KPV
Lysine-Proline-Valine · α-MSH 11-13
An anti-inflammatory tripeptide fragment of α-MSH studied for gut inflammation and skin conditions.
Class
C-terminal tripeptide of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone
Half-life
Short
Evidence
Animal models
Animal models
Evidence comes primarily from rodent or other animal studies. Translation to humans is unproven.
Overview
KPV is the final three amino acids of α-MSH, and it retains the parent hormone's anti-inflammatory activity while shedding its pigmentation and appetite effects. That makes it interesting specifically as a targeted anti-inflammatory, particularly for the gut and skin.
In animal models of colitis, KPV reduces inflammatory markers and intestinal damage, and it appears to be actively transported into intestinal cells, concentrating its effect where gut inflammation lives. It also has antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria and fungi.
As with the rest of this category, the human evidence is minimal — the work is preclinical. It is often grouped with BPC-157 for gut-health protocols, but its role is anti-inflammatory signalling rather than the broad tissue-repair signal of BPC-157.
How it works
- Inhibits NF-κB signalling, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
- Actively transported into intestinal epithelial cells via PepT1, concentrating action in the gut.
- Retains α-MSH anti-inflammatory activity without melanocortin pigmentation or appetite effects.
- Direct antimicrobial activity against some bacteria and fungi.
What the research shows
Researched effects
- Reduced intestinal inflammation and damage in animal colitis models
- Reduced skin inflammation in dermatitis models
- Antimicrobial activity in vitro
- Downregulation of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β)
Limitations & what it won't do
- Preclinical evidence only; no controlled human trials.
- Human dosing and bioavailability are unestablished.
- Not FDA approved.
Dosing protocols
These ranges reflect published trials and community protocols. They are reference information, not a prescription. Doses are per injection unless noted.
Anti-inflammatory / gut protocol (community)
200–500 mcgSometimes taken orally for gut-localised effect on the PepT1-transport rationale. Documented for reference; human efficacy unproven.
Reconstitution & measuring your dose
Handling
- Typical vial sizes
- 5 · 10 mg
- Suggested BAC water
- 2 mL
- Storage
- Lyophilised powder refrigerated at 2–8 °C, protected from light.
- After reconstitution
- Reconstituted: approximately 30 days refrigerated.
Why 2 mL? A 5 mg vial in 2 mL yields 2500 mcg/mL — 250 mcg lands on 10 units of a U-100 syringe.
Dose calculator
Draw to
4units
= 0.04 mL · 50 mcg per unit
Concentration
5000 mcg/mL
Doses per vial
50
Side effects
Common
- Injection-site irritation
- Generally well tolerated in anecdotal use
Serious / rare
- Unknown — no human safety data
Contraindications & interactions
Do not use if you have
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
No pregnancy safety data.
Use caution if you have
- Autoimmune condition
Immune-modulating peptides in autoimmune disease should be discussed with a specialist — effects can be unpredictable.
Medication interactions
- cautionImmunosuppressants / biologics — Additional immune modulation on top of immunosuppressive therapy is unstudied.
What to monitor
- Inflammatory symptoms
- Any unusual immune response
Commonly combined with
References
- Dalmasso G et al. — KPV reduces intestinal inflammation via PepT1Gastroenterology 2008;134:166-178
Research & educational information only — not medical advice.
You must be 18 or older to use this site. The peptides described are presented as research chemicals intended for research purposes only. Most are not approved by the FDA for human use. Dosing ranges reflect what has appeared in the scientific literature or community protocols and are not prescriptions. Nothing here replaces evaluation by a licensed physician who knows your full medical history.
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