PeptideCompareKPV — the anti-inflammatory tripeptide.
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). It retains the anti-inflammatory activity of the parent hormone without its pigmentary effects.
What is KPV?
KPV is the final three amino acids of alpha-MSH. It enters cells and acts on the nucleus to inhibit inflammatory signalling pathways (NF-kB and others), reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Because it lacks the melanocortin-receptor-binding portion of alpha-MSH, it does not cause skin pigmentation — making it a cleaner anti-inflammatory research target. Particularly studied for gut inflammation.
What does the research show?
What to look for when buying in Europe
KPV is a simple, stable tripeptide — relatively easy to synthesise, so purity should be high. Some vendors offer oral capsule forms for GI research. Require ≥98% HPLC and a batch-matched COA.
Molecular information
Pharmacokinetics
Potency retained over time
Each line is one storage condition: it starts at 100% and falls as potency is lost. Above the dashed 80% line the material is considered reliable — hover for exact values.
⚠ Estimates modelled per compound from its molecular properties (sequence length, cyclisation, oxidation- and deamidation-prone residues, light sensitivity). Indicative only — not lab-measured per batch.
Compare KPV across EU suppliers
8 EU vendors · COA-verified · from €31.99 · Updated monthly
Frequently asked questions
What is KPV? ▾
KPV is the final three amino acids (Lys-Pro-Val) of alpha-MSH. It enters cells and inhibits inflammatory signalling pathways such as NF-kB, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
Does KPV cause skin pigmentation like alpha-MSH? ▾
No. Because it lacks the melanocortin-receptor-binding portion of alpha-MSH, it does not cause skin pigmentation, making it a cleaner anti-inflammatory research target.
What does the research show? ▾
There is moderate evidence for intestinal anti-inflammation, the most-studied application, in colitis and IBD animal models, moderate evidence for general NF-kB inhibition, and limited preliminary data for wound healing and skin.
Has KPV been tested in humans? ▾
No human clinical trials have been completed. The animal data for GI inflammation are encouraging, but human efficacy is unestablished.
How is KPV administered in research? ▾
Research routes described include subcutaneous and oral, the latter being of interest for gut-targeted anti-inflammatory research.
Is KPV legal in the EU? ▾
It is sold as a research compound for laboratory use only.
References
- The foundational KPV work: the tripeptide is carried into intestinal cells by the PepT1 transporter and reduced colitis in two mouse models. Worth stating plainly, because several vendor pages describe this paper as a clinical trial in ulcerative-colitis patients — it is a mouse study. Dalmasso G, et al. Gastroenterology. 2008;134(1):166–178. DOI
- KPV tested in two mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease, tracked by weight loss, colon histology and myeloperoxidase activity. The effect persisted in mice with a non-functional melanocortin-1 receptor, which is why KPV is described as acting largely independently of that receptor. Kannengiesser K, et al. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2008;14(3):324–331. PubMed 18092346