KPV: Anti-Inflammatory alpha-MSH Signalling Without Pigmentation
A synthetic tripeptide fragment of alpha-MSH studied for anti-inflammatory effects without the pigmentation or arousal effects of full melanocortin agonists.
What is KPV?
KPV (Lysine-Proline-Valine) is a synthetic tripeptide corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), residues 11-13. It retains α-MSH's anti-inflammatory melanocortin signaling but, being only three amino acids, lacks the pigmentation-darkening and sexual-arousal effects seen with full-length analogs like Melanotan II. Research interest centers on gut inflammation, skin inflammation, and wound healing via modulation of the NF-κB pathway. It's sold only as a research compound — no clinical trial or FDA approval data exists.
Quick facts
- Molecular Formula
- C16H30N4O4
- Molecular Weight
- 342.43 g/mol
- CAS Number
- 67727-97-3
- Sequence
- Lys-Pro-Val
- Class
- Synthetic tripeptide, α-MSH(11-13) fragment
- Brand Names
- No trademarked brand — sold as a research compound
- Legal Status
- Not FDA-approved for human use — research use only (RUO)
- Category
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Storage
- Store the lyophilized vial refrigerated (2-8°C) or at -20°C, away from light. Once reconstituted, keep refrigerated at 2-8°C and use promptly.
Dosing at a glance
10mg vial + 2mL bacteriostatic water = 5000mcg/mL. A 300mcg dose is roughly 0.06mL (6 units on an insulin syringe). Run the numbers in the reconstitution calculator.
Doses shown are those reported in published research, not a recommendation.
KPV Mechanism of Action
α-MSH Fragment Without the Pigmentation Effects
KPV is a synthetic tripeptide reproducing the C-terminal three residues (Lys-Pro-Val) of alpha-MSH, the parent hormone behind Melanotan II. Because it lacks the rest of the α-MSH sequence, KPV retains melanocortin-pathway anti-inflammatory signaling without triggering the skin-darkening or libido effects associated with full-length melanocortin agonists.
NF-κB Pathway Modulation
Preclinical research points to KPV suppressing NF-κB activation, a master transcription factor driving inflammatory cytokine production. This mechanism underlies most of its studied applications — gut inflammation (colitis models), skin inflammation, and general wound-healing support — though nearly all supporting data is preclinical or in-vitro rather than human clinical evidence.
KPV Dosage and Protocols
Research Protocol Ranges
Vendor/research-typical protocols use 200–500mcg subcutaneous once daily. Oral capsule and topical forms are also sold by some vendors, though no formal dose-finding study exists for any route — all figures here reflect informal research-community convention, not clinical validation.
KPV Side Effects and Safety
Limited Safety Data
No formal human safety or tolerability data exists for KPV. Given its origin as an α-MSH fragment, theoretical concerns include unknown effects on appetite or mood at higher doses, though KPV specifically lacks the receptor-binding profile responsible for Melanotan II's stronger appetite/libido effects. Active CNS or psychiatric conditions and pregnancy are treated as precautionary contraindications.
KPV Research Evidence
Preclinical Evidence Only
KPV's anti-inflammatory and gut-protective effects have been studied primarily in animal colitis models and cell-based assays. No published human clinical trial exists. Its popularity as a research/self-experimentation compound has outpaced the formal evidence base considerably.
Regulatory and Legal Status
KPV has no FDA-approved indication and is not approved for human consumption. It is sold exclusively as a research-grade compound (RUO — research use only). Researchers and users should verify the legal status of KPV in their jurisdiction prior to purchase or use — regulations on unapproved peptide research chemicals vary widely and change frequently.
KPV Stacking and Combinations
KPV + BPC-157
A common research pairing targeting gut health — KPV's anti-inflammatory melanocortin signaling alongside BPC-157's gastric and soft-tissue repair effects. This combination, along with GHK-Cu and TB-500, forms the basis of the popular KLOW blend.
KPV + GHK-Cu
KPV is also paired with GHK-Cu in skin-focused research protocols, combining KPV's anti-inflammatory effects with GHK-Cu's collagen-remodeling and wound-healing properties.
KPV Pharmacokinetics
Rapid Clearance Expected
As an unmodified tripeptide with no stabilizing modifications, KPV is expected to have a very short half-life — likely on the order of minutes, consistent with other small unmodified peptides. No formal human pharmacokinetic study has been published to confirm this.
Contraindications
- pregnancy
- active malignancy
- known CNS disorders without physician oversight
Frequently asked questions
What is a typical KPV dose?
Published research protocols report 200–500 mcg, 1x daily. This is the range described in the literature, not a recommendation.
What is the half-life of KPV?
Likely minutes (unmodified tripeptide) — no formal human pharmacokinetic data exists.
Is KPV backed by strong evidence?
KPV carries a REGEN research grade of D. REGEN Research Tier D — preclinical only (animal / in-vitro).
How is KPV administered?
Routes reported in the literature: subcutaneous, oral, topical.
Who should avoid KPV?
Contraindications noted in the literature include pregnancy, active malignancy, known CNS disorders without physician oversight.
References
- PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation · Dalmasso G, et al. · 2008