KPV · DOSSIER

KPV

Lys-Pro-Val · Alpha-MSH C-terminales Tripeptid · Peptide · 3 AS
LEGAL DE · UNCLASSIFIEDEVIDENCE · PRECLINICAL3 STUDIES
FIG.01 — SIGNAL CHAIN
Lys-Pro-Val (KPV) · ~342.43 Da
02

Mechanism of action

What KPV does in the body — step by step.

01

KPV is a tripeptide (lysine-proline-valine) corresponding to the C-terminal end of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH).

02

While the full α-MSH (13 amino acids) is strongly pigmenting and binds MC1R/MC3R, the KPV fragment exerts its anti-inflammatory effects via mechanisms that are partly independent of melanocortin receptors.

03

KPV inhibits NF-κB signalling pathways in intestinal epithelial cells and immune cells, reduces the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-8, TNF-α) and appears able to enter inflammatory cells directly.

03

Research status

How far along is the evidence?

PRECLINICALEARLY CLINICAL STUDIESCLINICALLY ESTABLISHED
Since 2001, about two dozen preclinical studies on KPV have been published, mainly in models of intestinal inflammation (colitis animal models), pneumonia and wound healing.
Since 2001, about two dozen preclinical studies on KPV have been published, mainly in models of intestinal inflammation (colitis animal models), pneumonia and wound healing.
Kannengiesser et al. (2008) showed a significant reduction of inflammation by orally administered KPV in mouse colitis models.
Catania et al. established the foundation of α-MSH fragment research.
Controlled clinical studies in humans are entirely lacking; interest in KPV is growing in the gut-health and IBD community, but to date it remains exclusively preclinically grounded.
04

Known risks

Without human data, safety statements are limited. What is known:

01
No clinical safety data in humans
02
Long-term effects entirely unknown
03
Quality control not guaranteed from research-chemical sources
04
Extrapolation from animal models to humans not scientifically validated
05

Cited studies

Chronological — links lead to the source.

2001
Alpha-MSH and its tripeptide KPV: potent anti-inflammatory peptides
PubMed 11724638 →
2006
Melanocortins and the inflamed gut
PubMed 16537960 →
2008
KPV tripeptide reduces colitis through down-regulation of intestinal NF-κB activity
PubMed 18462497 →
06

Frequently asked questions

What is KPV?+

KPV is a tripeptide (lysine-proline-valine) corresponding to the C-terminal end of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH).

What type of peptide is KPV?+

KPV belongs to the MSH fragment class.

What is KPV used for?+

In research, KPV has primarily been investigated in the context of: Immunomodulation, Skin & hair. These are research findings (evidence: preclinical), not proven benefits in humans and not a usage recommendation.

Is KPV legal in Germany?+

The regulatory status of KPV in Germany is not clearly classified.

Is KPV FDA-approved / legal in the US?+

No. KPV is not FDA-approved as a drug in the US; it is mostly sold as a research chemical and not for human consumption.

Is KPV legal in Canada?+

No. KPV is not authorized by Health Canada and not intended for human consumption.

Where can I buy KPV?+

Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. KPV is "unclassified" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.

What is the dosage of KPV?+

Peptica publishes no dosing. There are no approved dosing guidelines for KPV; figures circulating online stem from animal studies or anecdote, not from validated human protocols. This is not medical advice.

Is KPV banned in sport (WADA)?+

KPV is currently not on the WADA Prohibited List.

What are the known risks of KPV?+

Documented risks include: No clinical safety data in humans; Long-term effects entirely unknown. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.

How well researched is KPV?+

The evidence is classified as “preclinical”. 3 studies are cited on this page.

What is the molecular weight of KPV?+

KPV has a molar mass of about 342.43 Da.

Which peptides are related to KPV?+

Closely related entries: BPC-157, LL-37. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.

07

Dossier

Legal · Structure · Sources.

LEGAL STATUS BY REGION
Germanyunclassified

KPV is not an approved medicine and has no regulated status in the EU. Not on the WADA Prohibited List. In the absence of clinical studies, a sound risk-benefit assessment is not possible.

Legal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.

STRUCTURE & MOLECULE
H₂NLys-Pro-Val (KPV)COOH
3
AMINO ACIDS
~342.43
MOL. WEIGHT (Da)
Short plasma half-life (minutes range) due to protease degradation; as a small tripeptide it is taken up via the PepT1 transporter
HALF-LIFE
SOURCES & EXTERNAL DATABASES

Methodology: Peptica compiles publicly available studies and regulatory information and assigns each statement an evidence level. Not medical advice. No warranty.

RELATED PEPTIDES & FURTHER READING
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Community notes

Note: These posts are user opinions and not medical advice. Posts containing dosages, therapeutic claims or purchase recommendations are removed. All entries are manually reviewed before publication.
This page is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information. No medical advice · no dosage or usage recommendations · no claims of efficacy · no substitute for medical consultation. Peptica sells no substances. Partner links are marked as advertising; Peptica may earn a commission. © 2026 Peptica · Issue 01