WHAT IS KISS PEPTIN-10

Originally identified as a metastasis-suppressor gene product, kisspeptin has become a major focus in reproductive endocrinology.

Kisspeptin-10 (Kp-10) is a decapeptide (composed of 10 amino acids) that represents the minimal active sequence of the larger Kisspeptin hormone family (including Kisspeptin-54, -14, and -13). The full peptide is encoded by the KISS1 gene.

WHAT DOES KISSPEPTIN-10 DO?

Kisspeptin (also known as metastin) is a naturally occurring neuroendocrine peptide that plays a pivotal role in human reproduction by stimulating gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. It is recognized as the most potent excitatory stimulus to GnRH neurons discovered to date, functioning as the key physiological switch for the onset of puberty and regulator of adult fertility.

Mechanism of Action

This small peptide binds to the GPR54 receptor (also called KISS1R), which is expressed on the surface of GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus. The binding activates a signaling cascade that causes a dramatic and prolonged release of GnRH.

The entire reproductive cascade is activated by this single peptide:

• GnRH Stimulation (The Apex): Kisspeptin binds directly to its receptor, causing a dramatic and prolonged release of GnRH.

• LH and FSH Release: The released GnRH travels to the pituitary gland, stimulating the pulsatile secretion of the gonadotropins, Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH).

• Hormone Production: LH and FSH then travel to the gonads, stimulating the production of sex steroids (Testosterone in men, Estradiol in women) and regulating ovulation and spermatogenesis. 

• Neuro-Modulation: Kisspeptin neurons are part of the KNDy (Kisspeptin, Neurokinin B, Dynorphin) network, which integrates endocrine feedback and metabolic cues (like energy status) to determine reproductive readiness.

BENEFITS/ CLINICAL TRIALS

Kisspeptin (KP) and neurokinin B (NKB) stimulate the pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and thus are considered key regulators of the reproductive endocrine axis. KP has emerged as a promising diagnostic and therapeutic tool for disorders of puberty, reproduction, pregnancy, metabolism, liver, bone, and behavior.

Since the pivotal discoveries of KP and NKB's role in reproduction in 2003 and 2009, there has been an abundance of basic science and translational studies demonstrating their function. The wealth of evidence accumulated has provided the opportunity for these peptide hormones to be investigated as promising diagnostic and management tools in the coming years.

Key Benefits Observed in Clinical Trials

KP-10 and its analogs are emerging as promising novel therapies for reproductive disorders characterized by insufficient GnRH pulsatility.

• Physiological Sex Hormone Stimulation: Increases endogenous testosterone and estrogen levels by amplifying the body’s own LH/FSH signals without suppressing the HPG axis.

• Robust Gonadotropin Stimulation:

  • Men: Intravenous (IV) and SubQ administration robustly stimulates serum LH and FSH release and increases LH pulse frequency.

  • Women: Stimulates LH and FSH during the preovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle, though it fails to stimulate gonadotropin release during the follicular phase (demonstrating sexual dimorphism in responsiveness).

• Fertility and Ovulation: Shows promise in functional hypothalamic amenorrhea by rekindling GnRH/LH pulsatility and resuming menstrual cycles. Research has demonstrated KP-10's potential to induce ovulation in female animal models, matching the efficacy of GnRH analogs.

• IVF Ovulation Trigger: Can induce a robust LH surge to mature oocytes while potentially lowering the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome compared to traditional hCG triggers.

• Psychosexual Function: Studies in men with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) showed that KP-10 administration significantly modulated brain activity in key sexual-processing centers and increased physiological arousal (penile tumescence) in response to sexual stimuli.

• Diagnosis of Delayed Puberty: KP-10 can be used in clinical research to differentiate between temporary delays in puberty and permanent conditions (Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism), as patients with permanent conditions show a weaker response to the peptide.

