Clinical Trials Sexual & Reproductive Health

Kisspeptin-10

also known as: Kp-10, metastin 45-54, KISS1(68-77)

A short active fragment of human kisspeptin — under active clinical investigation for hypothalamic amenorrhea, infertility, and low libido in men and women.

The bioactive C-terminal decapeptide of the kisspeptin family, acting at KISS1R on hypothalamic GnRH neurons to restore pulsatile GnRH release — with extensive Phase 1/2 human data from the Dhillo group (Imperial College London).

Mechanism of action

Full agonist at KISS1R (GPR54) on hypothalamic GnRH neurons, mobilizing intracellular calcium via Gq/11α signaling and activating ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK cascades. Downstream effect is pulsatile release of GnRH, which drives LH and FSH secretion and restores endogenous gonadal steroid production. Used pulsatile, kisspeptin can reactivate a quiescent reproductive axis without causing receptor desensitization.

Primary uses

Hypothalamic amenorrhea (clinical trials)
Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
Male hypogonadism research
Sexual desire disorder research
IVF triggering (kisspeptin-54, not kisspeptin-10)

Typical dosing

varies pulsatile (Q10min to hourly) (subcutaneous or intravenous)

Clinical trial doses have ranged from 0.24 nmol/kg/IV bolus to continuous subcutaneous pulsatile infusion. Community injectable use protocols have no clinical backing.

Regulatory status

Not approved. Multiple Phase 1 and Phase 2 human trials completed in hypothalamic amenorrhea, idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, IVF triggering (typically using kisspeptin-54), and sexual desire disorders. Ongoing trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov.

References

[pubmed] Dhillo WS, et al. "Kisspeptin-54 stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis in human males." J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2005;90:6609-6615.
[clinical-trial] Comninos AN, et al. "Kisspeptin signaling in the brain of women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder." J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2024.
[pubmed] George JT, et al. "Kisspeptin-10 is a potent stimulator of LH and increases pulse frequency in men." J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2011;96:E1228-E1236.

Related peptides

Kisspeptin-54

The full-length endogenous kisspeptin, with the most advanced clinical data as an alternative ovulation trigger in IVF that markedly reduces ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) risk.

HCG

An FDA-approved fertility and hypogonadism medication commonly discussed in peptide and TRT communities for post-cycle recovery and testicular preservation during testosterone therapy.

PT-141

An FDA-approved melanocortin agonist for acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women.

Disclaimer

This entry is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dosing information reflects published regulatory or research data and is not a recommendation. Many compounds described here are not approved for human use in the United States. Consult a licensed medical professional before considering any peptide therapy.