Also known as: KP-10, Metastin (54-64)
Half-life: ~3-4 minutes (plasma)
Last reviewed: · Published:
Kisspeptin-10 is the most potent active fragment of kisspeptin, a hypothalamic neuropeptide that sits at the top of the reproductive hormone cascade. Kisspeptin neurons in the arcuate nucleus and preoptic area of the hypothalamus express the KISS1R (formerly GPR54) receptor on GnRH neurons; when activated, kisspeptin neurons trigger pulsatile GnRH release, which in turn drives LH and FSH release from the pituitary, ultimately stimulating gonadal sex steroid production and gametogenesis. Loss-of-function mutations in either KISS1 or KISS1R cause hypogonadotropic hypogonadism — establishing kisspeptin as essential for normal pubertal development and adult reproductive function.
In clinical research, kisspeptin has been investigated as a fertility-stimulating agent in women undergoing IVF and as a diagnostic tool for distinguishing hypothalamic from pituitary causes of hypogonadism. Studies at Imperial College London (Waljit Dhillo's group) have established kisspeptin as a more physiologic trigger of egg maturation in IVF than hCG, potentially with lower risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Kisspeptin has also been studied for its effects on libido and sexual arousal in both men and women, with some studies showing increases in sexual-stimulus-related brain activation.
Research-grade Kisspeptin-10 is sold by peptide vendors and is used both in legitimate hormonal research and in self-experimentation by users seeking effects on libido, testosterone, or fertility. Single-dose tolerability in clinical studies has been good. Chronic dosing has not been studied in humans and could theoretically produce GnRH-axis desensitization analogous to that observed with GnRH analogs (Triptorelin).
KISS1 was originally identified in 1996 as a metastasis-suppressor gene (hence the alias "metastin"). Its role in reproductive endocrinology emerged in 2003-2004 when independent groups identified loss-of-function mutations in KISS1R as causing hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in humans. Subsequent clinical research, particularly from Waljit Dhillo's group at Imperial College London, established kisspeptin as a therapeutic and diagnostic tool in reproductive medicine.
Single subcutaneous or IV doses of Kisspeptin-10 in clinical research have been very well-tolerated, with adverse events rare and generally limited to mild headache. The peptide has been used safely in IVF protocols at clinical institutions. Chronic dosing safety in humans is essentially unstudied; based on analogy with GnRH agonist therapy, prolonged high-dose use could theoretically produce paradoxical down-regulation of the HPG axis.
Dose Range
50-200 mcg
Frequency
Once or twice daily (SubQ)
Duration
Cycle-based, 2-4 weeks per cycle
Dose Range
6.4-12.8 nmol/kg
Frequency
Single dose 36 hours pre-collection
Duration
One-time
Dosing information is for educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.
Typical Vial Size
5 mg
Water Type
Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
Mixing Volume
2 mL
Half-Life
~3-4 minutes (plasma)
Molecular Weight
1,302 Da
Store reconstituted vial refrigerated at 2-8°C. Use within 14-21 days. Subcutaneous administration is the most common research route. Clinical IVF use is IV per protocol.
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FDA Status
Not FDA approved as a therapeutic.
Legal Status
Unregulated research chemical. Prohibited by WADA.
USA
Not approvedResearch-only; clinical investigation ongoing for IVF use
EU
Not approvedResearch-only; clinical investigation ongoing
UK
Not approvedResearch-only; clinical trials ongoing at Imperial College
Australia
Not approvedTGA has not authorized
Canada
Not approvedNot authorized for human use
Seminara SB, Messager S, Chatzidaki EE, Thresher RR, Acierno JS Jr, Shagoury JK, Bo-Abbas Y, Kuohung W, Schwinof KM, Hendrick AG, Zahn D, Dixon J, Kaiser UB, Slaugenhaupt SA, Gusella JF, O'Rahilly S, Carlton MB, Crowley WF Jr, Aparicio SA, Colledge WH
New England Journal of Medicine (2003)
Landmark identification of GPR54 (KISS1R) loss-of-function mutations as the cause of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in humans, establishing the kisspeptin system as the master upstream regulator of puberty and reproductive function.
View Study →Abbara A, Clarke SA, Dhillo WS
Endocrine Reviews (2018)
Comprehensive review by Waljit Dhillo's group at Imperial College London of clinical applications of kisspeptin, including its use as an ovulation trigger in IVF and as a diagnostic tool for hypogonadism.
View Study →Comninos AN, Wall MB, Demetriou L, Shah AJ, Clarke SA, Narayanaswamy S, Nesbitt A, Izzi-Engbeaya C, Prague JK, Abbara A, Ratnasabapathy R, Salem V, Nijher GM, Jayasena CN, Tanner M, Bassett P, Mehta A, Rabiner EA, Hönigsperger C, Silva MR, Brandtzaeg OK, Lundanes E, Wilson SR, Brown RC, Thomas SA, Bloom SR, Dhillo WS
Journal of Clinical Investigation (2017)
Demonstrated that intravenous kisspeptin enhanced brain responses to sexual visual and olfactory cues in healthy men using fMRI, providing mechanistic support for kisspeptin's effects on sexual arousal beyond its hormone-axis effects.
View Study →Long-acting GnRH agonist — FDA-approved for prostate cancer and used in PCT protocols.
FDA-approved melanocortin receptor agonist for hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
The "bonding hormone" — neuropeptide with established obstetric and exploratory social roles.
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