A C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-MSH researched as an orally active anti-inflammatory for gut and skin inflammation.
Research use only — not approved by FDA or EMA. Sold as a research chemical, not a licensed drug.
Also known as: Lysine-Proline-Valine, alpha-MSH(11-13)
Enters cells (in the gut largely via the PepT1 transporter) and acts intracellularly, not via surface melanocortin receptors. Stabilises IkB-alpha and inhibits IkB kinase, blocking nuclear translocation of NF-kB p65 and sharply reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Evidence is predominantly preclinical. In cell and rodent models, oral KPV reduced inflammation, weight loss and histologic injury in DSS- and TNBS-induced colitis, and a notable study showed uptake occurs via the PepT1 transporter on intestinal epithelium rather than melanocortin receptors. Mechanistically it suppresses NF-kB signalling and lowers TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6. A nanoparticle formulation achieved efficacy at roughly 12,000-fold lower concentration in mice. The limitation is decisive: there are essentially no human clinical trials.
We report both positive and negative trial results. For exact study protocols, read the sources — we cite them rather than repackage them.
Bars reflect the strength & volume of research evidence for each use — not a guarantee of results.
Adverse effects in humans are uncharacterised because controlled human studies are lacking. Animal work reports it as well tolerated, but that does not translate to a human safety profile.
BPC-157 — shared gut-healing and anti-inflammatory positioning. LL-37 — both framed as immune and barrier modulators. These are conceptual pairings without clinical combination data.
Mechanistic context only — we don't publish combinations, amounts or protocols.
Compared with its parent alpha-MSH, KPV keeps the anti-inflammatory signalling while shedding the pigment-stimulating melanocortin-receptor activity — which is why it is studied as a cleaner anti-inflammatory fragment.
Largely no. A key nuance is that its anti-inflammatory action in the gut appears PepT1-transporter-mediated, not receptor-mediated.
No. The colitis evidence is from mouse models, with no completed human trials.
No — unlike the melanotan peptides, KPV has no tanning or pigmentary activity.
No reviews yet. If you've used KPV, be the first to share what it helped with and any side effects.
⚠️ Educational research information only — not medical advice. Many peptides are sold strictly for laboratory research and are not approved treatments. The evidence scores reflect research interest and strength, not efficacy or safety for any individual. Always consult a qualified professional.