Therapeutic Potential and Neuro-Modulation

• Therapeutic Potential: KP-10 offers a more physiological method of stimulating the HPG axis

compared to direct pituitary stimulation by GnRH or gonadotropins. Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies are ongoing, investigating its use in fertility treatments, including ovarian stimulation protocols.

• Treating Menopausal Hot Flashes (VMS): Menopause causes the thermoregulatory center in the hypothalamus (the median preoptic nucleus, MnPO) to become dysregulated, resulting in inappropriate heat dissipation responses, including VMS (hot flashes and sweats). As KNDy neurons project onto both NK3R-expressing neurons in the MnPO and GnRH neurons, they have been implicated in the pathogenesis of menopausal VMS.

• Future Therapies: Therapies acting through antagonism of NKB action provide potential therapeutic options for women with menopausal hot flashes, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis.

SIDE EFFECTS

IS KISSPEPTIN-10 SAFE?

Kisspeptin-10 is currently an investigational peptide and is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. It is primarily available as a research peptide.

Safety and Regulatory Summary

• Safety Record: KP-10 has been administered to human subjects in multiple research settings without any reported significant acute or chronic adverse effects.

• Research Use Only: Its use must be restricted to controlled research environments due to its powerful and central role in regulating the reproductive system.

• Long-Term Safety: The long-term safety of Kisspeptin is not fully understood, as comprehensive long-term safety data is not yet available.

DOSAGE 

Dosing protocols for Kisspeptin-10 are based on studies aiming to match the endogenous pulsatile release of GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone).

Administration and Half-Life

• Administration: Typically administered via subcutaneous (SubQ) or intravenous (IV) bolus or continuous infusion due to its very short half-life.

• Half-Life: KP-10 has an extremely short plasma half-life of approximately 3 to 4 minutes in humans, necessitating frequent or continuous administration for sustained effects.

Example Subcutaneous Dosing Guidelines

These guidelines are based on typical research protocols.

• Start: Begin with 100 mcg daily for 1–2 weeks to assess sensitivity.

• Titration: Increase to 200 mcg daily if tolerated and necessary for the research goal.

• Frequency: Once per day (subcutaneous) for convenience, though multiple doses may be required for a sustained clinical effect due to the short half-life.

• Timing: Any consistent time; rotate injection sites to avoid irritation.

• Cycle Length: 8–12 weeks; avoid prolonged continuous use to prevent tachyphylaxis (a rapidly decreasing response to the drug).

Research Dosing (IV)

• Dosing Range: Doses are typically calculated based on body weight, ranging from 0.1 nmol/kg/h to 1.0 nmol/kg/h via continuous IV infusion, or single IV boluses up to 10 nmol/kg.

RECONSTITUTION

Here is the final information detailing the reconstitution and storage of Kisspeptin-10 (Kp-10), rewritten to adhere to all constraints:

Kisspeptin-10 (Kp-10) is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder.  Extreme caution is needed during reconstitution due to its chemical instability.

• Reconstitution Fluid: Use sterile 0.9 percent saline (Sodium Chloride Solution) or BAC Water.

• Standard Dilution (EX: 10 mg Vial): A common reconstitution is 3.0 mL per 10 mg vial, which yields a concentration of approximately 3.33 mg/mL for precise low-volume measurements.

• Mixing Technique: Inject the diluent gently down the side of the vial and swirl until dissolved. DO NOT SHAKE.

Stability and Storage Warning

Kp-10 is chemically unstable in solution and degrades rapidly, even when refrigerated. Solutions must be prepared immediately prior to use.

• Post-Reconstitution Storage (Liquid): The solution must be refrigerated (2°C to 8°C) and used within 24 to 48 hours to avoid significant degradation.

• Long-Term Storage (Powder): The lyophilized powder should be kept frozen.

• Stock Solution Storage (Research): For long-term storage of research stock solutions, it is recommended to reconstitute in a very small amount of solvent, aliquot (divide into small portions), and store at ultra-low temperatures (for example, -20°C or -80°C) to prevent rapid decomposition.

