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healing · recovery

KPV

Also known as: Lys-Pro-Val, Alpha-MSH C-terminal tripeptide
FDA: Not FDA-approved WADA: Not listed
Last updated · 2026-04-18

KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is the C-terminal tripeptide fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). Despite being only 3 amino acids, it retains the full anti-inflammatory potency of the parent hormone while lacking its melanogenic (skin-darkening) effects. KPV's mechanism is unique among anti-inflammatory peptides: it enters the cell nucleus and directly inhibits NF-kB-driven inflammatory transcription, providing potent anti-inflammatory action through a melanocortin receptor-independent pathway. Its oral bioavailability makes it particularly attractive for gut inflammatory conditions (IBD, IBS, colitis), and recent research has demonstrated efficacy in acute lung injury models. KPV is one of the fastest-growing peptides in consumer interest, with +30% YoY search growth.

This content is for educational and research purposes only. VialBase does not provide medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.

Molecular weight 342.43 Da
Half-life ~15-30 minutes estimated
CAS number 88768-11-0
Route Oral · Subcutaneous · Topical oral preferred
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📋 Full KPV dosage chart — reconstitution, tiered protocols & unit math → ⚠️ KPV side effects — common, serious & how to reduce them →
02

Dosing

DOSE RANGE 200–500 mcg
FREQUENCY 1-2x daily
CYCLE LENGTH 4-8 weeks

Oral bioavailability makes it attractive for gut applications. Can be taken orally in capsule, SubQ injection, or topically. Oral dose typically 200-500 mcg 1-2x daily.

03

Mechanism

C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-MSH — potent anti-inflammatory via NF-kB pathway inhibition; enters nucleus to directly suppress inflammatory transcription; melanocortin receptor-independent action

04

Research summary

Study Type Year Key Finding
Multicompartmental Hydrogel Microspheres with a Concentric Thin Oil Layer: Protecting and Targeting Therapeutic Agents for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. In vitro drug-delivery study 2025 Multicompartmental hydrogel microspheres were built from triple-emulsion droplets whose intermediate oil layers separate two prepolymer phases, allowing each compartment's composition to be tuned via a tailored polymerization strategy.
Lysine-Proline-Valine peptide mitigates fine dust-induced keratinocyte apoptosis and inflammation by regulating oxidative stress and modulating the MAPK/NF-κB pathway. In vitro study (human keratinocytes and 3D skin model) 2025 Fine particulate matter (PM10) suppressed HaCaT keratinocyte proliferation via cytotoxicity and drove a pro-inflammatory response by increasing IL-1β secretion.
Host Defense Peptides with Immunoregulatory Mechanisms in IBD Review 2025 KPV grouped with host defense peptides (HDPs) for IBD treatment
SIPPC oral peptide delivery platform: KPV conjugate for colitis and acute lung injury Preclinical (mouse models) 2025 Self-Immolative Polymer-Peptide Conjugate (SIPPC) technology for oral peptide delivery
Lysine-proline-valine peptide attenuates hepatic lipid accumulation through ROS-dependent regulation of the PPARγ pathway in HepG2 cells. In vitro study (HepG2 hepatic cells) 2026 Oleic acid (OA) markedly increased hepatic lipid deposition in HepG2 cells by upregulating fatty acid synthase (FAS).
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Stacking & interactions

Gut healing powerstack — KPV anti-inflammatory + BPC-157 tissue repair

Anti-inflammatory + immune modulation

Anti-inflammatory + systemic tissue repair

Anti-inflammatory + anxiolytic for stress-driven inflammation

Stacks containing KPV

Marquee

KLOW Stack

GHK-Cu + KPV + BPC-157 + TB-500
06

Sourcing

Current prices

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4mg

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Also vetted at
What bloodwork do I need?

Reference ranges are general guidelines. Consult your physician for interpretation.

