KPV is the tripeptide Lys-Pro-Val, the C-terminal end of α-MSH. Where it comes from, what has been studied, and what it is not approved for.
By the KPV Peptide editorial team · Last reviewed · Editorial review: approved by Ryan DeLauz (bulk sign-off in chat, 2026-11-11)
Short answer
KPV is a tripeptide, lysine–proline–valine, identical to the last three amino acids of the hormone α-MSH. It is studied as a research compound in inflammation models. Every published study used cells, excised tissue or animals, and it is not approved as a medicine[FDA briefing 2026].
Structure and origin
α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is a 13-amino-acid peptide. Its final three residues, Lys11-Pro12-Val13, form KPV. As a free acid KPV is C16H30N4O4 with a molecular weight of 342.43 g/mol and PubChem CID 125672 [PubChem]. Native α-MSH ends in an amidated valine, so researchers have used free-acid, amide and N-acetylated versions, and FDA treats the free base and the acetate salt as different substances[FDA briefing 2026]. See molecular data for all three forms.
Why researchers became interested
In 1984 a rabbit study reported that the tripeptide reduced pyrogen-induced fever, though less potently than full α-MSH [Richards 1984]. In 1989 a mouse study measured smaller irritant-induced ear swelling after the tripeptide [Hiltz 1989]. These results suggested that part of α-MSH’s activity sits at its C-terminal end, and a review in 2008 summarised two decades of follow-up work [Brzoska 2008].
What KPV does in research models
The question “what does KPV peptide do” can only be answered for experimental systems:
Intestinal models. A 2008 study reported uptake through the PepT1 transporter and lower NF-κB and MAP-kinase activation in human intestinal cell lines, plus lower inflammation scores in two chemically induced mouse colitis models [Dalmasso 2008]. A second 2008 study measured faster weight recovery and lower myeloperoxidase in mouse colitis models [Kannengiesser 2008].
Receptor studies. In mouse peritonitis models, KPV reduced neutrophil accumulation without raising cAMP, and the effect did not depend on the melanocortin receptors that α-MSH uses [Getting 2003].
Skin permeation. On excised human skin, KPV did not pass through by passive diffusion at detectable levels [Pawar 2017].
The full list, with the model and limitations of each study, is in the KPV studies database.
What “KPV peptide cancer” searches refer to
One 2016 study used KPV in mice given a chemical regimen that produces colitis-associated tumours. It measured tumour number and size, which were lower in wild-type mice that received KPV but not in mice lacking the PepT1 transporter [Viennois 2016]. The human tissue in that paper was examined only for PepT1 expression; nobody received KPV. This is a single animal-model study, not evidence about cancer in people.
Frequently asked questions
What does KPV peptide do?
In cell and animal experiments, KPV has been reported to lower inflammatory signalling readouts such as NF-κB activation and cytokine output. No study has measured what it does in people, so its effects in humans are unknown.
What is KPV peptide used for?
KPV is used as a research compound in laboratory studies of inflammation, mainly intestinal, skin and fever models in rodents and cultured cells. It is not an approved drug for any use, and FDA found no human use data.
What is KPV peptide good for?
Its established use is as a laboratory tool for studying inflammatory signalling in cells and rodents. Whether it is good for anything in people is unknown, because it has not been studied in people.
Is KPV the same as α-MSH?
No. KPV is only the last three amino acids (positions 11–13) of the 13-residue hormone α-MSH. Studies report that, unlike α-MSH, KPV does not appear to act through melanocortin receptors or raise cAMP.
Has KPV been studied for cancer?
One 2016 mouse study used KPV in a chemically induced colitis-associated tumour model and measured tumour number and size. It is an animal model result. No human cancer study of KPV exists.
Hiltz ME, Lipton JM (1989). Antiinflammatory activity of a COOH-terminal fragment of the neuropeptide alpha-MSH. FASEB J. PubMed 2550304[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]
Kannengiesser K, Maaser C, Heidemann J et al. (2008). Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis. PubMed 18092346 · doi:10.1002/ibd.20334[Animal, grade C]
Viennois E, Ingersoll SA, Ayyadurai S et al. (2016). Critical role of PepT1 in promoting colitis-associated cancer and therapeutic benefits of the anti-inflammatory PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV in a murine model. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol. PubMed 27458604 · doi:10.1016/j.jcmgh.2016.01.006[Animal, grade C]
Pawar K, Kolli CS, Rangari VK et al. (2017). Transdermal Iontophoretic Delivery of Lysine-Proline-Valine (KPV) Peptide Across Microporated Human Skin. J Pharm Sci. PubMed 28343991 · doi:10.1016/j.xphs.2017.03.017[Ex vivo, grade D]
Brzoska T, Luger TA, Maaser C et al. (2008). Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and related tripeptides: biochemistry, antiinflammatory and protective effects in vitro and in vivo, and future perspectives for the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Endocr Rev. PubMed 18612139 · doi:10.1210/er.2007-0027[Review, grade R]
PubChem, National Library of Medicine. Lys-Pro-Val (CID 125672). Source[retrieved 2026-11-11]
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]