Compound profile

KPV

Anti-inflammatory peptide

The C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-MSH (lysine-proline-valine), studied mostly in cell and animal models for anti-inflammatory and gut-healing effects.

Reviewed for accuracy · Last reviewed July 7, 2026
Classalpha-MSH C-terminal tripeptide
RouteSubcutaneous injection or oral
Common research rangeCommunity-cited only; no human dosing data
StorageRefrigerated, ~4 weeks once mixed

Overview

KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). It is studied for anti-inflammatory activity, and the notable mechanistic finding is that this activity appears to persist even without melanocortin receptors, so KPV likely acts through a receptor-independent route rather than the classic melanocortin pathway.

Most of what is known comes from cell and animal models, with a particular focus on intestinal inflammation: in mouse colitis models, orally administered KPV is taken up by the PepT1 transporter in the gut and dampens NF-kB and related inflammatory signaling. Human clinical evidence is essentially absent, so specific claims about what KPV does in people should be treated as preliminary.

Dosing

There is no established human dose. Community protocols cite roughly 200 – 500 mcg once daily by injection, extrapolated from preclinical work rather than human trials. KPV is not FDA-approved.

Read the full KPV dosage guide →

Side effects

Human safety data is essentially absent because no adequately powered human trials exist. Reported effects are mostly local, such as injection-site irritation, and the honest caveat is that its human safety profile is not characterized.

Read the full KPV side effects guide →

Storage

Keep unmixed vials refrigerated and away from light. Once reconstituted, most research reports store it refrigerated for roughly 4 weeks. See the full storage & safety guide for handling and disposal basics.

FAQ

Is there human research on KPV?Very little. The anti-inflammatory and gut-healing evidence comes from cell cultures and mouse colitis models. No adequately powered human trial of exogenous KPV has been published, so its effects and dosing in people are not established.
Why is KPV described as receptor-independent?In experiments, KPV's anti-inflammatory activity was not blocked by melanocortin-receptor antagonists and persisted in receptor-deficient mice, suggesting it acts through a route other than the classic melanocortin receptors, including PepT1-mediated uptake in the gut.
Is KPV taken orally or injected?Both are discussed. The strongest preclinical evidence is for oral KPV in gut inflammation, where PepT1 transport matters. Injectable use is community-driven, and human evidence for either route is limited.

References

  1. Dissection of the anti-inflammatory effect of the core and C-terminal (KPV) alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone peptidesJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics · 2003 · PMID 12750433 · DOI 10.1124/jpet.103.051623
  2. alpha-MSH related peptides: a new class of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating drugsAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases · 2007 · PMID 17934097 · DOI 10.1136/ard.2007.079780
  3. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammationGastroenterology · 2008 · PMID 18061177 · DOI 10.1053/j.gastro.2007.10.026
  4. Orally Targeted Delivery of Tripeptide KPV via Hyaluronic Acid-Functionalized Nanoparticles Efficiently Alleviates Ulcerative ColitisMolecular Therapy · 2017 · PMID 28143741 · DOI 10.1016/j.ymthe.2016.11.020
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This page is an independent educational reference and is not medical advice, and does not indicate any approval status for any use. Talk to a doctor before starting any compound.