KPV
Also known as: Lys-Pro-Val · Alpha-MSH fragment
Contents
MW
342.43 Da
Amino Acids
3 AA
Half-Life
30 minutes
Route
SubQ, Oral, Topical
CAS
67727-97-3
Formula
C16H31N3O4
Amino Acid Sequence
KPV
Mechanism of Action
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It retains the potent anti-inflammatory activity of the parent hormone without melanocortin receptor binding — meaning no tanning, sexual, or appetite effects.
PRIMARY MECHANISM — DIRECT NF-κB INHIBITION: KPV enters cells and binds directly to the NF-κB p65 subunit, preventing nuclear translocation. This blocks transcription of pro-inflammatory genes (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, iNOS) at the source. Unlike corticosteroids which broadly suppress immunity, KPV targets the specific inflammatory transcription factor.
GUT SPECIFICITY: Particularly effective for intestinal inflammation (IBD). Can be administered orally for direct colonic effect — KPV acts on colonocytes and intestinal immune cells locally. Dalmasso 2008 demonstrated significant gut healing in IBD mouse models.
NO MELANOCORTIN RECEPTOR BINDING: Despite being derived from α-MSH, the KPV tripeptide does not activate MC1R-MC5R. This eliminates the tanning, sexual arousal, and appetite effects seen with melanocortin receptor agonists (Melanotan II, PT-141).
Dosing Protocol
Low Dose
███ – ███ mcg/day
Standard Dose
███ mcg/day
High Dose
███ – ███ mcg/day
Dosing protocols are for paid members
Get exact dosing ranges, injection frequency, timing rationale, and reconstitution math.
Get Clinical Access — $79/moFrequency
Daily, oral or SubQ.
Half-Life
30 minutes
Reconstitution Guide
Full reconstitution protocol with BAC water volumes, concentration math, and units-to-draw per dose is available on the Clinical plan.
Unlock reconstitution guide →Clinical Warnings
Preclinical only — no human clinical trials.
Oral bioavailability beyond GI tract uncertain.
Quality concerns from compounding sources.
Not FDA approved.
Contraindications
Absolute
Pregnancy
Relative Cautions
Immunosuppressive therapy
Side Effect Profile
Mild
- ●Mild GI discomfort
- ●Injection site irritation
Moderate
- ●Headache
- ●Fatigue
Synergistic Peptides
Common Stacks
BPC-157
LL-37
Research Status
PRECLINICAL primarily. PMID 10760996 (Rajora 1997): NF-κB inhibition mechanism. PMID 19706831 (Dalmasso 2008): IBD gut healing in mouse model. No human RCTs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does KPV work?
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It retains the potent anti-inflammatory activity of the parent hormone without melanocortin receptor binding — meaning no tanning, sexual, or appetite effects. PRIMARY MECHANISM — DIRECT NF-κB INHIBITION: KPV enters cells and binds directly to the NF-κB p65 subunit, preventing nuclear translocation. This blocks transcription of pro-inflammatory genes (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, iNOS) at the source. U
What is the standard dose of KPV?
KPV dosing protocols are available with a ClinPep Clinical subscription. Dosing varies by indication and patient factors — consult a licensed healthcare provider. General frequency: Daily, oral or SubQ.
What is the half-life of KPV?
The half-life of KPV is 30 minutes. This determines optimal dosing frequency and timing.
Who should not use KPV?
KPV is absolutely contraindicated in: Pregnancy. Use with caution in: Immunosuppressive therapy.
What are the side effects of KPV?
Common mild side effects include: Mild GI discomfort, Injection site irritation. Moderate effects: Headache, Fatigue.
What peptides stack well with KPV?
KPV is commonly stacked with: BPC-157, LL-37, VIP.
How do you reconstitute KPV?
KPV is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water. Exact volumes, concentrations, and units-to-draw calculations are available in the ClinPep Clinical plan. Always follow your compounding pharmacy's instructions.
