KPV (lysine-proline-valine) tripeptide 10mg research peptide

KPV alpha-MSH fragment (lysine-proline-valine tripeptide): a research overview

Some of the most interesting research questions come in very small packages. The KPV lysine-proline-valine tripeptide is just three amino acids long, and it has drawn steady interest in inflammation research.

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Published findings

Published work on KPV is limited to cells and mice. Researchers at Emory reported in 2008 that KPV in drinking water lessened colitis induced by DSS and TNBS in mice, with lower inflammatory cytokine expression ^[1]. A German group testing two colitis models the same year saw quicker recovery, regained body weight and reduced myeloperoxidase activity in treated animals ^[2]. Later, a 2017 study packaged KPV in hyaluronic-acid-coated nanoparticles designed to reach colon cells in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis ^[3]. There are no human trials in this body of work, and the FDA says it has found no human exposure data for KPV ^[4].

Mechanism at a glance

KPV (lysine-proline-valine) matches amino acids 11 through 13 of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone ^[2]. Cell studies show it enters intestinal epithelial and immune cells through PepT1, a transporter for small peptides, and at nanomolar levels it dampens NF-κB and MAP kinase signaling ^[1]. Some of its effects in mice did not appear to require the melanocortin-1 receptor ^[2].

Regulatory & WADA notes

The FDA includes KPV among substances formerly in compounding category 2 whose nominations were withdrawn, stating it lacks important safety information ^[4]. Anti-doping rules don't mention KPV by name in the 2026 List, though section S0 reaches any pharmacological substance that lacks current government approval for human therapeutic use ^[5].

Thanks for reading. Stay warm, and keep your bench notes tidy.

Further reading

1. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2008;134(1):166-78. PMID 18061177. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18061177/
2. Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2008;14(3):324-31. PMID 18092346. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18092346/
3. Orally Targeted Delivery of Tripeptide KPV via Hyaluronic Acid-Functionalized Nanoparticles Efficiently Alleviates Ulcerative Colitis. Mol Ther. 2017;25(7):1628-1640. PMID 28143741. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28143741/
4. Certain Bulk Drug Substances for Use in Compounding that May Present Significant Safety Risks. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, human drug compounding web page (accessed Oct 4, 2026). https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/certain-bulk-drug-substances-use-compounding-may-present-significant-safety-risks
5. World Anti-Doping Code International Standard: Prohibited List 2026 (in effect 1 January 2026). World Anti-Doping Agency, 2026 Prohibited List. https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/2025-09/2026list_en_final_clean_september_2025.pdf

For laboratory research use only. This product is not intended for human or veterinary use and is not an FDA-approved drug; nothing on this page is medical advice. You must be 21 or older to purchase.