What it is
KPV (lysine-proline-valine) is the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), meaning it is the last three amino acids of that larger hormone. It is studied for anti-inflammatory activity, particularly in the gut and skin, without the pigmentation effects associated with full alpha-MSH. Because it is a fragment rather than the full alpha-MSH molecule, KPV is studied specifically for isolating the anti-inflammatory activity of the parent hormone from its other, unrelated effects.
In the PeptidesAI encyclopedia it is categorized under both healing and immune, reflecting its studied role in calming inflammatory activity in tissue affected by injury or irritation. That focus on the gut and skin, rather than the whole body, reflects where most of the available preclinical research has concentrated so far.
How it's thought to work
KPV is studied for entering cells and reducing pro-inflammatory signaling through the NF-kB pathway, which lowers the production of cytokines, the signaling proteins involved in inflammation. It retains the anti-inflammatory core of alpha-MSH's activity without the melanocortin receptor activity responsible for pigmentation effects, which is the basis for describing it as a more targeted fragment of the parent hormone.
What the research says
Preclinical studies show anti-inflammatory effects associated with KPV in colitis and skin models. Human clinical data remains limited, so its anti-inflammatory findings currently rest mainly on animal and laboratory research rather than trials in people.
Reported side effects
Reported side effects are minimal. Occasional injection site irritation has been noted, and long-term human safety data is limited. No serious adverse effects are described in the available material.
Reconstitution
KPV is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and is typically reconstituted with bacteriostatic (BAC) water before use. It commonly comes in 5 mg and 10 mg vials. The amount of peptide in the vial is fixed; the water added only changes how concentrated the solution is.
Worked example. A 5 mg vial is 5,000 mcg. Reconstituted with 1 mL of BAC water, that works out to 5,000 mcg ÷ 1 mL = 5,000 mcg/mL. On a U-100 insulin syringe, where each unit is 0.01 mL, each unit holds 5,000 × 0.01 = 50 mcg. Use the peptide reconstitution calculator to work out the concentration and units for any vial size and water volume.
Important notes
KPV is not FDA-approved for any human use and is sold only as a research chemical. As with other early-stage research chemicals discussed on this site, the absence of regulatory review means quality and purity are not independently verified the way an approved medicine's would be.
Frequently asked questions
These questions cover the same ground as the sections above, in a shorter format.
What is KPV?
The C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-MSH, studied for anti-inflammatory activity in the gut and skin without alpha-MSH's pigmentation effects.
How is KPV thought to work?
It is studied for entering cells and reducing pro-inflammatory NF-kB signaling, lowering cytokine production, while retaining alpha-MSH's anti-inflammatory core.
What does the research on KPV say?
Preclinical studies show anti-inflammatory effects in colitis and skin models; human clinical data remains limited.
What are the reported side effects of KPV?
Minimal, with occasional injection site irritation; long-term human safety data is limited.
How much is one unit from a 5 mg KPV vial?
With 1 mL of BAC water, a 5 mg vial is 5,000 mcg/mL, so one unit on a U-100 syringe (0.01 mL) holds 50 mcg.
The full entry, plus the calculator
The PeptidesAI app has the complete encyclopedia entry for KPV — one of 70 compounds covered — plus the reconstitution calculator, a dose log and reminders. Free to download on iPhone.
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