KPV
Lys-Pro-Val, the C-terminal tripeptide of α-MSH
A tripeptide from the end of α-MSH, a hormone with anti-inflammatory effects. It is studied in gut and skin inflammation models, mostly in cells and mice.
Structure
The last three residues of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Select any residue to see what it is.
Evidence at a glance
Where the published research on KPV comes from, by type of study.
Cell studies
NF-κB signalling and cytokine release in epithelial and immune cells.
Animal studies
Colitis models in mice, including nanoparticle delivery.
Human studies
No published controlled trials in people.
Research areas
What laboratories have studied KPV for, and in which models. These are research questions, not proven uses.
Intestinal inflammation
Mouse colitis modelsIntestinal epithelial cells- Reduced inflammation markers in mouse colitis.
- Taken up by intestinal cells through the PepT1 transporter.
Skin inflammation
Keratinocyte culture- Reduced inflammatory signalling in skin cell models.
Legal status
KPV is not an approved medicine anywhere we cover. Suppliers may sell it for laboratory research only, and regulators judge that by the whole website, not the label.
United States Not approved
Not FDA-approved. In July 2026 an FDA advisory committee narrowly voted to recommend KPV for the 503A bulks list; the vote is not binding and no rule had been proposed as of 27 October 2026. Research material may be sold for laboratory use only.
United Kingdom Not licensed
No MHRA licence. Sold with medicinal claims it counts as a medicine under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
European Union Not authorised
No EMA authorisation. Under Directive 2001/83/EC a substance can be a medicine by function, whatever its label says.
Sport Check S0
Not approved for human use, so it falls under WADA's S0 non-approved substances class. Check the current list.
Lab handling
General good practice for research materials. Follow the supplier's datasheet where it differs.
Storage
Keep the sealed material at −20 °C, dry and away from light. Let the vial reach room temperature before opening to stop condensation.
Solubility
Soluble in sterile water. Add solvent down the vial wall and swirl gently rather than shaking.
Aliquots
Split solutions into single-use aliquots, label with lot number and date, and freeze. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Work out your stock solution
Stock concentration, molarity and dilutions for KPV, using MW 342.43 g/mol.
Before you buy for your lab
Tick each check as you confirm it with the supplier. Do not order until all six are done.
Questions researchers ask
What is KPV?
A tripeptide from the end of α-MSH, a hormone with anti-inflammatory effects. It is studied in gut and skin inflammation models, mostly in cells and mice.
What is the molecular weight of KPV?
About 342.43 g/mol for the free peptide. Salt forms such as acetate weigh more, so use the figure on your batch certificate of analysis.
Is KPV approved for human use?
No. Not FDA-approved. In July 2026 an FDA advisory committee narrowly voted to recommend KPV for the 503A bulks list; the vote is not binding and no rule had been proposed as of 27 October 2026. Research material may be sold for laboratory use only.
How should KPV be stored in the lab?
Keep the sealed material cold, dry and away from light, typically at −20 °C. Once in solution, split it into single-use aliquots and freeze to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Does this page give doses?
No. We publish laboratory and educational information only, never doses, injection guidance or treatment advice.
Is KPV legal in the US after the July 2026 FDA vote?
It is still not FDA-approved. On 23–24 July 2026 the FDA Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee narrowly voted to recommend adding BPC-157, KPV, TB-500, MOTS-c, Epitalon and Semax to the 503A bulks list, against the advice of FDA staff. The vote is not binding. As of 27 October 2026 no rule has been proposed, and an interim access policy for compounding pharmacies has been under White House review since 14 October 2026. None of this changes the position of research-use-only sellers. Read our explainer on the July 2026 FDA vote.
Is KPV legal in the UK?
KPV it is not licensed by the MHRA. Selling it with medicinal claims makes it an unlicensed medicine under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, so UK suppliers can only offer it for laboratory research.
What does KPV stand for?
KPV is the tripeptide Lys-Pro-Val, the C-terminal end of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH).
KPV vs BPC-157: what is the difference?
KPV is a 3-amino-acid α-MSH fragment studied in inflammation models. BPC-157 is a 15-amino-acid gastric-protein fragment studied in tissue repair. See our BPC-157 profile.
What is the half-life of KPV?
There is no reliable published half-life for KPV in humans. No reliable human pharmacokinetic data have been published, so treat any half-life figure quoted by sellers with caution.
Is KPV banned by WADA?
It is not approved for human use, so it falls under WADA's S0 non-approved substances class, which is prohibited at all times.
