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What is KPV?

KPV is a tripeptide (lysine, proline, valine) that matches the last three amino acids of alpha-MSH, a natural hormone.12 In cell and animal studies, most often mouse colitis models, it reduced inflammation without alpha-MSH's skin-darkening effect.345 It is not an approved drug, and FDA's 2026 review found no studies in people.6

This page summarizes published sources for information only. It is not medical advice and does not tell anyone to use a product. Questions about your own health belong with a licensed clinician. For questions about an order or a product, contact us.

Key facts

ClassTripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) matching positions 11 to 13 of alpha-MSH, a melanocortin hormone716
Also known asalpha-MSH (11-13), Msh (11-13), ACTH-(11-13), lysyl-prolyl-valine; made as free base or KPV acetate26
Forms we sell10 mg research vial (white freeze-dried powder)8
Regulatory statusNot FDA approved and not on the 503A bulks list as of October 25, 2026; an FDA advisory committee voted in July 2026 to recommend adding it639910
WADA statusNot named on the 2026 Prohibited List; USADA says the 2027 list names peptides in general under class S03811

What sources report

What KPV is

KPV is a chain of three amino acids, lysine, proline and valine, that matches positions 11 to 13 of alpha-MSH.1 Alpha-MSH is a 13-amino-acid hormone (sequence SYSMEHFRWGKPV) derived from a larger precursor protein, proopiomelanocortin.15 Researchers describe KPV as naturally occurring, and FDA's 2026 review reports that it can be made by solid-phase peptide synthesis.166

PubChem lists KPV free base as CID 125672, with the formula C16H30N4O4 and a molar mass of 342.43 g/mol.7 FDA's substance registry gave it the identifier UNII 7V6LGD8S5R in a record created August 11, 2026.22 FDA notes that KPV is a common name with no official US adopted name, and that it has seen several salts and derivatives sold under that name, so a vial labeled KPV may not hold the substance a researcher expects.6 Researchers who need the compound itself can find KPV for sale as a 10 mg research vial.

How it is thought to work

  • Uptake: in human intestinal cells, KPV enters through PepT1, a small-peptide transporter normally found in the small intestine that increases in the colon during inflammatory bowel disease.3 PepT1 took up KPV with a half-saturation constant (Km) of about 160 micromolar.23
  • Inflammatory signals: at nanomolar concentrations, KPV inhibited the NF-kappa B and MAP kinase pathways in human intestinal cells and T cells.3 In a human airway cell line, it entered the nucleus and kept the NF-kappa B subunit p65 out, apparently by competing at the site where the carrier protein importin-alpha3 binds p65.24
  • Not the melanocortin route: KPV did not compete for MC1 receptor binding even at 1 mM, did not raise cyclic AMP in macrophages, and still worked in mice with nonfunctional MC1 receptors and in mice given an MC3/MC4 receptor blocker.202146
  • Open question: a 2003 mouse study concluded that KPV more likely acts by blocking the inflammatory messenger IL-1 beta, but FDA's 2026 review states that its molecular targets remain unknown.216

Lab and animal findings

The most studied area is mouse colitis, where KPV given in drinking water or in colon-targeted nanoparticles reduced inflammation and sped recovery.3425 Other studies report effects on chemotherapy mouth sores in rats, brain injury in mice, and human skin cells and bacteria in the lab.12141326 FDA concluded that these nonclinical studies suggest anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties in cell and rodent models.6 Full list: KPV benefits and uses.

Human evidence

FDA's review dated May 12, 2026 found no human study of KPV: its searches of PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov and FDA's adverse event databases turned up no clinical studies, human pharmacokinetic data, case reports or human exposure data by any route.6 A ClinicalTrials.gov search on October 24, 2026 returned no registered KPV studies.27 A 2019 review proposed KPV and related peptides as promising future candidates for treating skin wounds and ulcers; that is a proposal, not a trial result.19

