KPV
Also known as: Lys-Pro-Val
Molecular Identifiers
Overview
Anti-inflammatory tripeptide derived from α-MSH (amino acids 11-13). Research in gut health. Can be administered orally or subcutaneously.
The main clinical interest around KPV is its potent anti-inflammatory effect, derived from the C-terminal fragment of α-MSH. It inhibits the NF-κB pathway and modulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, with particular interest in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and inflammatory dermatitis. The combination of a short tripeptide, oral stability, and low toxicity explains its use in oral formulations for gut health.
KPV currently has no regulatory approval from any agency (FDA, EMA, ANVISA). It is most often dispensed by compounding pharmacies as off-label use, in 4-8 week cycles with oral, subcutaneous, or topical administration. It is frequently combined with BPC-157 in protocols for intestinal repair and dysbiosis. Human clinical trials remain limited.
Within the peptides applied to gut health, KPV is often compared to BPC-157: while BPC-157 acts broadly on gastrointestinal mucosa healing, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration, KPV concentrates on dampening inflammation via NF-κB inhibition and cytokine modulation. As a short tripeptide derived from α-MSH, it has the practical advantage of oral and topical viability, with the two often stacked for IBD or inflammatory bowel protocols.
KPV Lys-Pro-Val Half-life
~30-60 minutes
Administration Route
Subcutaneous, oral, or topical
Category
Specialized Research
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibition of the NF-κB pathway
- Potent anti-inflammatory effect
- Modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines
- Intestinal barrier protection
Dosage Protocol
Data compiled from the literature. This does not constitute medical advice.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose | 500-1000 mcg per injection |
| Frequency | 1-2 times daily |
| Timing | Any time of day |
| Duration | 4-8 weeks |
Reported Side Effects
Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.
- Pain at injection site (rare)
- Mild skin irritation (topical)
Product Properties
| Purity | >98% |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and bacteriostatic water |
| Source | Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) |
| Storage | Lyophilized: -20°C for up to 2 years, 2-8°C for up to 6 months. Reconstituted: 2-8°C for up to 4 weeks. Highly stable as a tripeptide. Protect from light and moisture. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. |
Presentations & Preparation
Vials of KPV found in the research market:
Reconstitution
- Diluent: Bacteriostatic water
- Volume: 2 ml per vial
- Inject the diluent slowly against the vial wall
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved
- Never shake
Storage
- Lyophilized: Refrigerated 2-8°C
- Reconstituted: Refrigerated 2-8°C (up to 30 days)
- Protect from direct light
- Do not freeze after reconstitution
Scientific Studies
Published studies on KPV.
PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation
Dalmasso G, Charrier-Hisamuddin L, Nguyen HT, Yan Y, Sitaraman S, Merlin D
Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease
Kannengiesser K, Maaser C, Heidemann J, Luegering A, Ross M, Brzoska T, Bohm M, Luger TA, Domschke W, Kucharzik T
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