Kisspeptin — EU research guide.
Kisspeptin (Kiss1) is a family of neuropeptides encoded by the KISS1 gene that are the key upstream regulators of GnRH secretion and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. It is studied for reproductive endocrinology and puberty research.
What is Kisspeptin?
Kisspeptin acts on KISS1R (GPR54) receptors in GnRH neurons of the hypothalamus to trigger pulsatile GnRH release, which in turn drives LH and FSH secretion and gonadal steroidogenesis. It is the master regulator of the HPG axis. Research-grade kisspeptin-10 (the C-terminal decapeptide with full biological activity) is the most commonly studied isoform.
What does the research show?
Human studies demonstrate reliable LH surge induction by kisspeptin injection, with applications studied in anovulatory infertility, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and IVF triggering as an alternative to hCG. Small clinical trials show kisspeptin-54 can trigger oocyte maturation with reduced OHSS risk versus hCG. Research into puberty timing, anorexia-related reproductive suppression and sexual motivation is extensive.
EU legal status
Not approved as a medicine in the EU or US. Human clinical trial data exists (Phase 2 IVF triggering). Available for reproductive biology laboratory research only.
Molecular information
Pharmacokinetics
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Frequently asked questions
What is Kisspeptin? ▾
Kisspeptin acts on KISS1R (GPR54) receptors in the GnRH neurons of the hypothalamus to trigger pulsatile GnRH release, which drives LH and FSH secretion. It is the master regulator of the HPG axis.
Which kisspeptin isoform is studied most? ▾
Research-grade kisspeptin-10, the C-terminal decapeptide with full biological activity, is the most commonly studied isoform.
What does the research show? ▾
Human studies show reliable LH-surge induction, with applications in anovulatory infertility, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and IVF triggering, and small trials show kisspeptin-54 can trigger oocyte maturation with reduced OHSS risk versus hCG.
How could kisspeptin be an alternative to hCG in IVF? ▾
Small clinical trials show kisspeptin-54 can trigger oocyte maturation with a reduced risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome compared with hCG.
Is Kisspeptin legal in the EU? ▾
It is sold as a research compound for laboratory use only.
Is Kisspeptin banned in sport? ▾
It is not currently on the WADA prohibited list.