Molecule What it is How it differs from KPV
Alpha-MSH The 13-amino-acid parent hormone; KPV is its last three amino acids1 Acts through MC1, MC3, MC4 and MC5 receptors and darkens skin through MC1; a 2010 review of lab and animal research says KPV keeps almost all of its anti-inflammatory capacity628
KdPT (Lys-D-Pro-Thr) A KPV derivative matching amino acids 193 to 195 of IL-1 beta5 A different molecule, also reported to be anti-inflammatory without a pigment effect19
(CKPV)2 Two linked copies of a modified KPV, Ac-Cys-Lys-Pro-Val-NH229 Reduced Candida vaginal infection in rats, and its effects on macrophages depended on the MC1 receptor29
N-acetylated KPV A slightly modified KPV; FDA classes the 1989 mouse ear-swelling study as testing this form306 FDA placed studies of N-acetylated KPV and of the KPV dimer outside its evaluation of KPV itself6

KPV, BPC-157 and TB-500

The supplier lists KPV as one of four peptides, with BPC-157, TB-500 and GHK-Cu, in the KLOW Peptide Blend.31 All three appear on FDA's list of substances previously in compounding category 2 whose nominations were withdrawn.34 On July 23, 2026, FDA's compounding advisory committee voted to recommend all three for the 503A bulks list; RAPS reported an 8 to 6 vote, with 1 abstention, for BPC-157 and KPV.35910 See the BPC-157 profile, the TB-500 profile and the GHK-Cu profile.

Side effects

No side effects of KPV in people are documented: FDA found no study of it in people, and its adverse event database held no KPV reports through December 3, 2025.6 FDA warns that peptides such as KPV can trigger immune responses ranging from antibodies with no symptoms to life-threatening reactions, and it found no animal toxicity studies (acute, repeat-dose, genetic, reproductive or cancer).6 Health Canada's list of risks for unauthorized injectable peptides, such as liver or kidney damage and blood clots, describes the class, not effects measured for KPV.15 Full list: KPV side effects.

Dosage information

No human dose of KPV is established: FDA found no clinical studies and no human pharmacokinetic data by any route, so there is no tested dose, schedule or length of use for people.6 Published amounts come from mice, such as KPV dissolved in drinking water for 8 days during induced colitis, or a single abdominal injection after a brain injury.2314 They describe experiments and are not guidance for people. Full list: KPV dosage.

Reconstitution and storage

The supplier describes the vial contents as a white freeze-dried solid, says the powder must be mixed with bacteriostatic water, and does not include the water.832 Its storage figures are 36 months at -20 °C or 30 days at 2 to 8 °C, with mixed solutions kept at 2 to 8 °C; these are supplier statements, not independent stability data.8

  • Vendor stability data: citing a vendor's website, FDA's review reports freeze-dried KPV free base as stable up to 3 years at -20 °C in a tightly closed container, 2 years at 4 °C and 3 months at 15 °C.6 A KPV acetate certificate lists long-term storage sealed at 2 to 8 °C.6
  • Solubility: in vendor documents FDA reviewed, the free base dissolved in water only up to 0.70 mg/mL and the acetate at 5 mg/mL, so the salt form changes how much diluent a vial needs.6
  • Breakdown: under acid, alkali and hydrogen peroxide stress in a 2015 lab study, KPV broke down mainly into lys-pro-diketopiperazine.33 FDA adds that pH, heat, concentration, impurities and added ingredients may make peptides clump and break down, which could leave them less active.6

The lab steps are in the reconstitution guide, the reconstitution calculator handles concentration math, and How to store peptides covers sealed and mixed vials.

Regulatory status

United States

KPV is not an approved drug: FDA's review dated May 12, 2026 found that it has no USP or NF monograph and is not a component of any FDA-approved drug.6 As of October 25, 2026, it is not among the substances on the 503A bulks list in federal regulations (21 CFR 216.23).39

KPV used to sit in FDA's compounding category 2, the nominated bulk substances FDA says may present significant safety risks.34 Its nomination was withdrawn: FDA's list, current as of April 22, 2026, files KPV under substances nominated but withdrawn and states that FDA has found no human exposure data for KPV by any route.34

