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Human-limitedEndogenous HPG axis activator for sexual health

Kisspeptin-10

Also indexed as KP-10, Metastin (10-19), Kisspeptin decapeptide

Kisspeptin-10 is the biologically active C-terminal decapeptide fragment of the larger kisspeptin precursor protein, encoded by the KISS1 gene. It acts as a potent endogenous activator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, stimulating the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and downstream luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). It is investigated for applications in reproductive endocrinology, sexual function, and mood regulation.

Overview

Following subcutaneous injection, KP-10 is rapidly absorbed (Tmax ~15–30 min) and crosses the blood-brain barrier in regions with incomplete BBB coverage (e.g., median eminence). Plasma half-life is approximately 28 minutes IV; subcutaneous administration extends effective exposure. Hepatic and renal peptidase degradation limits systemic accumulation. CNS effects include activation of amygdalar and hypothalamic circuits involved in sexual salience processing, demonstrated by fMRI studies in humans. KP-10 also exhibits direct effects on peripheral tissues including the gonads, placenta, and bone, where KISS1R is expressed.

Proposed mechanism

Kisspeptin-10 binds with high affinity to the G protein-coupled receptor KISS1R (formerly GPR54), which is expressed densely on GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus. This binding activates Gq/11-mediated phospholipase C signaling, triggering IP3-dependent calcium release and ultimately stimulating pulsatile GnRH secretion into the portal circulation. The resulting LH and FSH surges drive gonadal steroidogenesis, increasing endogenous testosterone in males and estradiol in females, while also modulating limbic circuits involved in sexual behavior and emotional processing.

What the evidence supports

Human data exists but the trials are small, short-term, or not yet replicated.

Graded Human-limited

Human data that exists but is thin: open-label work, single-arm studies, small cohorts, or observational follow-up without randomisation.

Key citations

Representative primary sources, including results that did not favour the compound.

  1. [1]

    Kisspeptin-10 acutely and dose-dependently stimulates LH secretion in healthy adult men

    · Dhillo WS et al., Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 90(12):6609-15 · 2005

  2. [2]

    Kisspeptin modulates sexual and emotional brain processing in humans

    · Ruber L et al., Journal of Clinical Investigation, 127(2):709-719 · 2017

  3. [3]

    Twice-weekly subcutaneous kisspeptin-54 administration increases LH in patients with hypothalamic amenorrhea

    · Jayasena CN et al., Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2014

  4. [4]

    Kisspeptin-54 stimulates gonadotropin release most potently during the preovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle in women

    · Chan YM et al., New England Journal of Medicine — referenced in context of kisspeptin restoration of GnRH pulsatility · 2009

Citation records in this build are illustrative placeholders for the design.

Reference information for research purposes. Not medical advice, and not a recommendation to use any compound. Many entries describe substances that are not approved for human use.

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