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KPV

An anti-inflammatory tripeptide from alpha-MSH, of interest mainly for gut and skin.

2 min read 16 sources

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Still from the explainer video about this entry
Preclinical · not approvedLab tested in the shop

No time to read it all? The video sums up the whole entry in about a minute, from how it works to the studies and storage.

Summary

At a glance

Sources checked on 25 Oct 2026

Length
3 amino acids

Lys-Pro-Val, the end piece of alpha-MSH (positions 11 to 13)2

Less inflammation marker
~50 %

Rise in MPO during colitis roughly halved, mice, KPV in drinking water1

Less substance in nanoparticles
12,000 -fold

lower concentration than in free solution with similar efficacy (mice)4

Corneal wounds closed
100 %

8 of 8 eyes after 60 hours, rabbits11

Human trials in the registry
0 trials

no trial with KPV on ClinicalTrials.gov, as of 25 Oct 202615

  • KPV is the tripeptide Lys-Pro-Val, the end piece of the body's own hormone alpha-MSH. It keeps its anti-inflammatory action but does not tan the skin.168
  • In gut cells KPV enters via the transporter PepT1 and dampens the inflammation pathway NF-κB there, even at nanomolar concentrations.1
  • In colitis models in mice KPV in the drinking water reduced inflammation: the rise of the marker MPO was about 50 percent smaller in the DSS model.12
  • Further findings come from skin, cornea and cell models as well as from targeted delivery to the colon with nanoparticles.1145
  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists no human trial of KPV (as of October 2026). Everything here is preclinical research, not a recommendation.15
Profile

Updated May 2026

Class
Anti-inflammatory tripeptide

from alpha-MSH

Use
Subcutaneous or oral

in mcg

Half-life
short
Status
Preclinical

mainly gut models

Sizes
5 to 60 mg

5 sizes in the shop

Contents 15 sections
  1. At a glance
  2. What is KPV?
  3. How it works
  4. What you need
  5. Reconstitution
  6. Dosing
  7. Injection
  8. What the research shows
  9. Research status
  10. Side effects
  11. Storage
  12. Related compounds
  13. FAQ
  14. Glossary
  15. Sources

What is KPV?

KPV is a short tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) derived from the body's own hormone alpha-MSH. It carries the anti-inflammatory action of that hormone without its effects on pigmentation or appetite. It is especially of interest for inflammatory processes in the gut and on the skin.

Comparison

Compared with related compounds

Where each compound acts, as stated in the TPD lexicon. Tap a card to open its entry.

MC1R agonist Melanotan 1 MC1R Melanocortin agonist Melanotan II MC1RMC4R
Tripeptide without tanning KPV PepT1

How it works

KPV acts anti-inflammatory directly inside cells by dampening central inflammation signaling routes (like NF-kB). In the gut it is taken up via the transporter PepT1, which is even upregulated during inflammation, so inflamed tissue absorbs KPV preferentially.

Where it acts

Where KPV acted in experiments

Tap a point or a card. Colour = target, grey = observed. All from cell and animal studies.

  1. Gut

    Uptake via PepT1, inflammation dampened in colitis models1

    PepT1
  2. Fat tissue

    Formation of new fat cells slowed in cell culture13

    Observed in trials
  3. Liver

    Smaller rise in liver weight on a high-fat diet (mice)13

    Observed in trials
  4. Blood vessels

    Fewer foam cells from macrophages in cell culture, a model for vessel plaque14

    Observed in trials
  5. Eye (cornea)

    All 8 corneal wounds closed after 60 hours (rabbits, eye drops)11

    Observed in trials

Known targets1

Compound PubChem CID 125672: three described targets, type of action on each card.

Peptide transporter PepT1
Gene
SLC15A1
UniProt
P46059
ChEMBL
CHEMBL4605
Action
Transporter, carries KPV into gut and immune cells
NF-κB subunit p65
Gene
RELA
UniProt
Q04206
ChEMBL
CHEMBL5533
Action
Pathway dampened, not an agonist
Melanocortin 1 receptor
Gene
MC1R
UniProt
Q01726
ChEMBL
CHEMBL3795
Action
Apparently not needed, the effect remained with a non-functional MC1R
Wavy intestinal lining with villi, partly reddish and partly bluish, with two blue 3D molecules above it
Symbolic image.

What you need

Supplies

2 things, numbered as in the picture

Tick off what you already have. Vial and BAC water are our real shop photos at the same size.