FDA staff recommended against adding KPV, as free base or acetate, to the 503A bulks list.6 They said it is not well characterized, its extent of use in compounding is unknown, and there is no information on its use in humans to judge safety or effectiveness.6 On July 23, 2026, FDA's Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee, which FDA had asked to vote separately on the two forms, recommended adding KPV; RAPS reported the tally as 8 to 6, with 1 abstention, in a vote it described as covering BPC-157 and KPV.18910 FDA's meeting page had posted no minutes or vote results as of October 25, 2026, and FDA says its advisory committees make non-binding recommendations.35 NCPA reported that pharmacies may not compound KPV until final rulemaking is in place.10

FDA said that outsourcing facilities (503B) had not reported compounding any drug product containing KPV from January 2017 to June 2025.6 In a June 2026 warning letter to an online peptide seller, about other peptides, FDA stated that despite research-use-only and not-for-human-consumption labels, evidence from the seller's labeling and website established that its products were intended as drugs for human use.36

Outside the United States

FDA's 2026 review found no KPV monograph in the European Pharmacopoeia or the Japanese Pharmacopoeia, and no KPV product authorized by the European Medicines Agency.6 Health Canada's advisory of April 9, 2026 lists KPV among unauthorized injectable peptide drugs it has seized, and says research-use-only labeling does not make such products legal or exempt from regulatory requirements.15

Sport

KPV is not named on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List, whose class S0 bans at all times any pharmacological substance not covered elsewhere on the list and with no current government approval for human therapeutic use.38 USADA's guide to the 2027 list, in force from January 1, 2027, does not name KPV individually either.11 It says many peptides not approved for human use fall under class S0, non-approved substances, or other classes, and that the 2027 list names peptides in general under S0.11 A 2026 review of peptide use in sport lists KPV among peptides promoted to athletes and bodybuilders.37

Research-use labeling

The supplier states that its products are for research purposes only and are not intended for human consumption.8 Vials sold here carry the label: For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.

More on KPV

  • KPV dosage

    Published dosing information for KPV from animal and cell studies, with its sources, and why it is not advice for you.

  • KPV benefits and uses

    What published sources report about KPV and its uses, with the evidence level of each finding. No promises.

  • KPV side effects

    Side effects of KPV as reported in FDA's 2026 review and published studies, with links to the full profile. No study has tested KPV in people.

KPV in the store

KPV for sale: strengths, stock and shipping are on the product page.

For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Read the research use policy.

Related reading

Related profiles

Frequently asked questions

What is the peptide KPV good for?

In research, KPV has been studied mainly for gut inflammation in mouse colitis models, with smaller lines of work on wounds, skin cells, brain injury and microbes in cells and animals.341213141 None of these uses has been tested in people.6 FDA concluded in 2026 that there is a lack of evidence to evaluate how well KPV works for wound healing or inflammatory conditions.6 Each area and its evidence level is set out in KPV benefits and uses.

Who shouldn't take KPV peptide?

No group of people is known to be able to use KPV safely, because FDA found no study of it in people.6 FDA also found no animal toxicity, reproductive or cancer studies, so the risks for anyone, pregnant women included, are unknown.6 Health Canada tells consumers not to use unauthorized injectable peptides such as KPV.15 Athletes also face anti-doping rules on unapproved peptides.11

Can doctors prescribe KPV?

There is no FDA-approved KPV medicine to prescribe.6 As of October 25, 2026, KPV is also not on FDA's 503A bulks list, the list of bulk substances pharmacies may use to compound drugs.39 On July 23, 2026, FDA's advisory committee voted to recommend adding it, against FDA staff advice; RAPS reported an 8 to 6 tally, with 1 abstention, for BPC-157 and KPV.9 NCPA reported that the vote is not binding and that pharmacies may not compound KPV until final rulemaking is in place.10

Can you get KPV in pill form?

No KPV pill is approved.6 Mouse studies gave KPV by mouth, in drinking water or in colon-targeted nanoparticles, and cell studies show uptake through the gut transporter PepT1, but no oral product has been tested in people.3166 FDA notes that websites promote compounded KPV as oral, injectable, topical and nasal spray products.6 The form sold on this site is a freeze-dried powder in a vial.8

Is KPV FDA approved?

No. FDA's review dated May 12, 2026 states that KPV, as free base or acetate, is not a component of any FDA-approved drug and has no USP or NF monograph.6 A search of FDA's Drugs@FDA data on October 24, 2026 found no approved product with KPV as an active ingredient.17 The same FDA review found no KPV product authorized by the European Medicines Agency.6

Is KPV the same as KPV acetate?

