PeptideFederation

Anti-inflammatory tripeptide

KPV

Also known as Lys-Pro-Val, α-MSH (11-13)

Animal studies

Summary

KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-MSH and carries much of that hormone’s anti-inflammatory activity without its pigment effects. In mouse colitis models, oral KPV taken up through the intestinal transporter PepT1 reduced inflammation.

Structure

  1. K1
  2. P2
  3. V3

HydrophobicGly / ProPolarBasic (+)Acidic (−)

The C-terminal three residues of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH).

How it works

KPV enters intestinal epithelial and immune cells through the PepT1 transporter and inhibits NF-κB and MAP kinase inflammatory signalling, lowering pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Unlike α-MSH, it does not appear to need melanocortin receptors for this effect.

Research use cases

Areas where KPV has been studied. Inclusion here does not mean it works for that purpose.

  • Inflammatory bowel disease models
  • Skin inflammation and wound models
  • Targeted nanoparticle delivery research

What the research found

Colitis models

In two mouse colitis models, KPV in drinking water reduced weight loss, histological inflammation and inflammatory cytokines. The effect depended on PepT1 expression.1

Targeted oral delivery

Hyaluronic acid-coated nanoparticles carrying KPV accumulated in inflamed colon tissue and reduced colitis in mice at lower doses than free peptide.2

Safety and open questions

No controlled human data.

Regulatory status

Not approved. Included in the July 2026 FDA advisory committee compounding vote. Sold for research use.

Status was accurate when this page was last reviewed on October 26, 2026. Regulations change; check with the relevant authority before relying on it.

KPV: common questions

Does KPV cause tanning like melanotan?

No. KPV is too short to activate the melanocortin-1 receptor that drives pigmentation. Its anti-inflammatory activity appears to work through a different route.

Is KPV approved for human use?

Not approved. Included in the July 2026 FDA advisory committee compounding vote. Sold for research use.

References

  1. Dalmasso G, Charrier-Hisamuddin L, Nguyen HTT, et al. (2008). PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology.
  2. Xiao B, Xu Z, Viennois E, et al. (2017). Orally Targeted Delivery of Tripeptide KPV via Hyaluronic Acid-Functionalized Nanoparticles Efficiently Alleviates Ulcerative Colitis. Molecular Therapy.

Links open a PubMed search for the exact title, or the original source where one is given.