KPV
Endogenous anti-inflammatory tripeptide derived from alpha-MSH — potent gut inflammation modulator with topical and oral research.
Research facts
| Half-life | ~1–2h (short, rapidly degraded) |
|---|---|
| Route | Oral / SubQ / Topical / Enema |
| Typical dose | 250–500 mcg/day oral or SubQ |
| Frequency | Once or twice daily |
| Solvent | Bacteriostatic water |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Stability | 30 days at +4°C |
Mechanism of action
KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). It retains the potent anti-inflammatory properties of full-length alpha-MSH while being far more stable and less likely to cause tanning side effects (MC1R-mediated hyperpigmentation). KPV binds to MC1R and intracellular alpha-MSH receptors on immune cells to inhibit NF-κB activation, reducing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α). In gut inflammation models, oral and enema administration of KPV significantly reduced colitis severity — it is one of the few peptides that retains bioactivity after oral dosing due to its small size and resistance to peptidase degradation. KPV has been encapsulated in nanoparticles for improved gut-targeted delivery in preclinical IBD research.
Documented effects (research-model)
- Potent NF-κB inhibition and anti-inflammatory cytokine reduction
- Oral and topical bioactivity (unusually stable for a peptide)
- IBD (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis) preclinical models — significant colitis reduction
- Skin anti-inflammatory effects (eczema, psoriasis models)
- No tanning side effect (does not activate MC1R tanning pathway)
- Nanoparticle-encapsulated oral delivery research for gut targeting
Research protocols
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Cycle | Vial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 250–500 mcg/day SubQ | Once or twice daily | 4–8 weeks | 5mg / 5mL BAC water |
Research context only. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before any protocol decision.
Synergies
- BPC-157 HIGH
BPC-157 promotes GI mucosal healing; KPV reduces the inflammatory cascade driving gut damage. Complementary gut healing and anti-inflammatory action. - Thymosin Alpha-1 MODERATE
KPV reduces innate inflammatory cytokines; TA-1 modulates adaptive immune response. Comprehensive immune modulation.
Myths & misconceptions
Evidence gaps
- No completed human RCTs — preclinical IBD data is promising but not yet in clinical trials.
- Optimal delivery system (free peptide vs. nanoparticle encapsulation) not established in humans.
- Systemic vs. local anti-inflammatory effects via oral/enema route not characterised in humans.
Safety notes
Very limited human data. Small size and stability suggest good tolerability. No significant adverse effects in animal models. Oral use appears safe based on preclinical data.
Biomarkers to monitor
Primary-source citations
- PMID 22659578 — Alpha-MSH and KPV suppress colitis via melanocortin receptors and NF-κB (Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2012)
Frequently asked
What is KPV?
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val — Alpha-MSH C-Terminal Tripeptide) is a research compound classified in our library as Tier C — Limited human trials; effect size uncertain.. Endogenous anti-inflammatory tripeptide derived from alpha-MSH — potent gut inflammation modulator with topical and oral research.
What is the evidence tier for KPV?
We classify KPV as Tier C: Limited human trials; effect size uncertain. See our full peptide evidence tiers explainer for how we assign S/A/B/C/D.
What is the research dose of KPV?
For KPV, typical research dose is 250–500 mcg/day oral or SubQ, route is Oral / SubQ / Topical / Enema, half-life is ~1–2h (short, rapidly degraded). Protocols vary by research goal — see the protocols section on this page for standard and advanced dosing schedules. Research use only, not medical advice.
What does KPV stack well with?
KPV stacks well with BPC-157. BPC-157 promotes GI mucosal healing; KPV reduces the inflammatory cascade driving gut damage. Complementary gut healing and anti-inflammatory action.
Is KPV safe?
Very limited human data. Small size and stability suggest good tolerability. Research context only — no compound on this site is approved for human therapeutic use unless explicitly noted.