Not exactly. FDA evaluates KPV free base and KPV acetate as separate bulk drug substances that share one active moiety, and it asked its advisory committee to vote on each form separately.618 The acetate is heavier, 402.5 against 342.43 g/mol, so 10 mg of KPV acetate carries about 8.5 mg of KPV itself (our arithmetic).67 The two forms also dissolve very differently in water, which matters for lab mixing.6

Does KPV cause tanning like Melanotan?

No tanning effect has been reported, though KPV has not been tested in people: reviews report that it lacks the pigment-inducing activity of alpha-MSH, which darkens skin mainly through MC1 receptors on pigment cells, and KPV did not compete for MC1 receptor binding in lab tests.195620 In a 2003 mouse study, Melanotan II raised cyclic AMP in macrophages and KPV did not, though both reduced white-cell build-up in peritonitis.21 See What is Melanotan 2?.

Written by D2C Peptides Editorial Team.

Pending qualified review.

Updated .

Sources

  1. Antimicrobial effects of alpha-MSH peptides (Cutuli M et al.) [PMID 10670585]. Journal of Leukocyte Biology (abstract via NLM PubMed E-utilities), 2000.
  2. PubChem synonyms: CID 125672. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH/NLM), PubChem PUG REST, 2026.
  3. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation (Dalmasso G et al.) [PMID 18061177]. Gastroenterology (abstract via NLM PubMed E-utilities), 2008.
  4. Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease (Kannengiesser K et al.) [PMID 18092346]. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (abstract via NLM PubMed E-utilities), 2008.
  5. Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and related tripeptides: biochemistry, antiinflammatory and protective effects in vitro and in vivo, and future perspectives for the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (Brzoska T et al.) [PMID 18612139]. Endocrine Reviews (abstract via NLM PubMed E-utilities), 2008.
  6. FDA Evaluation of KPV-Related Bulk Drug Substances (KPV (Free Base) and KPV acetate) for Inclusion on the 503A Bulk Drug Substances List, FDA briefing document for the July 23-24, 2026 PCAC meeting (memo dated 5/12/2026). U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2026.
  7. PubChem compound properties: CID 125672 (Msh (11-13), KPV). National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH/NLM), PubChem PUG REST, 2026.
  8. Supplier product specification.
  9. FDA advisory committee backs two controversial peptides (23 July 2026). Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS), 2026.
  10. FDA advisory committee nominates six peptides for pharmacies to compound (July 31, 2026). National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), 2026.
  11. Athlete Advisory: What's New on the 2027 WADA Prohibited List? (undated page; 2027 list in force January 1, 2027). U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), 2026.
  12. In situ mucoadhesive hydrogel capturing tripeptide KPV: the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and repairing effect on chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (Shao W et al.) [PMID 34846053]. Biomaterials Science (abstract via NLM PubMed E-utilities), 2021.
  13. Lysine-Proline-Valine peptide mitigates fine dust-induced keratinocyte apoptosis and inflammation by regulating oxidative stress and modulating the MAPK/NF-κB pathway (Sung J et al.) [PMID 40073467]. Tissue and Cell (abstract via Europe PMC REST API), 2025.
  14. Single administration of tripeptide α-MSH(11-13) attenuates brain damage by reduced inflammation and apoptosis after experimental traumatic brain injury in mice (Schaible EV et al.) [PMID 23940690]. PLoS One (abstract via NLM PubMed E-utilities), 2013.
  15. Think twice before injecting peptides bought online: unauthorized products can seriously harm you (public advisory, 2026-04-09). Health Canada (Recalls and safety alerts), 2026.
  16. Orally Targeted Delivery of Tripeptide KPV via Hyaluronic Acid-Functionalized Nanoparticles Efficiently Alleviates Ulcerative Colitis (Xiao B et al.) [PMID 28143741]. Molecular Therapy (abstract via NLM PubMed E-utilities), 2017.
  17. openFDA Drugs@FDA API query: products with active ingredient KPV, LYSYL-PROLYL-VALINE or LYSINE-PROLINE-VALINE (HTTP 404, no matches). U.S. Food and Drug Administration (openFDA), 2026.
