Overview
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In plain language
KPV is a tiny peptide of just 3 amino acids: lysine, proline and valine. It is the very end piece of a natural hormone called alpha-MSH, which helps calm inflammation.
In lab and mouse studies, KPV reduced inflammation, including in models of inflammatory bowel disease. It has not been tested properly in people, and it is not an FDA-approved medicine.
For students
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val, about 342 Da) corresponds to residues 11–13 of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), whose sequence was determined in the 1950s. Studies in the 1980s and 1990s found that this C-terminal tripeptide retains much of α-MSH's anti-inflammatory activity.
In cell and mouse models, KPV reduced NF-κB activation and inflammatory cytokine release. In mouse colitis models, orally delivered KPV, including nanoparticle formulations, reduced inflammation; its uptake by intestinal cells has been linked to the peptide transporter PepT1.
For researchers and instructors
Mechanism. Unlike α-MSH, KPV may act without classical melanocortin receptor binding; the mechanism remains debated.
Evidence. Preclinical only. No published randomized human trials.
Regulatory. Not FDA-approved. Since October 2026, licensed 503A pharmacies may compound it under FDA enforcement discretion, which is not approval.
Molecular identity
- Amino acids
- 3
- Molecular weight
- ~342.4 Da
- Formula
- Form-dependent; verify
- Sequence
- KPV
Sequence map
Hydropathy
Kyte–Doolittle score per residue. Positive values are water-repelling.
Origin and history
KPV is the last three amino acids (lysine-proline-valine) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), the hormone that darkens skin. α-MSH was sequenced in 1957 by J. Ieuan Harris and Aaron Lerner.
In the 1980s and 90s, James Lipton and Anna Catania showed that α-MSH also calms inflammation, and that much of this effect survives in its tiny tail, KPV. In 2008 researchers showed that the gut transporter PepT1 carries KPV into intestinal cells and that it reduced colitis in mice. Human trials are lacking.
Key people
- Aaron LernerDermatologist who co-sequenced α-MSH and discovered melatonin
- James Lipton & Anna CataniaShowed α-MSH and KPV are anti-inflammatory
Timeline
- 1957
α-MSH sequenced
- 1980s–90s
Anti-inflammatory effects of α-MSH and its tail described
- 2008
KPV shown to reduce colitis in mice via PepT1
- 2026
FDA allows 503A compounding under enforcement discretion
See every peptide on one history timeline.
Human evidence
Mainly cell and animal inflammatory models; robust controlled human treatment evidence is lacking.
Study design, enrollment, endpoints, outcomes and limitations must be assessed individually; registration is not proof of efficacy.
Explore the literature for KPV and distinguish in-vitro, animal, and human findings.
Safety and regulatory status
See every compound on the regulatory tracker.
Not FDA-approved as a therapeutic peptide.
Long-term risks, formulation differences, and human safety evidence require careful review. Educational content only; not medical advice.
Sources
Hernandez Gener, E. (2026, November 7). KPV: molecular data, research history and evidence. VALREXA Biosciences. https://valrexa.com/peptides/kpv.html
APA style · Last reviewed November 7, 2026 · Our editorial standardsLast reviewed November 7, 2026. Trial and regulatory status can change; confirm in the linked registries. This profile is educational and is not medical advice, a treatment recommendation, or dosing or sourcing guidance. Report an error · Corrections policy