Comparison
Elamipretide vs. Kisspeptin-10
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Research other
CAS no.
736992-21-5
374675-21-5
Molecular weight
639.8 g/mol
1302.44 g/mol
Half-life
no data
0.07 h
Sequence
D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2H-Tyr-Asn-Trp-Asn-Ser-Phe-Gly-Leu-Arg-Phe-NH2Mechanism of action
Elamipretide
Elamipretide is a cell-permeable tetrapeptide with alternating aromatic and basic residues that selectively concentrates on cardiolipin — a phospholipid found almost exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane that is important for cristae curvature and the organisation of the respiratory-chain complexes. By binding cardiolipin, elamipretide is proposed to stabilise cristae architecture, support electron transport and ATP production, and reduce the formation of reactive oxygen species. These mechanistic models derive largely from cell and animal models and biophysical work; the extent to which they explain clinical efficacy in humans is, given the mixed trial results, a matter of ongoing research.
Kisspeptin-10
Kisspeptin-10 comprises the ten C-terminal amino acids sufficient for binding to the KISS1R receptor (also GPR54). KISS1R is a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed predominantly on GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus. Activation signals through the Gq/11-phospholipase C pathway to release gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which in turn drives the pituitary to secrete luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Kisspeptin signaling is regarded as an indispensable trigger of puberty; inactivating mutations in KISS1R are associated with absent puberty (idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism). Beyond the reproductive axis, KISS1R expression is described in limbic brain regions, discussed as a possible mechanism for the effects on sexual and emotional processing observed in imaging studies.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human RCT
Studies
4
4
of which in humans
4
4
Effects recorded
4
4
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
1
1
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Elamipretide and Kisspeptin-10?
- Elamipretide is classified as "Research other", while Kisspeptin-10 is classified as "Research other". Elamipretide: Elamipretide (SS-31, MTP-131, formerly Bendavia) is a synthetic, mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide (sequence D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2) that binds cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane and is proposed to stabilise cristae structure and support mitochondrial bioenergetics. It was investigated clinically by Stealth BioTherapeutics across several indications, including primary mitochondrial myopathy, Barth syndrome, heart failure, and dry age-related macular degeneration (geographic atrophy). The trial record is mixed, with several pivotal studies missing their primary endpoints. In September 2025 elamipretide (brand name Forzinity) received accelerated FDA approval in the United States solely for the ultra-rare Barth syndrome; for all other investigated indications it remains investigational and it is not approved as a medicine outside the United States. Kisspeptin-10: Kisspeptin-10 is the shortest bioactive fragment (10 amino acids) of the endogenous neuropeptide kisspeptin, encoded by the KISS1 gene. It acts as an agonist at the KISS1R (GPR54) receptor and stimulates hypothalamic GnRH neurons, driving release of LH and FSH. Kisspeptin is a master switch of puberty and reproduction and is studied in humans, notably by the group of Waljit Dhillo (Imperial College London), in reproductive disorders and in sexual and emotional brain processing. It is not an approved drug. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Elamipretide or Kisspeptin-10?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Elamipretide and "Human RCT" for Kisspeptin-10. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of Elamipretide and Kisspeptin-10 in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Elamipretide — Unapproved, Kisspeptin-10 — Unapproved. United States: Elamipretide — Prescription, Kisspeptin-10 — Research only. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.