Kisspeptin-10 vs Setmelanotide
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Kisspeptin-10
Kisspeptin-10 is the active fragment of kisspeptin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in initiating puberty and regulating reproductive function. It acts upstream of GnRH in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
Full details →Setmelanotide
Setmelanotide (Imcivree) is an FDA-approved MC4R agonist for chronic weight management in patients with obesity due to specific genetic conditions (POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency).
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Kisspeptin-10 | Setmelanotide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to KISS1R receptors in the hypothalamus, stimulating GnRH neurons to release GnRH. This triggers the downstream cascade of LH, FSH, and sex hormone production. | Selective agonist of melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) in the hypothalamus, restoring the satiety signaling pathway that is disrupted in certain genetic obesity syndromes. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols vary widely. Studies have used IV boluses of 1-10mcg/kg or subcutaneous administration. Clinical applications still being developed. | Adults: Start 2mg daily, titrate based on tolerability up to 3mg daily. Pediatrics (6+): Weight-based dosing starting at 1mg daily. |
| Administration | IV or subcutaneous injection. Has very short half-life requiring frequent administration or continuous infusion for sustained effects. | Subcutaneous injection once daily. Requires genetic testing to confirm eligible mutations before prescribing. |
| Side Effects | Limited data. May cause flushing, increased heart rate, and changes in libido. Generally well-tolerated in studies. | Injection site reactions, skin hyperpigmentation, spontaneous penile erections, depression, and suicidal ideation (boxed warning). GI effects less common than GLP-1s. |
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