KPV
Lys-Pro-Val · alpha-MSH(11-13)
Tripeptide C-terminal fragment of alpha-MSH studied for anti-inflammatory activity (preclinical)
Overview
KPV is a tripeptide consisting of lysine, proline, and valine — the C-terminal three residues (11–13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). Unlike the full alpha-MSH molecule, KPV lacks the sequence required for melanocortin-receptor-driven pigmentation, yet preclinical work suggests it retains much of the parent hormone's anti-inflammatory signaling.
Interest in KPV centers on intestinal and skin inflammation. Cell and rodent studies report that the peptide can be taken up by intestinal epithelial and immune cells and may dampen pro-inflammatory signaling (for example, NF-kB and MAPK pathways), which is the rationale behind its community use for gut-related complaints and inflamed skin. It is sometimes combined with BPC-157 in gut-focused protocols.
Human clinical evidence specific to KPV is limited, and the dosing summarized here is derived from community practice rather than controlled trials. All figures are provided strictly as a research reference and should be verified against primary sources.
Key parameters
- Dose range
- 200–500 mcg daily (community)
- Frequency
- 1–2× daily
- Half-life
- Short (small tripeptide, rapidly cleared)
- Route
- Subcutaneous (also oral for gut)
- Vial sizes
- 10 mg
- Regulatory status
- Not approved; research use only. KPV is a research peptide and is not an approved drug product in any jurisdiction; supplied material is labeled for laboratory use only.
Mechanism of action
NF-kB pathway modulation
Preclinical models indicate KPV can reduce activation of NF-kB, a transcription factor that drives expression of many pro-inflammatory cytokines, lowering the downstream inflammatory response.
Pro-inflammatory cytokine reduction
Associated in cell and animal studies with decreased production of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-alpha and certain interleukins.
Intracellular uptake via PepT1
Reported to enter intestinal epithelial and immune cells partly through the peptide transporter PepT1, allowing it to act locally within gut tissue — one basis for oral interest in gut applications.
Melanocortin-related anti-inflammatory signaling
As a C-terminal fragment of alpha-MSH, KPV is thought to retain anti-inflammatory activity associated with the parent hormone while lacking the residues responsible for pigmentation.
Dosing protocol & phases
| Phase | Weeks | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (community) | Ongoing | 200–500 mcg daily | Community-derived range; not clinically established. Often split into 1–2 administrations. |
| Gut-focused (community) | Ongoing | Oral 250–500 mcg daily | Some protocols use an oral route for local intestinal effect; the rationale is PepT1-mediated uptake, though oral absorption and stability are not well characterized. |
Reconstitution guide
For educational and research reference only. Not intended for human consumption, not medical advice. Compounds discussed are sold and used for laboratory research purposes only.
10 mg vial + 2 mL bacteriostatic water
Concentration5,000 mcg/mL · 5 mg/mL
| Target dose | Draw volume | U-100 units |
|---|---|---|
| 200 mcg | 0.04 mL | 4 |
| 350 mcg | 0.07 mL | 7 |
| 500 mcg | 0.1 mL | 10 |
Higher-strength mix that keeps daily draws very small.
10 mg vial + 5 mL bacteriostatic water
Concentration2,000 mcg/mL · 2 mg/mL
| Target dose | Draw volume | U-100 units |
|---|---|---|
| 200 mcg | 0.1 mL | 10 |
| 400 mcg | 0.2 mL | 20 |
| 500 mcg | 0.25 mL | 25 |
More dilute mix for easier measurement of small doses.
Reconstitution calculator
Pre-filled with KPV's vial sizes. Adjust the water volume and target dose to see the exact draw, with warnings for doses that are hard to measure or won't fit a syringe.
At 5,000 micrograms per millilitre, a 200 microgram dose is 0.04 millilitres, or 4 units on a U-100 syringe, giving 50 doses per vial.
This draw is only 4 units — small volumes are hard to measure accurately. Consider using less bacteriostatic water to make each dose a larger, easier-to-read draw.