KPV vial and bacteriostatic water at the same size with the black TPD label, next to two U-100 insulin syringes, two alcohol swabs and a sharps container with a blue lid

  1. KPV vial

    The KPV vial (lyophilized powder).

    In the shop

  2. Water and supplies

    Bacteriostatic water, U-100 insulin syringes, alcohol swabs.

    In the shop

Reconstitution

Use the peptide calculator. A 10mg vial with 2ml water gives 5000mcg per ml, 250mcg is then 5 units on the U-100 syringe. Just add the water to the vial and let it dissolve.

Step by step

Dissolving the powder

Four steps, the same for every vial size.

  1. 1Wipe the cap

    Clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab.

  2. 2Add BAC water

    Just add it, it does not matter if it hits the powder directly.

  3. 3Swirl or shake

    Until everything has dissolved, both are fine.

  4. 4Draw up

    With the U-100 insulin syringe.

Less water higher concentration fewer units on the syringe Example: 10 mg + 2 ml = 5 mg/ml

Dosing

Dosing

Dosing, titration and syringe

Loading the dosing information …

  • Getting started and stepping up, drawn as a staircase
  • Units on the U-100 syringe for every step
  • How long one vial lasts

Injection

The injection is subcutaneous, into the fat layer under the skin. Common spots are the abdomen (keep about two finger-widths clear of the navel), the front and the inner side of the thigh, or the back of the upper arm.

The short version:

Injection

Where and at what angle

Pick a spot or switch the angle. Subcutaneous means: into the fat layer, not the muscle.

Rotate the spot each time, never the same one twice in a row.

90°More fat under the skin

Rule of thumb: where there is more fat under the skin, insert straight at 90 degrees. In lean people with little fat, 45 degrees, so the needle stays in the fat layer. Simplified diagram.

  1. Clean the spot with an alcohol swab and let it dry

  2. Pinch up a small fold of skin

  3. Insert the needle: at 90 degrees where there is more fat under the skin, at 45 degrees in lean people with little fat

  4. Inject slowly, wait a moment, then withdraw

  5. Put the needle straight into the sharps container

Rotate the site each time so the tissue does not get irritated. Never the same spot twice in a row.

What the research shows

A study (Dalmasso, 2008) showed that PepT1-mediated uptake of KPV markedly reduced inflammation in gut models. That is a clean preclinical basis. But large human studies are missing, KPV stays in the experimental range.

Study results

What the trials measured

Interactive: switch tabs, tap points, show or hide arms. Arms are named relative to each other, no dosing advice.

Inflammation in the gut1

How much KPV lowered the rise caused by inflammation, in percent

MPO in DSS colitis1 Mice, KPV in drinking water, 8 days
Without KPV (comparison) 0%
With KPV -50%
MPO in TNBS colitis1 Mice, KPV in drinking water
Without KPV (comparison) 0%
With KPV -30%
IL-8 in gut cells1 Cell culture after IL-1β stimulus, mRNA measured
Without KPV (comparison) 0%
With KPV -35%

Rounded values from the results section of the study (about 50, 30 and 35 percent). MPO is an enzyme from inflammatory cells and serves as a measure of tissue inflammation. Animal models with few animals per group, not tested in humans.

Fat cell formation in cell culture13

Change compared with cells without KPV, in percent

Fat staining (Oil Red O)13 Precursor fat cells (3T3-L1)
Without KPV (comparison) 0%
With KPV -55%
Triglycerides in the cell13 Precursor fat cells (3T3-L1)
Without KPV (comparison) 0%
With KPV -38%

Values about 55 and 38 percent according to the abstract, at the concentration named there. A single cell study from 2026, plus a mouse model on a high-fat diet. Not studied in humans.

Closed corneal wounds11

Share of eyes with a fully renewed surface after 60 hours

Rabbits, KPV as eye drops11 8 of 8 eyes
With KPV 100%

According to the study the saline comparison group had a significantly larger remaining wound at every time point. The abstract gives no percentage for it, so the comparison bar is missing.

Glass model of the intestine in a glass display case in a bright lab
Symbolic image.

Research status

Where the research stands

Where the compound stands on the way from lab research to approval. As of 25 Oct 2026. 15

  1. Preclinical Cell assays and animal models
  2. Phase 1 no registered trial
  3. Phase 2 no registered trial
  4. Phase 3 no registered trial
  5. Approval not yet
Not approved and no registered human trial. KPV has only been studied preclinically so far.15

So far there is no registered trial in humans. 15

Side effects

  • There is no solid human data on tolerability yet.
  • Reports mainly mention local reactions at the injection site.