How long should you cycle KPV?
KPV cycle protocols vary by indication. Detailed cycle length, on/off schedules, and monitoring guidelines are available with ClinPep Clinical access. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized cycling guidance.
References & Citations
10 PubMed studies · 0 clinical trials
Taxonomic Characterization, Whole-Genome Sequencing, and Cosmetic Potential of Lysinibacillus sp. JNUCC 51 Isolated from Baengnokdam Crater Lake, Mt. Halla.
Kim Ji-Hyun, Liang Xuhui, Kim Mi-Na, Hyun Chang-Gu. Microorganisms. 2025
A novel bacterial strain, Lysinibacillus sp. JNUCC 51, was isolated from volcanic soil collected at Baengnokdam Crater Lake, Mt. Halla, Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. Phylogenetic, ANI (88.76%), and
Electroacupuncture alleviates blood-brain barrier disruption and neuroinflammation via astrocytic MC4R in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis.
Wang Yanping, Ma Xiaoru, Qiao Zhixin, Zhang Xiyu et al.. Journal of neuroinflammation. 2025
Astrocytes are key regulators of neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). Electroacupuncture (EA), a safe and cost-effective adjuvant therapy, has shown benefits in neurodegenerative diseases, bu
UVB-/Age-Dependent Upregulation of Inflammatory Factor Interleukin-6 Receptor (IL-6R) in Keratinocytes Stimulates Melanocyte Dendricity.
Inoue Daigo, Ohba Koji, Shibata Takako. International journal of molecular sciences. 2025
Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation stimulates melanogenesis in melanocytes and melanin transfer to keratinocytes, where the former is mediated by pleiotropic factors such as SCF, α-MSH, and endothelin
Host defense peptides as a new drug lead to a strategy for inflammatory bowel disease.
Rodrigues Júlia Morales, Ferreira Leal Ana Paula, Buccini Danieli Fernanda, Franco Octavio Luiz. Drug discovery today. 2025
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic disorders affecting the gastrointestinal tract, causing severe inflammation and tissue damage. Current treatments often have adverse effects, underscorin
A melanocortin 4- and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor multiple agonist for the treatment of diabetes and obesity.
Ashlaw Emily F, Elfers Clinton T, Chichura Kylie S, Miranda Isabella Chavez et al.. Metabolism: clinical and experimental. 2026
Obesity and its sequelae cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist-based treatments have significant side-effects associated with hi
Treatment of nitrogen mustard-induced corneal injury with alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone.
Kahale Francesca, Surico Pier Luigi, Singh Rohan Bir, Dashti Parisa et al.. Experimental eye research. 2025
Nitrogen mustard (NM) exposure leads to severe corneal damage, resulting in persistent corneal inflammation, epithelial damage, endothelial dysfunction, and vision impairment. Effective therapeutic st
Biomarkers of environmental enteric dysfunction and neurodevelopmental outcomes among children in rural Bangladesh and Kenya: a prospective cohort study.
Ho Gene G, Achando Beryl S, Ali Shahjahan, Hemlock Caitlin et al.. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2025
Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) may worsen undernutrition, with potential adverse effects on the developmental trajectories of millions of children in low-resource settings. This study aimed t
Inflammatory Responses to Zn/Cu-Containing Welding Fume in Human Alveolar Epithelial and Macrophage Cell Lines, with MIP-1β/CCL4 as a Much More Sensitive Macrophage Activation Marker than IL-8 and TNF-α.
Steffens Jan, Kuth Katharina, Kraus Thomas, Dott Wolfgang et al.. International journal of molecular sciences. 2025
Zinc (Zn)- and copper (Cu)-containing welding fumes elevate inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8) in healthy individuals and welders. Zn- and Cu-containing nanoparticles are toxic to hum
Symptom Indications
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Complete KPV Protocol
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This information is for educational and research reference purposes only. ClinPep does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. All protocols should be reviewed by a licensed healthcare provider.