HiberNetics, Inc. is engaged in leading edge research focused on characterizing the nature and identifying the clinical potential of novel delta-specific opioid peptides. We are currently investigating the mechanism(s) by which these novel peptide molecules originally derived from Amazonian frog skin sections which are referred to as "sapo" can act as hibernation-like mimetics (ie. metabolic inhibitors). Our research has demonstrated that these opioid peptides can dramatically decrease metabolic energy requirements and oxygen consumption of cells and tissues exposed to ischemic conditions. HiberNetics has led the way in demonstrating the clinical potential of these molecules in markedly extending isolated organ survival, reducing myocardial and cerebral ischemic injury and reperfusion injury, and enhancing survival following severe (>50%) hemorrhage, enhancing survival by blocking inflammatory cytokine mediated hepatotoxicity.