Storage

Before mixing the powder is robust, normal room temperature (around 20 to 25 degrees) is fine, ideally kept in the dark. After mixing, keep in the fridge (2 to 8 degrees), do not freeze. It stays good there for at least 4 to 6 months with barely any loss of potency, in practice considerably longer. Swirl or shake to mix, both are fine.

Shelf life

How long it keeps

Undissolved (powder) Room temperature, around 20 to 25 degrees, dark

Robust, no fridge needed. Keeps for several months without trouble.

Dissolved (mixed) Fridge, 2 to 8 degrees, do not freeze

At least 4 to 6 months with barely any loss of potency. The bacteriostatic water brings a preservative.

  • Keep it dark
  • Dissolved: 2 to 8 degrees
  • Note the mixing date on the vial
Nine vials with white powder and blue caps in the door shelf of a bright fridge
Powder dark at room temperature, once dissolved into the fridge (2 to 8 degrees), stable there for at least 4 to 6 months. Symbolic image.

Related

Related compounds

Blends with KPV or a different path: all in the TPD lexicon.

KPV
KPV Oral KPV as a tablet, focus on the gut GHK-Cu + KPV Blend Contains KPV plus GHK-Cu BPC + TB + KPV Blend Contains KPV plus BPC-157 and TB-500 Klow Blend Contains KPV plus BPC-157, TB-500 and GHK-Cu Klow Blend 110 Like Klow Blend, with a higher peptide share Melanotan 1 Same origin (alpha-MSH), acts on tanning Melanotan II Alpha-MSH derivative with tanning BPC-157 Oral (Tablet) Different peptide focused on the gut LL-37 Different peptide from immune defence GHK-Cu Different tripeptide, focus on skin

FAQ

Common questions about KPV

Short answers, each backed by the sources below.

Is KPV approved or studied in humans?

No. There is no approval and as of 25 October 2026 the registry ClinicalTrials.gov lists not a single trial with KPV. All data come from cell experiments and animal models.15

How does KPV differ from alpha-MSH and the melanotans?

KPV is the last three building blocks of alpha-MSH. Alpha-MSH and the melanotans act on melanocortin receptors and tan the skin. KPV lacks the effect on pigment. In studies its anti-inflammatory action also worked without a functional MC1R and without the typical cAMP rise of melanocortin receptors.871

How does KPV work inside the cell?

The transporter PepT1 carries KPV into gut and immune cells. There it inhibits the NF-κB and MAP kinase pathways even at nanomolar concentrations. The cells then release fewer inflammatory messengers. PepT1 is barely present in the healthy colon but increased in chronic bowel inflammation.13

What do the gut models show?

In two colitis models in mice KPV in the drinking water lowered the inflammation marker MPO (by about 50 and 30 percent of the rise) and weight loss. A second group saw faster recovery. In mice without a functional MC1R all animals in the KPV group survived the colitis. In a model of colon cancer after inflammation fewer tumours formed, but only when PepT1 was present.123

Why are groups researching nanoparticles with KPV?

To deliver KPV specifically to the inflamed colon. In nanoparticles a 12,000-fold lower concentration gave a similar effect to free solution. Newer carriers brought 3.8 times more KPV into the colon and worked better in mice even at a 20-fold smaller amount.456

What is known about skin and eyes?

As early as 1989 KPV reduced ear swelling in mice after contact with an irritant, depending on the amount. Human skin cells in culture responded with a calcium signal. In rabbits corneal wounds closed within 60 hours in all 8 eyes with KPV drops. In the lab KPV also slowed the growth of staphylococci and yeast (Candida).9101112

Which side effects are known?

There are no solid data because KPV has never been tested in a registered human trial. In cell experiments individual papers saw no damage to the cells. That cannot be transferred to humans.1514

Glossary

Terms explained briefly

Dotted words in the text open these explanations directly.

