The Peptide of the Month: DSIP

As recently announced in a previous e-blast, on April 15, 2026, the FDA indicated that several peptides would be removed from Category 2 (Bulk Substances that Raise Significant Safety Concerns). This immediately decreases restrictions on the following peptides and the ability to compound pharmacies to produce them.

Here is the list of these peptides.

• BPC-157
• Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment (LKKTETQ)
• Epitalon
• GHK-Cu (injectable)
• MOTS-c
• DSIP (Emideltide)
• Dihexa Acetate
• Ibutamoren Mesylate
• Melanotan II
• KPV
• Semax (heptapeptide)
• Cathelicidin LL-37

These peptides will be brought before the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) at its upcoming meetings, beginning in July. During this process, independent experts will evaluate each peptide based on comprehensive clinical, pharmacological, and safety data.

In this blog, Dr. Dominique Fradin-Read reviews one peptide that has generated significant interest: Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide (DSIP) as many of our patients have been waiting for it

DSIP

DSIP stands for Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide, a small naturally occurring peptide that was first discovered in the 1970s by the Swiss Schoenenberger-Monnier group. It is a short peptide of 9 amino acids originally isolated from animal brain extracts (rabbits). It is found in both the brain and peripheral tissues.

Benefits for Sleep

Studies have demonstrated that DSIP can significantly increase delta wave electrical activity in the brain, often increasing it well above baseline levels (e.g., 230% in one study). The peptide not only promotes deep, restorative sleep with increased delta waves; it also modulates sleep-wake cycles by reducing stress-induced interruptions .

Therefore, DSIP peptide acts more as a regulator and modulator of normal sleep than a sedative. It improves sleep efficiency and reduces latency in insomniacs

Benefits for Hormones

 Besides its effects on sleep DSIP acts on the neuroendocrine system

  • The peptide has been shown to stimulate the release of growth hormone (GH) in some studies, with one study indicating a significant increase of approximately 50% above basal values.

  • It influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, acting on cortisol and ACTH levels, which may help normalize stress responses and improve sleep-related hormone modulation.

  • Research indicates that DSIP can stimulate the release of LH, which in turn can lead to increased testosterone levels.

Potential Benefits for Chronic Pain

  • Research indicates that DSIP can significantly lower pain levels in patients suffering from chronic pain (fibromyalgia in particular), with studies showing efficacy in 6 out of 7 participants in specific trials.

  • Mechanism of Action: DSIP is thought to influence opioid receptors at the supraspinal level, which contributes to pain management. It also helps regulate cortisol levels and reduce stress-related conditions.

  • Targeted Conditions: It has shown promises for managing pain related to fibromyalgia, arthritis, chronic tinnitus, and headaches, including migraines and vasomotor headaches.

Potential Benefits for Depression 

Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide (DSIP) can indirectly alleviate depression by improving sleep and reducing chronic pain symptoms, particularly stress-related depressive disorders in chronic fatigue patients. It modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and, while not a standard antidepressant, it may improve sleep quality in patients with mood disorders. 

Other Benefits 

Researchers have explored intranasal delivery, which is practical for treating neurological conditions like strokes. 

DSIP acts as a neuroprotective agent in experimental animal stroke models by improving motor recovery and reducing mortality, primarily through anti-ischemic and anti-oxidative effects. Research shows that intranasal administration can mitigate brain tissue damage and improve neuronal resilience following ischemic stroke.

Anecdotally DSIP demonstrates potential antiepileptic activity by acting as an endogenous modulator of brain excitability, with studies showing it can suppress convulsions and reduce seizure severity in animal models.

It has been postulated that delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP) possesses an agonistic activity on opiate receptors and might be of value in the treatment of withdrawal syndromes. In a study DSIP produced a beneficial effect in 48 (22 alcoholics and 26 from 27 opiate addicts), with an immediate onset of action, a good and lasting suspension of the somatic symptoms and signs. Anxiety resolved slowly within hours This peptide could offer a new physiologically based approach for the treatment of established withdrawal syndrome.

Conclusion

DSIP is a biologically intriguing peptide with potential roles in sleep regulation and neuroendocrine function. However, much of the current evidence is preliminary, and many proposed benefits are based on small-scale or preclinical studies.

DSIP represents a shift toward working with the body, not against it—supporting natural rhythms, optimizing recovery, and addressing foundational aspects of health.

As research continues to evolve, peptides like DSIP may redefine how we approach sleep, resilience, and long-term wellness.


Tribute to My Nephew, Edouard, for an Act of Bravery

 
 

Many of you have met my nephew Edouard when he visited our office during vacations. He often gave us a hand welcoming patients with his kind smile and gentle manners. Today, I want to share a story about him—one that truly moved me and revealed his remarkable courage and compassion.

At just 18 years old, Edouard displayed an extraordinary act of bravery. During a driving lesson in the countryside near his parent’s home—a quiet road where only a few cars pass each day—he and his driving instructor suddenly heard a man shouting for help, along with the sound of an electric saw running nearby.

They stopped immediately and went to see what was happening. There, they found an 80-year-old man lying on the ground, pinned by a large fallen tree branch that had crushed his leg. The man’s leg was badly deformed, bent at a right angle at the knee. Overcome by the sight, the instructor asked Edouard to take charge of the situation. Without hesitation, Edouard called the fire department, calmly explained what had happened, and followed their guidance to move the heavy branch off the man. Then, as instructed, he called the SAMU (the French equivalent of 911 in the U.S.). While the EMS team was on its way, they guided him over the phone on how to help relieve the man’s pain. Despite his fear and adrenaline, Edouard did exactly what he was told: he gently adjusted the injured leg to a position that was less unbearable forthe man. Although shaken, he managed to stay composed and focus entirely on helping the person in distress.

Thanks to his quick thinking, calm under pressure, and deep sense of humanity, Edouard was able to make a real difference before emergency services arrived. What he did that day was not only brave—it was deeply compassionate. At an age when most of us are still learning about the world, Edouard showed what it means to truly care for another human being.

I am so proud of him and grateful to know that such bravery and kindness live in our family.

Dominique Fradin-Read