Fertility & reproductive research
This hub covers compounds researched in ovulation, IVF, gonadotropin release and reproductive ageing. The human data centre on GnRH and kisspeptin physiology, while the other entries rely on mouse studies.
Approved or human trial evidence
Limited human data
GonadorelinLimited human data · Approved, no longer marketedNative GnRH, given in pulsatile form to women with hypothalamic amenorrhoea; a twelve-woman case series reported ovulation in all patients and ten pregnancies.
Kisspeptin-54Limited human data · Not approved — research use onlyStudied in phase 2 IVF trials as an oocyte-maturation trigger, including in women at high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Kisspeptin-10Limited human data · Not approved — research use onlyGiven to healthy men in two physiological studies measuring LH, FSH and testosterone; no trial with a fertility endpoint was identified.
Animal and laboratory research
EpithalonPreclinical research · Not approved — research use onlyIn mouse oocytes cultured in vitro during post-ovulatory ageing, Epithalon was associated with lower reactive oxygen species and fewer spindle defects.
FOXO4-DRIPreclinical research · Not approved — research use onlyIn naturally aged mice, a 2020 study reported an improved testicular microenvironment and less age-related testosterone insufficiency, attributed to clearing senescent Leydig cells.
Guides
Questions people ask
Which peptides have been used in IVF research?
Kisspeptin-54 has been used as an oocyte-maturation trigger in phase 2 IVF studies, and no moderate, severe or critical OHSS occurred among 60 high-risk women. Native GnRH (gonadorelin) has a longer history in hypogonadotropic and infertility states.
What is the difference between kisspeptin-10 and kisspeptin-54?
Both activate the KISS1R receptor upstream of GnRH. Kisspeptin-10 is the shortest fully active sequence and has two physiological studies in healthy men, while much of the human clinical work, including IVF trials, used kisspeptin-54.
Why does continuous kisspeptin or GnRH exposure matter?
The reproductive axis responds to pulses. Continuous kisspeptin-10 infusion lost its gonadotropin effect, repeated kisspeptin-54 caused desensitization in hypothalamic amenorrhoea, and continuous exposure to potent GnRH analogues suppresses rather than stimulates the axis.
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not a drug, food, or dietary supplement. Listing a compound under a research goal describes published research in the stated model. It is not a claim that the compound works, and it is not medical advice.