Supplies needed
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from supplier links, at no extra cost to you. For research and educational use only.
Recommended supply
KPV — research vial
From our verified partner Dynotides, with a third-party certificate of analysis per batch.
Injection supplies
- View
Bacteriostatic water
Diluent for reconstituting lyophilized vials.
- Buy
Insulin syringes (U-100)
0.3–0.5 mL, 29–31 G for accurate small draws.
- Buy
Alcohol prep pads
Sterile swabs for the vial stopper and site.
- Buy
Sharps container
Safe disposal of used needles.
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Storage fridge
Keeps reconstituted vials at 2–8 °C.
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Insulated travel case
Cooled, TSA-friendly case for travel.
Missed-dose guidance
No approved-label guidance exists, as KPV is a research peptide. With a short-acting daily peptide, a common community approach is to take the missed dose when remembered the same day, or otherwise skip it and resume the normal schedule the next day rather than doubling up.
Side effects & safety
| Category | Effect | Trial incidence |
|---|---|---|
| General | Generally reported as well toleratedBased on community reports; no controlled-trial incidence data exists for KPV in humans. | — |
| Injection site | Local reactions (redness, irritation) | — |
| General | Effects on melanocortin-mediated pigmentation not expectedKPV lacks the alpha-MSH core residues responsible for MC1R-driven pigmentation. | — |
Clinical trials & evidence
Preclinical anti-inflammatory studies
Preclinical (animal/cell)Varies · Rodent / in vitro (including colitis models)
Reduced markers of intestinal and systemic inflammation reported; no large human efficacy trials specific to KPV.
Trial identifier needs verification
Storage & handling
- Lyophilized
- Refrigerate lyophilized powder at 2–8 °C, protected from light; for longer-term storage, freeze at −20 °C.
- Reconstituted
- Refrigerate at 2–8 °C and use within ~28 days; do not freeze.
Comparisons
| Vs. | Target | Half-life | Dosing | Efficacy | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPC-157 | Anti-inflammatory (alpha-MSH fragment) vs reparative/cytoprotective | Short vs short | 200–500 mcg daily vs ~200–500 mcg daily (community) | Often combined for gut/inflammation; complementary mechanisms | Both research-only / not approved |
| Thymosin Alpha-1 | Anti-inflammatory peptide vs immune-modulating peptide | Short vs ~2 h | Daily vs ~2× weekly | Different roles (local anti-inflammatory vs broad immune modulation) | Research-only vs approved in some countries |
Featured in these stacks
KLOW (KPV + BPC-157 + TB-500 + GHK-Cu)
KLOW adds KPV — a tripeptide fragment of alpha-MSH with anti-inflammatory properties — to the GLOW stack, aiming to pair tissue/skin repair with an inflammation- and gut-oriented signal.
Sources & references
Frequently asked questions
What is KPV derived from?
KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide (residues 11–13: lysine-proline-valine) of alpha-MSH. It is studied for the anti-inflammatory activity associated with the parent hormone while lacking the part of the molecule responsible for pigmentation.
Why is KPV taken orally for gut issues?
Preclinical work suggests KPV can be absorbed into intestinal cells via the PepT1 transporter and act locally on gut inflammation, which is the rationale some community protocols give for an oral route. Oral absorption and stability in humans are not well characterized.
Is KPV approved for any use?
No. KPV is a research peptide and is not an approved drug product in any jurisdiction. The dosing here reflects community practice, not controlled clinical trials.
Related protocols
BPC-157
Body Protection Compound 157
Broad tissue-repair effects in rodent models; no human efficacy trials
VIP
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
28-amino-acid neuropeptide; the definitive aviptadil COVID-19 trial (TESICO) showed no benefit
Thymosin Alpha-1
Tα1
Immune-modulating thymic peptide; 1.6 mg twice weekly is the typical Zadaxin regimen
Looking to match this protocol to a verified research vial? Our partner supplier publishes a certificate of analysis per batch.
For educational and research reference only. Not intended for human consumption, not medical advice. Compounds discussed are sold and used for laboratory research purposes only.