Kisspeptin-10
Also called KP-10, Kp-10, Metastin 45-54
Research and education only. Not medical advice. Talk to a doctor.
In 30 seconds
The shortest active form of kisspeptin, a signal that triggers the hormones LH and FSH.[1]
Small human studies, from 2 to about 27 people, measured hormone changes.[3][4]
Not FDA-approved, on FDA's compounding safety-risk list, and banned for men in tested sport.[5][6][8]
How far has the research gotten?
Research over time
Papers on PubMed each year that mention Kisspeptin-10.21 papers in 2025FDA's list of bulk substances it says may raise significant safety risks if pharmacies compound them. Kisspeptin-10 has been on it since September 2023.[7]
What studies used
What each paper reports. A record of published research, not a recommendation.Dose response of serum LH to IV kisspeptin-10 and effects of continuous infusion on LH pulse frequency, pulse size and testosterone.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab · 2011 · PubMed 21632807What the paper reports
IV bolus 0.01-3.0 μg/kg; IV infusion 4 μg/kg·h for 22.5 h; lower-dose IV infusion 1.5 μg/kg·h
Who: Humans (healthy men)LH, LH pulse frequency and testosterone responses to kisspeptin-10 in a proof-of-concept study.
Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) · 2013 · PubMed 23153270What the paper reports
0.3 mcg/kg IV bolus; IV infusion 4 mcg/kg/h for 11 h
Who: Humans (5 men with type 2 diabetes and low testosterone; 7 healthy men)LH and FSH secretion, LH pulses, and estradiol, testosterone and inhibin B levels in an exploratory study.
J Endocr Soc · 2017 · PubMed 29264460What the paper reports
1.5 μg/kg/h IV infusion for 12 hours (vs vehicle)
Who: Humans (2 women with hyperprolactinemia-related amenorrhea)Randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled assessment of LH, FSH and testosterone during acute and chronic subcutaneous kisspeptin-10 regimens.
Eur J Endocrinol · 2026 · PubMed 42549827What the paper reports
Acute 8 h SC infusions 1.25-10.0 nmol/kg/h; continuous SC infusion 180 nmol/h for 5 days; daily 8 h SC infusions 150 nmol/h for 12 days; 1 nmol/kg bolus after 12 days
Who: Humans (15 healthy men; 12 controls)What it is, in full 4
Kisspeptin-10 is described as the shortest kisspeptin sequence that keeps full intrinsic activity, and kisspeptins stimulate release of GnRH and, in turn, the gonadotropins (LH and FSH).[1]
In small studies of healthy men, intravenous doses raised LH and testosterone, and a continuous infusion increased the frequency of LH pulses.[1]
Small exploratory studies have also given it to men with type 2 diabetes and low testosterone and to two women with prolactin-related loss of periods, reporting rises in reproductive hormones.[2][3]
A 2026 study in healthy men reported that daily 8-hour subcutaneous infusions kept gonadotropins raised for 12 days, whereas after 5 days of continuous infusion gonadotropin levels were similar to vehicle.[4]
Regulatory details 4
A search of FDA's Drugs@FDA data (openFDA) for 'kisspeptin' returned no matching application or product.[5]
Checked 2026-10-06Kisspeptin-10 is listed in 503A category 2 on FDA's list updated May 14, 2026.[6]
Checked 2026-10-06FDA states compounded kisspeptin-10 may pose immunogenicity risk for certain routes and complexities with peptide-related impurities and API characterization, and that it has no or only limited safety-related information for the proposed routes.[7]
Checked 2026-10-06Section S2.2.1, 'Testosterone-stimulating peptides in males', names 'kisspeptin and its agonist analogues'; S2 substances are prohibited in and out of competition and are non-Specified Substances.[8]
Checked 2026-10-06Human trials on ClinicalTrials.gov
An intervention-field search of ClinicalTrials.gov for 'kisspeptin-10' on 2026-10-06 returned 5 records (3 completed, 2 withdrawn), covering insulin secretion and reproductive-axis responsiveness in men and boys.[9]
All sources 9
- George JT et al. Kisspeptin-10 is a potent stimulator of LH and increases pulse frequency in men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011. PMID 21632807PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- George JT et al. Exploring the pathophysiology of hypogonadism in men with type 2 diabetes: kisspeptin-10 stimulates serum testosterone and LH secretion... Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2013. PMID 23153270PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- Millar RP et al. Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis Reactivation by Kisspeptin-10 in Hyperprolactinemic Women With Chronic Amenorrhea. J Endocr Soc. 2017. PMID 29264460PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- Yeung AC et al. Chronic subcutaneous kisspeptin-10 stimulates gonadotropin secretion for 12 days in healthy men. Eur J Endocrinol. 2026. PMID 42549827PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- openFDA Drugs@FDA API query for 'kisspeptin' (no matches)U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- FDA: Bulk Drug Substances Nominated for Use in Compounding Under Section 503A (category lists, updated May 14, 2026)U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- FDA: Certain Bulk Drug Substances for Use in Compounding that May Present Significant Safety Risks (content current as of 04/22/2026)U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- WADA: World Anti-Doping Code International Standard, Prohibited List 2026 (in effect 1 January 2026)World Anti-Doping Agency
- ClinicalTrials.gov API search, intervention = kisspeptin-10ClinicalTrials.gov (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
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