Alpha-MSH
Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone: the body's own hormone made of 13 building blocks. It controls skin tanning and dampens inflammation. KPV is its last three building blocks.
Colitis
Inflammation of the colon. In research it is triggered in mice with substances such as DSS or TNBS to test compounds.
Lyophilisate
Freeze-dried powder. Without water a peptide keeps much longer.
Melanocortin receptors
Five receptors (MC1R to MC5R) that alpha-MSH and related peptides bind to. MC1R mainly controls tanning.
MPO
Myeloperoxidase: an enzyme from white blood cells. The more MPO in the tissue, the more inflammatory cells have moved in.
Nanoparticles
Tiny carrier particles, smaller than a thousandth of a millimetre. They protect a compound and deliver it more precisely to the site of inflammation.
NF-κB
A switch in the cell nucleus that turns on many genes for inflammatory messengers. Dampening it slows inflammation.
PepT1
Transporter in the cell membrane that brings small peptides of two or three building blocks into the cell. Plentiful in the small intestine, barely present in the healthy colon, increased in bowel inflammation.
Preclinical
Research before first use in humans, in cell cultures and animal models. Results cannot be transferred directly to humans.
Subcutaneous
Into the fat layer just under the skin.
Tripeptide
A chain of exactly three amino acids. For KPV these are lysine, proline and valine.

Evidence

Sources

Show all 16 sourcesHide sources 14 Studies1 Trial registry1 Database checked 25 Oct 2026

Studies

  1. KPV uptake via PepT1 reduces gut inflammation (cells and mice)

    Dalmasso et al., Gastroenterology, 2008

    DOI 10.1053/j.gastro.2007.10.026 PMID 18061177
    Checked 25 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed, PMC (Volltext)
  2. KPV in two colitis models in mice

    Kannengiesser et al., Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, 2008

    DOI 10.1002/ibd.20334 PMID 18092346
    Checked 25 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed
  3. PepT1 and KPV in colon cancer after inflammation (mice)

    Viennois et al., Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2016

    DOI 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2016.01.006 PMID 27458604
    Checked 25 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed, PMC (Volltext)
  4. KPV in nanoparticles against colitis (mice)

    Laroui et al., Gastroenterology, 2010

    DOI 10.1053/j.gastro.2009.11.003 PMID 19909746
    Checked 25 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed
  5. KPV nanoparticles with hyaluronic acid, oral (mice)

    Xiao et al., Molecular Therapy, 2017

    DOI 10.1016/j.ymthe.2016.11.020 PMID 28143741
    Checked 25 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed
  6. Inflammation-triggered carriers for oral KPV (mice)

    Cheng et al., Science Advances, 2026

    DOI 10.1126/sciadv.aea2989 PMID 41533788
    Checked 25 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed
  7. KPV acts differently from the core melanocortin peptides (mice)

    Getting et al., Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 2003

    DOI 10.1124/jpet.103.051623 PMID 12750433
    Checked 25 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed
  8. Review of alpha-MSH and related tripeptides

    Brzoska et al., Endocrine Reviews, 2008

    DOI 10.1210/er.2007-0027 PMID 18612139
    Checked 25 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed
  9. First paper on anti-inflammatory action of KPV (mice)

    Hiltz und Lipton, The FASEB Journal, 1989

    DOI 10.1096/fasebj.3.11.2550304 PMID 2550304
    Checked 25 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed
  10. KPV signalling in human skin cells

    Elliott et al., Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2004

    DOI 10.1111/j.0022-202X.2004.22404.x PMID 15102092
    Checked 25 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed
  11. KPV drops and corneal wounds (rabbits)

    Bonfiglio et al., Experimental Eye Research, 2006

    DOI 10.1016/j.exer.2006.07.014 PMID 16965771
    Checked 25 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed
  12. Effect of alpha-MSH peptides on bacteria and yeast

    Cutuli et al., Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 2000

    DOI 10.1002/jlb.67.2.233 PMID 10670585
    Checked 25 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed
  13. KPV and fat cell formation (cells and mice)

    An et al., Tissue and Cell, 2026

    DOI 10.1016/j.tice.2026.103837 PMID 42585803
    Checked 25 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed
  14. KPV and foam cells from macrophages (cell culture)

    Bai et al., Tissue and Cell, 2026

    DOI 10.1016/j.tice.2026.104036 PMID 42854645
    Checked 25 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed

Trial registry

  1. Search on ClinicalTrials.gov (no trial with KPV)

    ClinicalTrials.gov, U.S. National Library of Medicine

    Checked 25 Oct 2026 via ClinicalTrials.gov API v2

Database

  1. Structure of Lys-Pro-Val in PubChem

    PubChem, U.S. National Library of Medicine (CID 125672)

    Checked 25 Oct 2026 via PubChem

In the shop

KPV in the catalog

Sizes, prices and shipping times are on the product page.

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