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Phase IVendors pendingFacts verified · 2026-05-25

KPV

Also known as α-msh (11–13), lys-pro-val · Wikipedia

KPV (Lysine-Proline-Valine) is the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH 11-13). It retains the anti-inflammatory activity of the parent hormone while lacking melanocortin-receptor agonism and pigmentation effects, and is taken up intracellularly via PEPT1/PEPT2 transporters - making it orally active. Preclinical work in models of ulcerative colitis, atopic dermatitis, and mucosal inflammation supports anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity, but human clinical evidence is minimal. It has no Western regulatory approval and is handled as a research chemical. Also known as alpha-MSH(11-13) and Lys-Pro-Val.

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Mechanism of action

KPV is the C-terminal melanocortin tripeptide of alpha-MSH and reproduces much of its anti-inflammatory activity without binding melanocortin receptors (https://pmc.ncbi.

KPV is the C-terminal melanocortin tripeptide of alpha-MSH and reproduces much of its anti-inflammatory activity without binding melanocortin receptors (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2095288/). It enters intestinal epithelial and immune cells via the peptide transporter PEPT1, where nanomolar concentrations inhibit NF-kappaB nuclear translocation and MAP-kinase signaling, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine release including IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and MCP-1 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18061177/). In murine DSS- and TNBS-colitis models, oral KPV reduces disease activity and mucosal inflammation, and PEPT1-targeted delivery further amplifies efficacy (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28143741/). KPV also has direct antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10670585/).

Pharmacokinetic properties

Half-life

short - minutes systemically; intracellular and mucosal residence likely longer

Routes

subcutaneous · oral · topical · rectal

Bioavailability

Orally active because PEPT1 transports it across the intestinal epithelium, making the oral route particularly useful for IBD. Topical and rectal formulations are also used.

Amino-acid sequence

Lys-Pro-Val

Use & research dosing

Anti-InflammatoryGut SupportSkin Calm

No FDA- or EMA-approved formulation exists and no validated human clinical dose has been established. In self-experimentation and preclinical-derived protocols KPV is most commonly described at 250-500 mcg orally or subcutaneously once daily, typically in 4-8 week cycles. Topical formulations for dermatitis and wound contexts are usually compounded at 0.05-0.1% by weight. Rectal/enema and oral nanoparticle preparations have been studied for IBD-targeted use in animal models. Research framing only.

Research-use framing only. SavePeptides sells nothing for human consumption. Doses above reflect reported research / self-experimentation ranges, not clinical recommendations.

Editorial perspective

Unlike intact alpha-MSH, KPV does not bind melanocortin receptors and therefore does not cause skin or systemic pigmentation. Its oral activity via PEPT1 makes it a popular component of gut-targeted research stacks, often paired with BPC-157 or larazotide for putative mucosal-barrier support, though no controlled human stack data exist.

— SavePeptides editorial desk · last updated 2026-05-25

Cautions & contraindications

Before researching this compound, note:

  • Very limited human clinical data; almost all efficacy data are preclinical
  • Not FDA- or EMA-approved for any indication
  • Theoretical immunosuppressive concern with chronic systemic use given broad cytokine inhibition
  • Quality control of research-chem capsules and topicals varies widely between vendors
  • Pregnancy and lactation safety not established; avoid
  • Caution in active infection given broad anti-inflammatory and cytokine-suppressive effects
  • Pediatric use - avoid (no data)
  • Potential interaction with PEPT1-substrate drugs (e.g., some beta-lactams, ACE inhibitors) is theoretical and uncharacterized

Research foundation

The papers behind the page.

  1. [01]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18061177/
  2. [02]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28143741/
  3. [03]https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2095288/
  4. [04]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12750433/
  5. [05]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10670585/

Facts verified

2026-05-25

Confidence

low

What this means

  • evidence base is overwhelmingly preclinical
  • no completed phase 2/3 human trials

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KPV · SavePeptides