KPV
A three-amino-acid anti-inflammatory fragment of α-MSH.
Overview
KPV is the last three amino acids of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). In mice it reduces colitis and other inflammation. There are no published human trials, so its use for gut or skin issues rests on animal work and user reports.
How it works
Gets into gut-lining and immune cells through the PepT1 transporter and dampens the NF-κB and MAP-kinase inflammation pathways. Unlike full α-MSH, its anti-inflammatory effect in gut cells does not appear to run through melanocortin receptors, so it is not a tanning peptide.
Evidence
2/5
Cell and mouse colitis studies (e.g. Dalmasso 2008, Gastroenterology). No published human trials.
Half-life
Not characterized in humans
Known as
Lys-Pro-Val, α-MSH (11–13)
Compound facts
- Type
- Synthetic tripeptide
- Sequence
- Lys-Pro-Val (KPV)
- Amino acids
- 3
- Molecular formula
- C₁₆H₃₀N₄O₄
- Molecular weight
- 342.43 g/mol
- CAS Number
- 67727-97-3
- Origin
- α-MSH residues 11-13
Reported benefits
Gut inflammation
Oral KPV reduced inflammation markers in two mouse colitis models.
NF-κB suppression
Low concentrations blocked inflammatory signaling in human gut and T cells in the lab.
Targeted gut delivery
KPV-loaded nanoparticles reduced colitis in mice; not tested in people.
Calmer gut and skin
Users report less bloating, IBD-type flares and skin redness. Uncontrolled reports only.
“Anecdotal” means reported by users, not shown in controlled trials.
Community-reported regimens
Not recommendations. These are commonly cited ranges, shown so you can see what real-world use looks like.
| Plan | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community standard Community range is roughly 200–500 mcg. | 500 mcg | Once daily | 4–8 weeks | Subcutaneous |
| Community cautious start | 250 mcg | Once daily | 2 weeks, then reassess | Subcutaneous |
| Community oral Used for gut goals because the mouse work was oral. Not a vial-calculator dose. | 500 mcg | 1–2× daily | 4–8 weeks | Oral (capsule) |
Reconstitution calculator
Set up for KPV. Switch peptide or vial size any time.
1Mix
Add 2 mL water for 5 mg/mL
2Draw
Draw to 10 units = 0.1 mL = 500 mcg
Drag the plunger to set your dose.
3Inject
Next site
Right belly, upper
Tap a site after you inject to keep a rotation.
Pinch the skin, stay 2 in. from the navel, then into a sharps bin.
- Doses per vial
- 20
- Vial lasts
- 20 days
- Good once mixed
- ~28 days
- Syringe
- 30-unit, 0.3 mL
Math only: concentration (mg/mL) = vial mg ÷ mL of water; units = dose (mg) ÷ concentration × 100. Always double-check against your own vial label and a clinician. This tool does not recommend a dose.
Reconstitution
Diluent: Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) — allows multiple draws from one vial.
- Wipe both vial tops with an alcohol swab and let dry.
- Draw the diluent, then inject it slowly down the inside wall of the vial — never straight onto the powder.
- Swirl gently or let it sit; do not shake. Foam can damage peptides.
- Solution should be clear. Cloudy, stringy or discolored = discard.
- Common mix: 10 mg + 2 mL = 5 mg/mL (500 mcg = 10 units).
Storage
Powder
Freezer / fridge
Keep sealed vial in the freezer (−20 °C) for long-term storage; fridge (2–8 °C) is fine for a few weeks. Keep dry and out of light.
After mixing
~28 days
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Never freeze after mixing. Keep upright, capped, and out of light.
Travel
Keep cool
Short trips at room temperature are generally fine for powder; keep mixed vials cold.
Side effects & cautions
Reported side effects
- Injection-site redness or itch
- Mild nausea or stomach upset
- Headache
- Unknown long-term effects
Cautions
- No human safety data. Everything known comes from cells and mice.
- Do not use it to replace treatment for diagnosed Crohn's or ulcerative colitis.
- No data in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
FDA & international status
Not FDA-approved
Not an approved drug. FDA had listed it in compounding Category 2 (safety concerns). It was taken off that list in April 2026 after its nomination was withdrawn. On July 23, 2026 FDA's compounding advisory committee voted 8–6 to recommend adding it to the 503A bulks list. FDA had not made a final decision when this was written, so check the current status.
Regulations change often — verify with the FDA, EMA, MHRA, Health Canada, TGA and WADA before acting.
Often paired with
BPC-157Common gut pairing: KPV for inflammation, BPC-157 for gut-lining repair. No studies of the two together.
Where to buy
| Size | Price | Per mg | Stock | Latest COA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mg | $39.99 | $4.00 | In stock | 99.36% pure, lot KPV0002 ILS Labs, tested 2026-07-30 |
Amino Club list prices as of 2026-10-07, before promo codes. Multi-buy: 2+ units 5% off, 3+ units 7.5% off, 10+ units 40% off. Prices change; confirm on the product page. Mixing? Their bacteriostatic water is Amino H2O from $19.99.
KPV at Amino Club
Check sizes, current price and the certificate of analysis (COA) on the product page. Sold for in-vitro research only.
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- Look for a batch-specific COA with HPLC purity (≥98%) and mass-spec identity.
- Typical vial sizes: 10 mg.
FAQ
Will KPV tan my skin like Melanotan?
No. It is a small piece of α-MSH, and its anti-inflammatory action does not appear to need the receptors that cause tanning.
Oral or injected for gut issues?
The mouse colitis studies used oral KPV, so many people take it by mouth for gut goals. Neither route has been tested in humans.
How is it different from BPC-157?
KPV mainly calms inflammation signals. BPC-157 is mainly a tissue-repair peptide. Both are backed mostly by animal data.