WHERE TO BUY KISS PEPTIN-10

Researchers should always vet their sources to ensure that a few key factors are present in their test subjects. With the rise in peptide popularity in recent years, many companies have created peptides that undergo little to no testing, quality standards, or regulations. As it is not regulated by the FDA, researchers must do their due diligence and look closely at the company's practices and standards. 

When selecting a supplier for Kiss Peptin-10, focus on transparency and quality assurance, not customer testimonials:

1. Quality Documentation: A reputable supplier must provide:
   •  Certificate of Analysis (COA): This document must be recent (corresponding to the batch/lot number purchased) and demonstrate a minimum purity of >95% via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) testing.
   • Mass Spectrometry (MS) Data: The COA must include mass spectrometry (MS) confirmation to verify the compound’s exact molecular weight, confirming its chemical identity.
   • Contaminant Testing: Look for reports on heavy metals, microbial load, and solvent residues (e.g., residual trifluoroacetic acid, or TFA). The presence of these contaminants can severely compromise research and introduce unknown toxicity.
2. Vendor Verification and Transparency 

   • Specialization: Prioritize vendors who specialize in the manufacturing and distribution of peptides for academic and biotechnology research, rather than general supplement vendors.

   • Manufacturing Origin: Inquire about the source of the raw materials and the manufacturing protocols. Ideal suppliers adhere to strict quality control processes.

   • Handling & Storage: The supplier must provide clear documentation on the proper storage and handling procedures for the peptide to maintain its stability and integrity.

Conclusion on Procurement: Given the high risk of contamination, mislabeling, and legal ambiguity. The use of Kisspeptin-10 outside of this defined research context poses unacceptable, unquantified risks to human health.

REFERENCES

• Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Kisspeptin and Neurokinin B | Endocrine Reviews | Oxford Academic, academic.oup.com/edrv/article/45/1/30/7226658. Accessed 22 Nov. 2025. 
• “Kisspeptin (10mg Vial) Dosage Protocol.” Peptidedosages.Com, 20 Nov. 2025, peptidedosages.com/single-peptide-dosages/kisspeptin-10mg-vial-dosage-protocol/#ref-1
• Effects of the Hormone Kisspeptin on Reproductive Hormone Release in Humans - Calley - 2014 - Advances in Biology - Wiley Online Library, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2014/512650. Accessed 22 Nov. 2025.
• ​​“Kisspeptin-10.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Kisspeptin-10. Accessed 22 Nov. 2025.

• Frontiers in Endocrinology. "The Role of $\text{Kisspeptin}$ in the Control of the $\text{Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal}$ Axis and Reproduction."

• The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (PMC3232613). "The Effects of $\text{Kisspeptin-}10$ on Reproductive $\text{Hormone}$ $\text{Release}$ Show Sexual $\text{Dimorphism}$ in $\text{Humans}$."

• PNAS (ID 0409330102). "$\text{Kisspeptin}$ directly stimulates $\text{gonadotropin-releasing}$ hormone release via G protein-coupled receptor $54$."

• The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (PMC3380939). "$\text{Kisspeptin-}10$ Is a Potent Stimulator of $\text{LH}$ and Increases Pulse $\text{Frequency}$ in $\text{Men}$."

• MDPI (ID 2077-0383/14/10/3284). "$\text{Kisspeptins}$ Regulating Fertility: $\text{Potential}$ $\text{Future}$ $\text{Therapeutic}$ $\text{Approach}$ in $\text{Infertility}$ $\text{Treatment}$."

• Prospec Bio. "$\text{Kisspeptin-}10$ $\text{Synthetic}$ $\text{Hormone}$."

• PubMed Central (PMC9898824). "Effects of $\text{Kisspeptin}$ on Sexual $\text{Brain}$ $\text{Processing}$ and $\text{Penile}$ $\text{Tumescence}$ in $\text{Men}$ With $\text{Hypoactive}$ $\text{Sexual}$ $\text{Desire}$ $\text{Disorder}$."