PeptideTrace
Research CompoundFull-Length Kisspeptin (Investigational)

Kisspeptin-54

Metastin, KP-54

C

Evidence Grade C — Moderate human evidence. 91 published studies, 56 human. 0 registered clinical trials.

91 studiesUSEUCA

Overview

Kisspeptin-54 is the full-length form of the kisspeptin hormone, a key regulator of reproductive function. With a half-life of about 28 minutes (versus 4 minutes for the shorter kisspeptin-10), it is more practical for clinical use. Academic Phase II trials have shown promising results as an IVF trigger that may eliminate the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. It has no pharmaceutical approval.

Research Activity

91studies
Human 56
Animal 28
In-vitro 15
Reviews 11

91 published studies: 56 human, 28 animal, 15 in-vitro, 11 reviews

Regulatory Status

US
Not approved by FDA(FDA)
EU
Not authorised by EMA(EMA)
CA
Not approved by Health Canada(Health Canada)

Legal Status

USNot applicable (not approved)
EUNot applicable (not authorised)
CANot applicable (not approved)

Summary

Kisspeptin-54 has no marketing authorisation. Phase II trials conducted primarily at Imperial College London have investigated its use as an IVF oocyte maturation trigger. One trial (60 patients) reported 95% oocyte maturation with zero cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Kisspeptin-54 has a more advanced clinical evidence base than kisspeptin-10, with multiple Phase II studies in reproductive medicine. Its potential advantage over conventional IVF triggers relates to a lower risk of the serious complication of ovarian hyperstimulation. Clinical development is ongoing in academic settings. No Phase III trials have been completed.

Mechanism of Action

Kisspeptin-54 activates the same KISS1R receptor as kisspeptin-10 (#130), triggering the GnRH-gonadotropin cascade that controls reproductive hormone release. Its longer half-life allows sustained receptor activation. Research has focused particularly on its potential to trigger egg maturation in IVF cycles with a lower risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome compared to conventional triggers.

Research Summary

Research suggests Phase II trials at Imperial College London showed 95% egg maturation with zero cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in 60 high-risk patients — a notable safety result. Live birth rates of 45% per transfer were achieved at the optimal dose. All clinical data originate from a single centre (Imperial College London), with no independent replication. No Phase III trials have been completed. The tachyphylaxis limitation (loss of response with continuous use) restricts chronic applications. Larger multi-centre trials are needed before clinical adoption, but for high-risk IVF patients the OHSS elimination potential addresses a genuine safety gap.

Clinical Trials

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.

Related Compounds

Histrelin

Approved
GnRH Agonist

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

Approved
GnRH Agonist

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

Approved
GnRH Agonist

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.