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hormone

Kisspeptin

Also known as: Kisspeptin-54, Kisspeptin-10, KiSS-1, Metastin, KP-54, KP-10
FDA: Not FDA-approved WADA: Not currently listed

Kisspeptin is a neuropeptide encoded by the KISS1 gene, discovered in 1996 at Penn State (named after Hershey's Kisses, the city's famous chocolate). It is the endogenous ligand for GPR54 (KISS1R), and its discovery revolutionized reproductive endocrinology by revealing the master upstream regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Loss-of-function mutations in KISS1 or KISS1R cause hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and absent puberty, while gain-of-function mutations cause precocious puberty -- establishing kisspeptin as the "gatekeeper" of reproductive maturation. The full-length form is KP-54 (54 amino acids); shorter active fragments include KP-10, KP-13, and KP-14, all sharing the same C-terminal decapeptide required for receptor

This content is for educational and research purposes only. VialBase does not provide medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.

Molecular weight 5,863 Da
Half-life KP-54: ~28 minutes IV
CAS number 388138-21-4
Route Intravenous · Subcutaneous intravenous preferred
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Mechanism

Endogenous ligand for GPR54 (KISS1R). Activates hypothalamic GnRH neurons, triggering pulsatile GnRH release and downstream LH/FSH secretion. Master regulator of reproductive axis initiation and maintenance.

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Dosing

DOSE RANGE 1–12800 mcg
FREQUENCY Variable — single bolus or pulsatile infusion depending on indication
CYCLE LENGTH Acute (single dose for IVF trigger) or short-term (days to weeks)

IVF trigger: KP-54 9.6 nmol/kg SC single dose. Hypogonadism: KP-10 pulsatile SC infusion. Dosing highly protocol-dependent and investigational.

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Research summary

Study Type Year Key Finding
Kisspeptin-10 Promotes Hormone Secretion, Ovarian Follicles Development and Fecundity via PI3K/AKT/ERK Signal Pathway in Mice Preclinical (in vivo + in vitro, mice) 2026 KP-10 enhanced P4 and E2 hormone synthesis and secretion
Relationship between kisspeptin-10, neurokinin B and dynorphin A in the course of normal and delayed puberty in ewes Animal study (ewe lambs) 2026 KP-10 and NKB concentrations positively correlated with age in both singleton and twin ewes
Kisspeptin-10 attenuates pulmonary arterial hypertension via restoration of mitochondrial function in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells Preclinical (mouse model) 2026 KP-10 attenuates PAH via GPR54 receptor in SU5416/hypoxia mouse model
Kisspeptin for Isolated Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (IHH) — — —
Kisspeptin Administration in Post-COVID Neuroendocrine Dysfunction — — —
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Stacking & interactions

Reproductive + growth hormone axis support

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Sourcing

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10mg

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What bloodwork do I need?

Reference ranges are general guidelines. Consult your physician for interpretation.

PRE-CYCLE
  • CMP
  • CBC
  • LH
  • FSH
  • Testosterone (Total + Free)
  • Estradiol
DURING CYCLE
  • LH
  • FSH
  • Testosterone
POST-CYCLE
  • LH
  • FSH
  • Testosterone
  • Estradiol
Safety & Regulatory Status
FDA STATUS Not FDA-approved. Investigational — multiple Phase 2 trials for IVF oocyte maturation and reproductive disorders.
WADA STATUS Not currently listed

Regulatory status for Kisspeptin may change. Verify current status with your jurisdiction before use. This is not legal or medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kisspeptin?
Kisspeptin is a hormone compound. Endogenous ligand for GPR54 (KISS1R).
How does Kisspeptin work?
Kisspeptin is the primary upstream activator of the reproductive hormone cascade: 1. KISS1R (GPR54) activation: Kisspeptin binds GPR54 on GnRH neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and anteroventral periventricular nucleus.
How is Kisspeptin dosed?
**IMPORTANT: Kisspeptin is investigational. These figures reflect commonly cited research protocols, not medical advice — consult a clinician.
Is Kisspeptin FDA-approved?
FDA: Not approved. Multiple active INDs for reproductive medicine applications.
What does the research on Kisspeptin show?
IVF oocyte maturation trigger: KP-54 (9. 6 nmol/kg SC) successfully triggers oocyte maturation with significantly lower risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) compared to hCG trigger. Multiple Phase 2 trials at Imperial College London (Dhillo lab) demonstrate efficacy and safety; Hypothalamic amenorrhea: KP-10 pulsatile infusion restores LH pulsatility in women with hypothalamic amenorrhea, demonstrating ability to "restart" the reproductive axis; Male hypogonadism: Single-dose KP-54 produces robust, dose-dependent LH and testosterone increases in healthy men and hypogonadal men (except those with complete GnRH deficiency); Diagnostic tool: Kisspeptin challenge test can differentiate hypothalamic from pituitary causes of hypogonadism; Sexual behavior/psychosexual effects: KP-54 administration in human fMRI studies enhances brain activation in response to sexual and romantic stimuli, suggesting roles beyond reproduction; Diabetic nephropathy (PMID: 41950743): KP-54 confers renal protection in diabetic nephropathy by ameliorating endothelial permeability through.

References

  1. Suocheng W, Linglong X, Jingshuang G, Zhenya G, Yuan C. Kisspeptin-10 Promotes Hormone Secretion, Ovarian Follicles Development and Fecundity via PI3K/AKT/ERK Signal Pathway in Mice. Molecular Reproduction and Development (2026). PMID: 41952615
  2. Szysiak N, Kosior-Korzecka U, Gregula-Kania M, Patkowski K, Fila M, Junkuszew A. Relationship between kisspeptin-10, neurokinin B and dynorphin A in the course of normal and delayed puberty in ewes. Journal of Veterinary Research (2026). PMID: 41953732
  3. Huang S, Chen Z, Gong W, Song Y, Ding W, Zhang L, Li J. Kisspeptin-10 attenuates pulmonary arterial hypertension via restoration of mitochondrial function in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. Neuropeptides (2026). PMID: 41955717
  4. Kisspeptin for Isolated Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (IHH).
  5. Kisspeptin Administration in Post-COVID Neuroendocrine Dysfunction.