Kisspeptin, a product of the KISS1 gene, is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that stimulates gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GNRH) neurons and drives fertility. Kisspeptin binds specifically to the G-protein-coupled receptor-54, now known as Kiss1r, which is expressed in almost all GNRH neurons. Kiss1r is also expressed in other areas of the brain and periphery, highlighting other possible roles for kisspeptin outside of reproduction.

The peptide directly influences two hormones critical to reproductive health:
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
The FSH and LH hormones are essential to reproductive functions because they act on the testes and ovaries, respectively. This suggests Kisspeptin 10 is effective in both male and female patients.

Kisspeptin 10 has been found to suppress tumour growth and spread. In a research study, the peptide was able to suppress malignant skin cancer by 95%. 

Researchers determined the peptide may reduce cancer cell migration and cell adhesion thereby preventing cancer cells from sticking to other tissues and invading them. Researchers originally worked on metastasis of melanoma (skin cancer) and later screened a variety of metastatic cancer types including breast, bladder, GI, prostate, pancreatic, ovarian, skin and thyroid cancers all showed changes (general decrease) in the spread of cancer. The findings were profound and led some medical experts to question if the peptide can do the same for other types of cancer. Despite evidence that K-10 prevents the spread of cancer – the substance remains outside FDA approval.