KP-10, Metastin 45-54
Evidence Grade C — Moderate human evidence. 303 published studies, 103 human. 0 registered clinical trials.
Kisspeptin-10 is the shortest active fragment of kisspeptin, a brain hormone that controls the reproductive hormone cascade. It has been used extensively in academic research to study reproductive physiology and as a tool in fertility clinic studies. Its very short half-life (about 4 minutes) makes it less practical for therapeutic development than the longer kisspeptin-54 form. It has no pharmaceutical approval.
303 published studies: 103 human, 169 animal, 63 in-vitro, 12 reviews
Kisspeptin-10 has no marketing authorisation as a pharmaceutical product. It has been studied in multiple academic clinical studies, particularly as an alternative trigger for oocyte maturation in IVF — where it may reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) compared to conventional triggers.
The kisspeptin signalling system is well established in reproductive endocrinology, and kisspeptin-10 has a more advanced clinical evidence base than many research compounds in this database. Its very short half-life (approximately 4 minutes) presents challenges for pharmaceutical development. Clinical investigation is ongoing, primarily in academic reproductive medicine centres.
Research has established that kisspeptin-10 activates the KISS1R receptor on GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus, triggering GnRH release, which in turn stimulates LH and FSH release from the pituitary. This kisspeptin-GnRH-gonadotropin cascade is now recognised as a fundamental regulator of puberty and reproductive function. The mechanism is well characterised through extensive academic research.
Research suggests kisspeptin-10 has been studied in multiple academic clinical settings, particularly as an alternative trigger for egg maturation in IVF — where it may reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Most human studies involve small numbers (2-58 subjects), and no Phase III trials have been completed. The kisspeptin signalling pathway is well established in reproductive biology, and kisspeptin-10 has a more advanced clinical evidence base than many research compounds. However, the approximately 4-minute half-life poses major challenges — the longer kisspeptin-54 is preferred in most clinical research. An active trial for hypothalamic amenorrhoea (loss of periods due to stress or low weight) is ongoing.
No trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov for this compound.
The information on this page is provided for educational and research reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
Histrelin is available as Supprelin LA for central precocious puberty (approved 2007). The Vantas implant for prostate cancer was approved in 2004 but discontinued in 2021. The implant requires a minor surgical procedure for insertion and removal/replacement each year. Supprelin LA's main clinical advantage is its 12-month duration — the longest of any GnRH agonist — which is particularly valuable in paediatric patients where treatment compliance over years is important. Clinical studies demonstrated effective suppression of puberty markers in over 97% of patients. The implant has also seen significant off-label use in gender-affirming care as a puberty blocker, where its annual dosing schedule offers practical benefits for adolescent patients and their families.
Goserelin is marketed as Zoladex by AstraZeneca, available as 3.6 mg monthly and 10.8 mg three-monthly subcutaneous implants. First approved in 1989, it is used in advanced prostate cancer, premenopausal breast cancer, endometriosis, and for thinning the uterine lining before surgical procedures. Goserelin achieves castrate-level testosterone suppression (below 50 ng/dL) within two to four weeks. Its unique implant delivery system means there is no liquid injection, reconstitution, or refrigeration required — a practical advantage in some clinical settings. Like all GnRH agonists, it causes an initial hormone flare before suppression takes effect. Goserelin holds an important niche in breast cancer treatment, where it is used to suppress ovarian function in premenopausal women with hormone-receptor-positive disease, often in combination with aromatase inhibitors.
Nafarelin is marketed as Synarel (approved 1990) for endometriosis and central precocious puberty. It requires administration as one spray in each nostril twice daily — a higher frequency than injectable alternatives but avoids needles entirely, which can be a significant advantage for some patients, particularly children. Clinical trials showed symptom improvement in 75–92% of endometriosis patients. However, absorption can be affected by nasal congestion or concurrent use of nasal decongestants, which can be a practical limitation. As with all GnRH agonists, prolonged use leads to bone density loss, and treatment for endometriosis is typically limited to six months. Nafarelin occupies a niche for patients who prefer non-injectable hormone suppression, though it has become less commonly prescribed as longer-acting depot injections and oral alternatives have become available.
