ≈ 1,069.2
- Backbone
- Desmopressin parent, without acetate/water
- C-terminus
- Glycinamide (Gly9-NH2)
- PubChem CID: 5311065
- CAS RN: 16679-58-6
- UNII: ENR1LLB0FP
Chemistry values: curated profile, PubChem.
Clinical development snapshot
ClinicalTrials.gov lists 126 registered studies with “Desmopressin” as an intervention (snapshot 2026-10-01). A registry footprint is not evidence of efficacy or approval.
| NCT | Title | Phase | Status | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07840313 | Prophylactic Desmopressin Before Native Kidney Biopsy in Severe Renal Impairment | Not applicable | completed | 2026-09-25 |
| NCT07179991 | DDAVP Effect by TEG6 in Cardiac Surgery | — | recruiting | 2026-09-21 |
| NCT06635629 | Desmopressin Stimulation Test Performance in ACTH-Dependent Cushing Syndrome | Phase 2 | recruiting | 2026-08-31 |
| NCT07576036 | International Multi-center Retrospective Study of Patients With Serum Sodium ≤110 mmol/L to Determine the Rela | — | enrolling by invitation | 2026-08-26 |
| NCT07776977 | Bedtime Device Restriction and Desmopressin in PMNE. | Not applicable | recruiting | 2026-08-24 |
| NCT07712328 | Randomized Controlled Clinical Study on the Prophylactic Intraoperative Use of Desmopressin in Complex Sellar | Phase 4 | enrolling by invitation | 2026-07-17 |
Desmopressin — 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: Desmopressin parent, without acetate/waterAverage reference mass: 1,069.2 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.
- Trials1 registered study added on ClinicalTrials.gov (now 126).
FAQ about Desmopressin
What is Desmopressin?+
Desmopressin (DDAVP) is a synthetic nonapeptide analog of vasopressin, modified by deamination of the first residue and a D-arginine substitution. These changes favor V2-mediated antidiuresis while minimizing V1 vasoconstriction, and it is an approved therapeutic for diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis and some bleeding disorders. This page is educational and not medical advice.
What Canadian product status is recorded for Desmopressin?+
Canadian product status for Desmopressin 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 Desmopressin?+
The selected reference form (Desmopressin parent, without acetate/water) has 9 residues or residue-derived units in its backbone. Other forms in this family may have a different length.
Related peptides
References & further reading
- 1.Richardson et al. (1985). Desmopressin. Ann Intern Med
- 2.Hussain et al. (2020). Central Diabetes Insipidus in a Preterm Neonate Unresponsive to Intranasal Desmopressin. Neonatal Netw
- 3.Lethagen (1994). Desmopressin (DDAVP) and hemostasis. Ann Hematol
- 4.Leissinger et al. (2014). Desmopressin (DDAVP) in the management of patients with congenital bleeding disorders. Haemophilia
- 5.Chandrakumaran et al. (2023). Desmopressin (DDAVP) use in patients with von Willebrand disease: A single-centre retrospective review of test response and clinical outcomes. Haemophilia
- 6.Karanth et al. (2019). Desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) for preventing and treating acute bleeds during pregnancy in women with congenital bleeding disorders. Cochrane Database Syst Rev
- 7.Kasper (1984). Desmopressin acetate (DDAVP). Good news. JAMA
- 8.Sultan (1988). [DDAVP (desmopressin or Minirin)]. Rev Prat
- 9.PubChem — compound summary for Desmopressin (CID 5311065)
- 10.Wikipedia — Desmopressin