Reproductive peptideEditorially reviewed · 28. Mai 2026

Kisspeptin

Also known as Kisspeptin-10, Metastin, KP-10 et al.

not approvedEvidence · early clinical studies3 studies cited

Structure · schematic

Peptide chain of 10 amino acids · Reproduktionspeptid

Sequence

YNWNSFGLRF-NH₂ (Kisspeptin-10)

Schematic representation of the amino acid chain — not a chemical structural formula. Each node represents one amino acid.

Research areas*

Libido

* Contexts in which the peptide has been scientifically studied — not assured or recommended effects.

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Mechanism of action

  • Kisspeptin is a neuropeptide derived from the KISS1 gene, occurring in several biologically active forms (KP-10, KP-13, KP-14, KP-54).
  • It binds the G-protein-coupled receptor KISS1R (formerly GPR54) on hypothalamic GnRH neurons and is regarded as a central regulator of pulsatile GnRH release — the master pacemaker of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
  • Kisspeptin mediates the activation of puberty, governs the cyclic release of LH/FSH and mediates the negative and positive feedback mechanisms of sex hormones at the hypothalamic level.
  • Exogenous kisspeptin administration reliably stimulates LH and FSH pulses and, downstream, testosterone and oestrogen.
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Research status

  • Kisspeptin is one of the most intensively researched reproductive-medicine peptides of the past decade.
  • Clinical Phase II studies (particularly at Imperial College London, Abbara et al.) investigated kisspeptin-54 and -10 in hypothalamic amenorrhoea, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and as an alternative to hCG in IVF treatment.
  • In these studies, kisspeptin reliably triggered the LH peak for egg maturation with a reduced risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
  • In the context of testosterone replacement therapy, kisspeptin is discussed as a means of maintaining the suppressed endogenous GnRH axis — robust RCT data for this off-label use are lacking.

Evidence level

PreclinicalEarly clinicalEstablished
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Cited studies

  1. 2013
    Kisspeptin and reproduction: physiological roles and therapeutic possibilities
  2. 2015
    Kisspeptin-54 triggers egg maturation in women undergoing in vitro fertilization
  3. 2017
    Kisspeptin modulates sexual and emotional processing in the human brain
§ 4

Known risks

  • 01Flushing and mild nausea described after injection
  • 02Potential desensitisation with continuous administration (KISS1R downregulation)
  • 03Effect is strictly dose-dependent — subtherapeutic doses have no LH effect, supratherapeutic doses cause desensitisation
  • 04Use in existing hormone-dependent conditions (PCOS, hormone-dependent tumours) not studied
  • 05No long-term safety data outside reproductive-medicine study settings
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Frequently asked questions

What is Kisspeptin?

Kisspeptin is a neuropeptide derived from the KISS1 gene, occurring in several biologically active forms (KP-10, KP-13, KP-14, KP-54).

What type of peptide is Kisspeptin?

Kisspeptin belongs to the Reproductive peptide class.

Is Kisspeptin legal in Germany?

Kisspeptin is not approved as a medicine in Germany. Obtaining it outside clinical studies is legally problematic.

Where can I buy Kisspeptin?

Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. Kisspeptin is "not approved" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.

Is Kisspeptin banned in sport (WADA)?

Kisspeptin is currently not on the WADA Prohibited List.

What are the known risks of Kisspeptin?

Documented risks include: Flushing and mild nausea described after injection; Potential desensitisation with continuous administration (KISS1R downregulation). This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.

How well researched is Kisspeptin?

The evidence is classified as “early clinical studies”. 3 studies are cited on this page.

What is the molecular weight of Kisspeptin?

Kisspeptin has a molar mass of about 1302.4 Da.

Which peptides are related to Kisspeptin?

Closely related entries: PT-141. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.

Related entries

Legal status

Germany

not approved

Austria

not approved

Switzerland

not approved

EU

not approved

USA

not approved

Canada

not approved

Legal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.

Sources & methodology

  • 3 peer-reviewed studies cited, linked to PubMed where available.
  • Molecular data verified against PubChem and primary literature. PubChem CID 25240297
  • Editorial standard: no dosage guidance, no sources, evidence level stated explicitly.

Last editorially reviewed: 28 May 2026

Legal assessment

Kisspeptin is not an approved medicine in the EU. Clinical use occurs exclusively within regulated studies. Not on the WADA Prohibited List. Importing it as a research chemical may, depending on the context, fall under the German Medicines Act (AMG).

Important notice

This site is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information about peptides. It does not constitute medical advice, does not replace a consultation with a doctor and contains no recommendations for use in humans.

This site does not sell any substances and names no sources for unapproved substances. For medical questions, please consult qualified medical professionals.

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Community notes

Note: These posts are user opinions and not medical advice. Posts containing dosages, therapeutic claims or purchase recommendations are removed. All entries are manually reviewed before publication.