Inflammation

KPV Peptide

Reviewed 22 October 2026 · How we research

Also known as: Lys-Pro-Val, α-MSH (11–13), KPV tripeptide

What is KPV?

KPV is a three-amino-acid peptide (lysine-proline-valine) that forms the very end of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a hormone with strong anti-inflammatory effects. KPV keeps much of that anti-inflammatory activity but, unlike Melanotan-type peptides, does not darken the skin.

Research has focused on inflammatory bowel disease, where KPV can be absorbed into gut-lining cells through a peptide transporter, and on skin inflammation.

How KPV works

KPV enters cells through the PepT1 transporter, which is highly expressed in the inflamed colon. Inside the cell it reduces activation of NF-κB and MAP-kinase signalling — master switches for inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. Whether it also acts through melanocortin receptors is debated; most evidence suggests the effect is largely receptor-independent.

What the research shows

• In mouse colitis models, oral KPV reduced inflammation and tissue damage via PepT1 uptake (Dalmasso et al., 2008).
• Nanoparticle-encapsulated KPV targeted to the colon was effective at much lower doses in mice (Laroui et al., 2010).
• Cell studies show anti-inflammatory effects in skin keratinocytes and airway epithelial cells.
• No human trials have been published.

KPV side effects

No human safety data exist. Animal studies did not report toxicity at effective doses. Because it lacks the pigment effects of α-MSH, it is not expected to cause skin darkening.

UK legal status

KPV is not licensed in the UK and is sold only as a research chemical.

More detail, including current UK research-vial prices: KPV UK guide. For the doses used in published studies and the reconstitution maths: KPV dosing in the literature.

References

1. Dalmasso G, et al. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2008;134:166–178.
2. Laroui H, et al. Drug-loaded nanoparticles targeted to the colon with polysaccharide hydrogel reduce colitis in a mouse model. Gastroenterology. 2010;138:843–853.