KPV

Overview

KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), corresponding to residues 11-13. It is the smallest alpha-MSH fragment shown to retain anti-inflammatory activity. Research-only; not FDA-approved; evidence is primarily preclinical.

Mechanism of Action

KPV enters cells (partly via the di/tripeptide transporter PepT1 in intestinal epithelium and immune cells) and acts intracellularly to inhibit NF-kB activation, decreasing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The anti-inflammatory effect is receptor-independent with respect to melanocortin receptors, distinguishing KPV from pigmentation-inducing MC1R agonists.

Research Summary

Dalmasso et al. (Gastroenterology 2008; PMID 18061177) demonstrated PepT1-mediated uptake of KPV and reduction of DSS- and TNBS-induced colitis in mice. Kannengiesser et al. (Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2008; PMID 18092346) showed anti-inflammatory effects in two murine colitis models at least partly independent of MC1R signaling. Brzoska et al. (Endocrine Reviews 2008; PMID 18612139) reviewed alpha-MSH and related tripeptides, summarizing NF-kB suppression across cell types. Subsequent preclinical work (largely from the Merlin group at Georgia State) has explored oral nanoparticle and polysaccharide-hydrogel delivery for IBD. No controlled human trials have been published.

Vendors selling KPV

Scored vendors carrying KPV, ranked by trust grade. Grades are computed from indexed Certificates of Analysis. Full $/mg pricing is on the comparison page.

Prescribers who offer KPV

47 prescribers in our directory work with KPV, each confirmed from their own website. Peptides like KPV require a prescription from a licensed provider.

Reported Side Effects

• Generally well-tolerated in limited reports
• Injection site irritation (SubQ)
• Mild GI discomfort (oral)
• Theoretical immunosuppression risk at high sustained doses (NF-kB inhibition)
• Human safety data are very limited

Biomarkers researchers track for KPV

These biomarkers appear in the research literature as measures of response and safety for this compound.

Related Peptides

Compare KPV with Others

Research References

• Dalmasso G, et al. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2008;134(1):166-178. (PMID 18061177)
• Kannengiesser K, et al. Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. 2008;14(3):324-331. (PMID 18092346)
• Brzoska T, et al. Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and related tripeptides: biochemistry, antiinflammatory and protective effects in vitro and in vivo. Endocrine Reviews. 2008;29(5):581-602. (PMID 18612139)

Frequently asked questions

Has KPV been independently lab-tested?

Disclosed Labs has collected 94 Certificates of Analysis (COA) for KPV from 15 independent testing labs. 33 vendors have submitted material for testing. Products average 99.5% tested purity across the corpus. Full testing data is available at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/peptides/kpv/testing.

What is the average purity of KPV on the market?

Based on 94 COAs analyzed by Disclosed Labs, KPV products average 99.5% (±0.4%) tested purity. Individual vendor results vary; see per-vendor COA data at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/peptides/kpv/coas.

Which labs have tested KPV?

Independent labs that have tested KPV include: ILS Labs (Grade B), Ethos Analytics (Grade C). Full lab credibility grades and profiles are at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/labs.

Where can researchers source KPV?

8 vendors with Disclosed Labs trust grades currently list KPV, including Glacier Aminos, Ion Peptide, Peptide Partners. Compare live prices and lab-verified COAs at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/prices/kpv.

Which prescribers offer KPV with a prescription?

47 prescribers in the Disclosed Labs directory work with KPV, each confirmed from their own website. KPV requires a prescription from a licensed provider. Browse them at https://www.disclosedlabs.com/prescribers?peptide=KPV.

How does KPV work?

KPV enters cells (partly via the di/tripeptide transporter PepT1 in intestinal epithelium and immune cells) and acts intracellularly to inhibit NF-kB activation, decreasing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The anti-inflammatory effect is receptor-independent with respect to melanocortin receptors, distinguishing KPV from pigmentation-inducing MC1R agonists.

What does the research say about KPV?

Dalmasso et al. (Gastroenterology 2008; PMID 18061177) demonstrated PepT1-mediated uptake of KPV and reduction of DSS- and TNBS-induced colitis in mice. Kannengiesser et al. (Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2008; PMID 18092346) showed anti-inflammatory effects in two murine colitis models at least partly independent of MC1R signaling. Brzoska et al. (Endocrine Reviews 2008; PMID 18612139) reviewed alpha-MSH and related tripeptides, summarizing NF-kB suppression across cell types. Subsequent preclinical work (largely from the Merlin group at Georgia State) has explored oral nanoparticle and polysaccharide-hydrogel delivery for IBD. No controlled human trials have been published.