KPV: the complete guide
KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Research focuses on its anti-inflammatory properties in gastrointestinal, skin, and systemic inflammation models.
How KPV works
KPV binds intracellular targets and melanocortin receptors at low affinity, downregulating NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Evidence is strongest in IBD and colitis animal models.
Typical KPV dosage
Commonly reported research ranges: 500–1000 mcg daily (subcutaneous); oral protocols also used.
Dose should always be individualized. Factors that influence it include bodyweight, research goal, tolerance, and specific compound batch. The information below is educational, not a prescription.
How to reconstitute KPV
A widely used reconstitution for a 5 mg vial is 2 ml of bacteriostatic water. With a typical 500 mcg dose this works out to the unit count shown in the calculator below.
Half-life and administration frequency
Approximately 1–2 hours.
This half-life informs how often KPV is typically dosed. Shorter half-lives usually mean more frequent dosing to maintain plasma levels; longer half-lives allow daily, weekly, or less-frequent administration depending on the compound.
Plot it: the KPV half-life and pharmacokinetics chart shows accumulation, steady state, peak and trough for any cadence. Converting between mcg, mg and IU? Use the peptide dose converter.
Reported side effects
- Injection-site reactions
- Limited human safety data
- No well-characterized serious adverse events in published animal data
This list reflects effects reported in available literature or user logs. It is not exhaustive. Adverse reactions should be discussed with a qualified clinician.
Common KPV stacks
Related peptides
Compounds that come up alongside KPV — because they are compared with it, stacked with it, or sit in the same category.
BPC-157
Commonly run alongside KPV — Gastric pentadecapeptide.
TB-500
Commonly run alongside KPV — Synthetic peptide fragment of thymosin beta-4.
Browse the full peptide glossary, the peptide stack guides, or the reconstitution calculator.
Storage and handling
Lyophilized: refrigerated. Reconstituted: refrigerated, use within 28 days.
FDA and regulatory status
Not FDA approved. Research use only in the US.
KPV clinical trials and evidence
For clinical-trial and primary-literature context, start with the sources below. We prioritize official drug labels, ClinicalTrials.gov records, and PubMed-indexed literature when available.
- α-MSH and KPV derivatives trial records — ClinicalTrials.gov
Track your KPV protocol on iPhone
Peptide Protocol logs every dose, calculates reconstitution for you, and keeps your full protocol on one calm screen.
See the app →Frequently asked questions
What is KPV?
KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Research focuses on its anti-inflammatory properties in gastrointestinal, skin, and systemic inflammation models.
How does KPV work?
KPV binds intracellular targets and melanocortin receptors at low affinity, downregulating NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Evidence is strongest in IBD and colitis animal models.
What is a typical KPV dose?
Commonly reported ranges are 500–1000 mcg daily (subcutaneous); oral protocols also used. This is research information, not a recommendation — dosing should be individualized under clinical guidance.
What is the half-life of KPV?
Approximately 1–2 hours. This influences how often it is administered.
How do you reconstitute KPV?
A common approach is to add 2 ml of bacteriostatic water to a 5 mg vial. Use the reconstitution calculator for exact unit counts.
What are the side effects of KPV?
Injection-site reactions; Limited human safety data; No well-characterized serious adverse events in published animal data.
Is KPV FDA approved?
Not FDA approved. Research use only in the US.
Are there clinical trials for KPV?
Registered or published clinical-trial sources for KPV are listed in the references section below. Evidence depth varies widely by compound, so check the cited trial registries and primary literature before relying on any claim.
References
- KPV tripeptide literature — National Library of Medicine. Primary research on KPV anti-inflammatory activity
- Dalmasso et al. — KPV in colitis models — PubMed. Preclinical evidence in IBD/colitis models
- α-MSH and KPV derivatives trial records — ClinicalTrials.gov. Related clinical research on α-MSH derivatives
Sources listed above were used to verify the claims on this page. See our editorial policy for how we source information.
Educational use only. Peptide Protocol is an informational tool. Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice. Many peptides are prescription-only or restricted in your jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before injecting any compound.