What Is KPV?
KPV is a tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is studied in preclinical anti-inflammatory research and is not an approved drug.
The short answer
KPV is the three-amino-acid tail of α-MSH — the α-MSH(11-13) fragment. Research interest centers on the observation that this small fragment retains anti-inflammatory signaling associated with the parent hormone while being much simpler and more stable. It is one of the peptides under FDA advisory review in 2026.
Composition and specifications
| Compound | KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) |
|---|---|
| Class | α-MSH C-terminal tripeptide fragment |
| Also known as | α-MSH(11-13) · CAS 67727-97-3 |
| Sequence / length | Lys-Pro-Val (KPV) |
| CAS number | 67727-97-3 |
| Molecular weight | 327.42 g/mol |
| Purity (typical) | ≥99.0% |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder; water-soluble |
Values above reflect the compound's published specification. As with any research material, the definitive confirmation of identity and purity for a given lot is the mass-spectrometry and HPLC data on its Certificate of Analysis.
How it is described mechanistically
KPV is characterized in research as an anti-inflammatory peptide that appears to act on intracellular inflammatory signaling (including NF-κB-associated pathways). Because it is the active tail of α-MSH, it is studied as a minimal fragment that carries anti-inflammatory activity without the full parent hormone.
What has research examined?
Published KPV work is preclinical. Areas investigated include:
- Anti-inflammatory and NF-κB-associated signaling
- Gastrointestinal-inflammation and colitis research models
- Epithelial and mucosal research models
- Comparisons with the parent α-MSH peptide
These describe research directions, not established human effects.
How is it characterized and tested?
Two questions matter most about any peptide sample in a research context: is it the right molecule, and how pure is it. Those are answered by analytical testing — commonly mass spectrometry for identity and HPLC for purity — with both reported on a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA). An independent, published COA lets a researcher confirm identity and purity before beginning work. See peptide handling and storage for how samples are kept stable once received.
Primary literature: browse peer-reviewed studies on KPV at PubMed.
Common questions
Is KPV the same as α-MSH?
No. KPV is the C-terminal three-amino-acid fragment (Lys-Pro-Val) of α-MSH, not the full hormone. It is studied as a minimal fragment that retains anti-inflammatory signaling.
Is KPV approved for human use?
No. KPV is not an FDA-approved drug. Research-grade material is for laboratory research use only. It is among the peptides under FDA advisory review in 2026.
How is KPV related to BPC-157?
They are distinct compounds with different origins, but both appear in anti-inflammatory and tissue-related research models, so they are sometimes discussed together in the literature.