KPV

KPV (Lys-Pro-Val)

A C-terminal fragment of alpha-MSH with potent anti-inflammatory and gut-healing properties through MC1R activation.
100% 50% · t½ ≈ 3h 25% 0h 3h 6h 9h 12h Serum level Time →
Molecular Weight 371.47 Da
Half-Life ~2–4 hours
Typical Dose 100–500 mcg
Cycle Length 4–8 weeks

Description

KPV is a tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) corresponding to the C-terminal three amino acids (238–240) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). It was identified as the minimal active fragment of alpha-MSH responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties, without the melanogenic (skin-darkening) effects of the full alpha-MSH sequence. KPV has demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory effects in multiple models of gut inflammation including IBD, colitis, and intestinal permeability disorders. A key advantage of KPV is its ability to directly penetrate the intestinal epithelium when administered orally, making it particularly effective for gut-specific inflammation. It is also used systemically via injection for broader anti-inflammatory applications and is a component of the KLOW Blend.

Key Characteristics

Molecular Formula

C17H33N5O4

Molecular Formula

371.47 Da

Half-Life

~2–4 hours

Administration Routes

Subcutaneous injection, Oral (gut-specific effects)

Typical Dose

100–500 mcg

Frequency

Daily

Investigated Benefits

* Benefits based on preclinical/animal research unless otherwise noted.

Mechanism of Action

“A C-terminal fragment of alpha-MSH with potent anti-inflammatory and gut-healing properties through MC1R activation.”

KPV activates melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) expressed on immune cells, intestinal epithelial cells, and neurons. MC1R is a Gs-coupled GPCR; its activation elevates cAMP, which activates PKA and inhibits the NF-κB signaling pathway — the master regulator of inflammatory gene expression. By blocking NF-κB nuclear translocation, KPV reduces the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8. In the gut, KPV’s ability to penetrate the intestinal epithelium directly (via PepT1 transporter) means it can act on subepithelial immune cells without requiring systemic absorption, providing localized gut anti-inflammatory effects. It also appears to stabilize the intestinal tight junction barrier, reducing gut permeability and supporting mucosal healing.

Administration Routes

Subcutaneous injection

Oral (gut-specific effects)

Key Characteristics

Typical Dose

100–500 mcg

Frequency

Daily

Cycle Length

4–8 weeks

Administration

Subcutaneous injection

Protocol Notes

Oral administration provides direct gut anti-inflammatory effects. SC injection for systemic effects. Can be combined with BPC-157 for enhanced GI healing.

Reconstitution Guide

Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to 10 mg vial → 5 mg/mL

Storage Information

Lyophilized: refrigerate. Reconstituted: refrigerate and use within 14 days.

Quality & Sourcing Standards

When sourcing BPC-157 for research purposes, the following quality benchmarks should be verified before use.

Purity:

>98% (verified by HPLC)

Certificate of Analysis (COA):

Must be provided by supplier

Endotoxin Testing:

<0.1 EU/mg (prevents bacterial contamination)

GMP Compliance:

Manufactured in cGMP-certified facility

Third-Party Testing:

Independent lab verification preferred

Storage Information

Lyophilized: refrigerate. Reconstituted: refrigerate and use within 14 days.

FDA Disclaimer

The statements made within this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. The products and information provided are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is intended for educational and research purposes only. Many peptides described on this site are not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use and are classified as research chemicals. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice.

Research Highlights

1

Demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory effects in IBD models

2

Reduced colitis severity in animal studies

3

Shown to penetrate intestinal epithelium directly

Evidence Level

Primarily animal studies with limited human data. Mechanism is plausible but clinical efficacy is unconfirmed

Compatible Peptides

Peptides commonly used alongside KPV for synergistic effects.

BPC-157

A synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from gastric juice with extraordinary tissue healing properties across multiple organ systems.

Thymosin α1

The most clinically validated immunomodulatory peptide, approved in 35+ countries for hepatitis, sepsis, and immune deficiency.

Quick Reference

Category

Immune Support

Status

Research Only
 

Dose

100–500 mcg

Frequency

Daily

Cycle

4–8 weeks