Kisspeptin: what the research shows
The hormone that switches on the reproductive system, being tested as a gentler way to trigger egg maturation in IVF.
At a glance
92%
of women had embryos transferred after one kisspeptin injection
2014 IVF study of 53 women · 12 clinical pregnancies
Tested in human fertility studies. Not approved.
What is Kisspeptin?
Kisspeptin is a natural hormone made in the brain. It was named after the Hershey’s Kisses chocolates made in the town where it was discovered. Kisspeptin-54 and kisspeptin-10 are two of its forms.
How does Kisspeptin work?
It tells the brain to release the hormones that control the ovaries and testes, which is how puberty starts.
What does the research show?
- In a 2014 study, a single injection of kisspeptin-54 triggered egg maturation in 53 women having IVF. Embryos were transferred for 92% of them, and 23% (12 of 53) had a clinical pregnancy.
Known risks and side effects
- Its long-term safety and best use are still being studied.
Is Kisspeptin approved?
Tested in people, but not approved as a medicine.
Tested in human fertility studies. Not approved.
From the community
Watch: Kisspeptin and related science
Start with the compound discussion, then use the background lesson to understand its biology. Each card explains its connection. Recordings may predate later findings or regulatory changes.
Imperial College London
Kisspeptin and sexual and emotional brain processing
Researchers describe an exploratory kisspeptin study. Brain responses in a study are different from an established treatment benefit.
University research team · Professor Waljit Dhillo
Discusses the compound
The researchers describe an exploratory kisspeptin brain-imaging study. This is not proof of a general treatment benefit.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
FDA compounding meeting: ipamorelin and kisspeptin-10
Full advisory meeting covering ipamorelin and kisspeptin-10 among other substances. This is a historical regulatory discussion, not an approval.
Official FDA recording · October 29, 2024
Official regulatory recording
Historical FDA discussion from October 2024. Kisspeptin-10 and ipamorelin are covered; other forms and later decisions may differ.
khanacademymedicine
The hypothalamus and pituitary gland
How the hypothalamus and pituitary coordinate hormone release, including growth and reproductive hormones.
Khan Academy · endocrine physiology
Related biology
Background on hypothalamus and pituitary signalling for understanding Kisspeptin. It does not demonstrate benefits of this compound or formulation.
Sources and references
- Kisspeptin-54 triggers egg maturation in women undergoing in vitro fertilizationJayasena et al. · Journal of Clinical Investigation · 2014
- Kisspeptin as a promising oocyte maturation trigger for in vitro fertilisation in humansKasum et al. · Gynecological Endocrinology · 2017
VETUD Learn explains published research in plain language. It is general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or changing any treatment.
In the research shop
Check the catalog for related laboratory research materials. These products are separate from the approved medicines and clinical trial formulations discussed here.
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