Research reference · Lys-Pro-Val
KPV peptide: what the research shows
KPV is a three-amino-acid peptide, lysine–proline–valine, cut from the end of the hormone α-MSH. This site maps every indexed study of it, the model each one used, and what regulators have said, with links to the primary sources.
- Animal studies
- 22
- Cell & tissue studies
- 18
- Human clinical studies
- 0
- Newest indexed
- 2026
By the KPV Peptide editorial team · Last reviewed November 11, 2026 · Editorial review: pending
What is KPV peptide?
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is a synthetic tripeptide matching residues 11–13 of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Its free-acid form has the formula C16H30N4O4 and a molecular weight of 342.43 g/mol [PubChem]. Researchers began studying it in the 1980s because the end of α-MSH appeared to carry some of the parent hormone’s fever-reducing activity in rabbits [Richards 1984]. It is not an approved medicine anywhere we could find, and it has no pharmacopoeial monograph [FDA briefing 2026].
What has been studied
The largest group of studies uses chemically induced colitis in mice and rats. A 2008 study reported that KPV enters intestinal cells through the PepT1 transporter and lowered inflammatory signalling in those models [Dalmasso 2008]. Other work covers keratinocytes, airway epithelium, microglia, bacteria, and fever and swelling models. Results are summarised by area:
- Inflammation research: fever, edema, cytokine and NF-κB studies since 1984.
- Gut research: intestinal cells, colitis models and delivery systems.
- Skin research: keratinocytes and permeation through excised human skin.
- Mechanism of action: what was tested, including routes that were ruled out [Getting 2003].
Regulatory position in brief
FDA lists KPV among compounding substances that may present significant safety risks [FDA 2026]. In July 2026, FDA recommended against adding it to the 503A bulks list; its advisory committee’s vote is non-binding [FDA briefing 2026]. Because no health authority has approved it for human use, it falls under section S0 of the WADA Prohibited List [WADA 2026]. Full detail with dates: regulatory status.
Tools on this site
Common questions
- KPV peptide benefits: which claims trace to a study, and what model it used.
- KPV peptide side effects: why the safety profile in humans is unknown.
- KPV peptide dosage: why no human dose exists.
- KPV vs BPC-157: chemistry, evidence and status compared.
Disclosure: this site is owned and operated by Peptide Titans, which sells research peptides, including KPV. It is not an independent reviewer. Links to Peptide Titans are marked and tracked. Details.
References
- Dalmasso G, Charrier-Hisamuddin L, Nguyen HT et al. (2008). PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. PubMed 18061177 · doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2007.10.026[Animal, grade C]
- Getting SJ, Schiöth HB, Perretti M (2003). Dissection of the anti-inflammatory effect of the core and C-terminal (KPV) alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone peptides. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. PubMed 12750433 · doi:10.1124/jpet.103.051623[Animal, grade C]
- Richards DB, Lipton JM (1984). Effect of alpha-MSH 11-13 (lysine-proline-valine) on fever in the rabbit. Peptides. PubMed 6333677 · doi:10.1016/0196-9781(84)90027-5[Animal, grade C]
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (2026-07-23). FDA Briefing Document: KPV-Related Bulk Drug Substances (KPV (free base) and KPV acetate). Source[retrieved 2026-11-11]
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2026-04-22). Certain Bulk Drug Substances for Use in Compounding that May Present Significant Safety Risks. Source[retrieved 2026-11-11]
- PubChem, National Library of Medicine. Lys-Pro-Val (CID 125672). Source[retrieved 2026-11-11]
- World Anti-Doping Agency (2026-01-01). World Anti-Doping Code International Standard: Prohibited List 2026. Source[retrieved 2026-11-11]