KPV

KPV is a tripeptide made of lysine, proline and valine. It is the last three amino acids of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a 13-amino-acid hormone involved in skin pigmentation and inflammation, whose full sequence is SYSMEHFRWGKPV ^[1]. Researchers became interested in KPV because it appeared to keep much of α-MSH’s anti-inflammatory activity without the pigment-stimulating effect, since it lacks the part of α-MSH needed to bind the known melanocortin receptors ^[3].

KPV is sometimes confused with melanotan II and PT-141, which are also derived from α-MSH. Those are larger synthetic peptides designed to act on melanocortin receptors; KPV is not.

In a 2003 mouse study of crystal-induced peritonitis, KPV reduced the build-up of white blood cells, but unlike α-MSH it did not raise cAMP in macrophages, and its effect was not blocked by a melanocortin receptor antagonist. The authors concluded KPV probably works through inhibition of interleukin-1β rather than through melanocortin receptors ^[2].

Gut research points to a transporter called PepT1, which carries small peptides into cells and is increased in the inflamed colon. In a 2008 study, nanomolar concentrations of KPV reduced activation of the inflammatory NF-κB and MAP kinase pathways in human intestinal cells and T cells, and its uptake depended on PepT1 ^[4]. Earlier laboratory work also reported that α-MSH and KPV inhibited Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans in culture ^[1].

All published efficacy evidence for KPV comes from cell and animal studies. In mouse colitis induced by the chemicals DSS or TNBS, KPV given in drinking water reduced inflammation and inflammatory cytokine levels ^[4]. A separate 2008 study found that KPV sped recovery and reduced inflammatory infiltrates in DSS colitis and in a T-cell transfer colitis model in mice, and rescued all treated mice lacking a functional melanocortin-1 receptor from death during DSS colitis ^[5].

Later work has focused on delivery. In a 2017 study, KPV loaded into hyaluronic-acid-coated nanoparticles and given by mouth in a hydrogel reduced mucosal damage and TNF-α in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis ^[6]. These are formulation experiments in mice and do not show effects in people.

We found no published human trial of KPV. The FDA has stated that it had not identified any human exposure data on drug products containing KPV ^[7].

Cell studies used nanomolar concentrations of KPV ^[4]. In mice, KPV has been given in drinking water ^[4] and in nanoparticle formulations by mouth ^[6]. These are animal and laboratory conditions, and no human dose has been established. The peptide calculator converts vial contents to concentrations but does not indicate an appropriate amount.

There are no human safety data for KPV. The FDA has said it cannot determine whether KPV would cause harm if given to people because no human exposure data have been identified ^[7]. The 2017 nanoparticle study reported that its KPV-loaded particles appeared non-toxic to intestinal cells ^[6], but cell and mouse findings do not establish safety in humans.

KPV is not approved as a medicine anywhere we are aware of. In the US, the FDA previously placed KPV in category 2 of its interim compounding policy, the list of bulk substances that may present significant safety risks; the nomination was later withdrawn and the FDA now lists it among substances previously in category 2 ^[7].

On 23 July 2026, the FDA’s Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee considered KPV for wound healing and inflammatory conditions ^[9]. STAT reported that it voted to recommend adding it to the list of substances US pharmacies may compound. The FDA had not posted the votes when we checked, the vote is not binding, and as of September 2026 we have not confirmed a final FDA decision ^[8]. We have not confirmed KPV’s status on the WADA Prohibited List. For national rules, see our legal status overview and the US page.

KPV is sold as a freeze-dried powder. Peptides are generally stored cold, dry and away from light, and reconstituted solutions are refrigerated and used within a limited period. See how to store peptides.

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