  18. July 23-24, 2026 Meeting of the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee: Questions. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, 2026.
  19. Are melanocortin peptides future therapeutics for cutaneous wound healing? (Böhm M, Luger T) [PMID 30661264]. Experimental Dermatology (abstract via NLM PubMed E-utilities), 2019.
  20. Effects of melanocortin peptides on lipopolysaccharide/interferon-gamma-induced NF-kappaB DNA binding and nitric oxide production in macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells: evidence for dual mechanisms of action (Mandrika I et al.) [PMID 11239505]. Biochemical Pharmacology (abstract via NLM PubMed E-utilities), 2001.
  21. Dissection of the anti-inflammatory effect of the core and C-terminal (KPV) alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone peptides (Getting SJ et al.) [PMID 12750433]. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (abstract via NLM PubMed E-utilities), 2003.
  22. Global Substance Registration System record: L-lysyl-L-prolyl-L-valine, UNII 7V6LGD8S5R (full view). U.S. Food and Drug Administration / NCATS, GSRS, 2026.
  23. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation (Dalmasso G et al.), full text [PMC2431115]. Gastroenterology (full text via PubMed Central, NIH/NLM), 2008.
  24. Inhibition of cellular and systemic inflammation cues in human bronchial epithelial cells by melanocortin-related peptides: mechanism of KPV action and a role for MC3R agonists (Land SC) [PMID 22837805]. International Journal of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology (abstract via NLM PubMed E-utilities), 2012.
  25. Drug-loaded nanoparticles targeted to the colon with polysaccharide hydrogel reduce colitis in a mouse model (Laroui H et al.) [PMID 19909746]. Gastroenterology (abstract via NLM PubMed E-utilities), 2010.
  26. C-terminal amino acids of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone are requisite for its antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (Singh M, Mukhopadhyay K) [PMID 21282427]. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (abstract via NLM PubMed E-utilities), 2011.
  27. ClinicalTrials.gov API v2 study search, query term "KPV" (empty result). U.S. National Library of Medicine, ClinicalTrials.gov, 2026.
  28. Terminal signal: anti-inflammatory effects of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone related peptides beyond the pharmacophore (Brzoska T et al.) [PMID 21222263]. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology (abstract via Europe PMC REST API), 2010.
  29. The synthetic melanocortin (CKPV)2 exerts anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory effects against Candida albicans vaginitis via inducing macrophage M2 polarization (Ji HX et al.) [PMID 23457491]. PLoS One (abstract via NLM PubMed E-utilities), 2013.
  30. Antiinflammatory activity of a COOH-terminal fragment of the neuropeptide alpha-MSH (Hiltz ME, Lipton JM) [PMID 2550304]. FASEB Journal (abstract via NLM PubMed E-utilities), 1989.
  31. Supplier product specification.
  32. Supplier product specification.
  33. Stability-indicating HPLC assay for lysine-proline-valine (KPV) in aqueous solutions and skin homogenates (Pawar KR et al.) [PMID 25298219]. Biomedical Chromatography (abstract via NLM PubMed E-utilities), 2015.
  34. Certain Bulk Drug Substances for Use in Compounding that May Present Significant Safety Risks (KPV entry under bulk drug substances nominated but withdrawn; content current as of 04/22/2026). U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2026.
  35. July 23-24, 2026: Meeting of the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee. US Food and Drug Administration, 2026.
  36. Warning Letter: Wholesale Peptide, MARCS-CMS 729447 (June 17, 2026), footnote 1 on research-use labeling. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2026.
  37. A new era of doping? Use of peptide and peptide-analog drugs in recreational and professional sport and bodybuilding: a critical review (Coutinho LFD et al.) [PMID 41880199]. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness (abstract via Europe PMC REST API), 2026.
  38. World Anti-Doping Code International Standard: Prohibited List 2026 (S0 Non-approved substances). World Anti-Doping Agency, 2025.
  39. 21 CFR 216.23 Bulk drug substances that can be used to compound drug products in accordance with section 503A of the FD&C Act. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), 2026.