PRE-CYCLE
  • CMP
  • CBC
  • CRP
DURING CYCLE
  • CRP
POST-CYCLE
  • CMP
  • CBC
  • CRP
Safety & Regulatory Status
FDA STATUS Not FDA-approved. Not on the 503A bulks list and not in any FDA interim category. An FDA advisory committee (PCAC) recommended it for the 503A bulks list on 2026-07-23; FDA has not adopted that recommendation and compounding KPV is not permitted.
WADA STATUS Not listed

Regulatory status for KPV may change. Verify current status with your jurisdiction before use. This is not legal or medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is KPV?
KPV is a healing recovery compound. C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-MSH — potent anti-inflammatory via NF-kB pathway inhibition; enters nucleus to directly suppress inflammatory transcription; melanocortin receptor-independent action.
How does KPV work?
KPV's anti-inflammatory mechanism is distinct from most peptides: 1. Nuclear NF-kB Inhibition: KPV enters the cell nucleus and directly interacts with NF-kB transcription complexes, preventing the transcription of pro-inflammatory genes (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, COX-2). This is a melanocortin receptor-independent mechanism -- KPV does not need to bind MCR on the cell surface to exert its effects.
How is KPV dosed?
Commonly cited research protocols use 200–500 mcg, 1-2x daily, cycles of 4-8 weeks. These figures reflect commonly cited research protocols, not medical advice — consult a clinician.
Is KPV FDA-approved?
US FDA: Not approved. No clinical trials registered for KPV specifically. FDA 503A: Not on the compounding bulk drug substance list, and not in any of FDA's interim Category 1, 2, or 3 lists — there is no lawful 503A or 503B compounding route for KPV. On July 23, 2026 an FDA advisory committee (PCAC) voted to recommend adding KPV to the 503A bulks list, over FDA's own reviewers' recommendation against it. That vote is advisory and non-binding; FDA has not adopted it, and compounding KPV is not currently permitted. Any change would come through notice-and-comment rulemaking.
What does the research on KPV show?
Limited direct human trials: No FDA-registered clinical trials for KPV specifically; Alpha-MSH Clinical Data: Parent compound alpha-MSH has clinical data in inflammatory conditions; KPV inherits the mechanistic rationale; Anecdotal/Clinical Use: Growing use in functional medicine for gut inflammation, reported improvements in IBD/IBS symptoms; Doping Review (2026): KPV identified among synthetic peptide fragments promoted for anti-inflammatory effects in sport and bodybuilding, with limited clinical evidence supporting use (PMID: 41880199); Colitis (2025-2026): KPV-based SIPPC conjugate (proKPV) achieved 3. 8-fold greater colonic accumulation than free KPV in colitis mice, with enhanced efficacy at 20-fold lower dose. Oral delivery platform with GI stability, mucus penetration, and ROS-responsive release (PMID: 41533788); Acute Lung Injury (2025-2026): Oral proKPV substantially accumulated in inflamed lungs and exhibited potent anti-inflammatory efficacy in acute lung injury mice, demonstrating applications beyond GI (PMID: 41533788); IBD Host Defense Peptide Review (2025): KPV grouped with host defense peptides having immunoregulatory mechanisms.

References

  1. Jeong HS, Choi Y, Kim DW, et al.. Multicompartmental Hydrogel Microspheres with a Concentric Thin Oil Layer: Protecting and Targeting Therapeutic Agents for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.. ACS applied bio materials (2025). PMID: 40030207
  2. Sung J, Ju SY, Park S, et al.. Lysine-Proline-Valine peptide mitigates fine dust-induced keratinocyte apoptosis and inflammation by regulating oxidative stress and modulating the MAPK/NF-κB pathway.. Tissue & cell (2025). PMID: 40073467
  3. Various. Host Defense Peptides with Immunoregulatory Mechanisms in IBD. Various (2025). PMID: 41241376
  4. Various. SIPPC oral peptide delivery platform: KPV conjugate for colitis and acute lung injury. Science (or related high-impact journal) (2025). PMID: 41533788
  5. Lee JY, Lee J, Jung WK, et al.. Lysine-proline-valine peptide attenuates hepatic lipid accumulation through ROS-dependent regulation of the PPARγ pathway in HepG2 cells.. Cytotechnology (2026). PMID: 42064835