Research At a Glance
- Research Category
- Immune & Mucosal Research
- Peptide Length
- 3 amino acids (Lys-Pro-Val, α-MSH fragment)
- Purity
- ≥ 99% (HPLC)
- Published Studies
- ~50 indexed
- Storage
- Lyophilized: 2–8 °C, protected from light. Reconstituted: 2–8 °C, use within 30 days.
Published-study figures are approximate PubMed result counts and indicate the volume of available literature only. Purity reflects third-party analytical testing on the corresponding lot; see the Quality Assurance Center for lot-matched certificates.
What Is KPV?
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is a tripeptide corresponding to the C-terminal fragment (residues 11–13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Despite its small size, KPV retains much of α-MSH's anti-inflammatory activity while lacking the parent hormone's pigmentation and appetite-related effects, since it does not bind melanocortin receptors or increase intracellular cAMP.
Why Researchers Study It
- NF-κB pathway research — KPV is studied as an inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappa B signaling, a master regulator of inflammatory gene expression, with research demonstrating reduced NF-κB nuclear translocation in cell and animal models
- Intracellular, receptor-independent mechanism research — unlike full-length α-MSH, KPV's anti-inflammatory activity has been shown in research models to persist independent of melanocortin receptor signaling, making it a tool for studying intracellular anti-inflammatory mechanisms
- Gut and oral-delivery research — as a tripeptide, KPV can be transported across cell membranes via the PepT1 di/tripeptide transporter, a property studied for its implications in oral bioavailability and targeted delivery to inflamed intestinal tissue
- Inflammatory bowel disease and dermatological research — KPV has demonstrated efficacy in animal models of inflammatory bowel disease, contact dermatitis, and related inflammatory conditions
What the Published Literature Shows
Mechanistic research has documented that KPV inhibits NF-κB activation by preventing IκBα degradation in intestinal epithelial cells and immune cells, with some models showing reductions in NF-κB nuclear translocation of up to 80%. Research has also characterized reduced myeloperoxidase activity (a marker of neutrophil infiltration) and suppressed production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 following KPV exposure across multiple inflammatory research models. A distinguishing property noted in the literature is KPV's oral bioavailability in colitis research models — a comparatively rare characteristic for peptides, which are typically degraded in the digestive tract.
Regulatory Note
On July 23, 2026, an FDA Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee voted to recommend KPV (along with BPC-157, TB-500, and MOTS-c) for inclusion on the FDA's 503A Bulks List, which governs substances eligible for prescription-based pharmacy compounding. This is an advisory recommendation only — it does not constitute FDA approval, and any formal rulemaking change is expected to take several months to a year. Queen BioLabs will continue to monitor this process and update product positioning as the regulatory landscape develops.
Source
Review literature available via PubMed — KPV alpha-MSH anti-inflammatory research .
Compound Specifications
| Classification | Alpha-MSH-derived tripeptide |
|---|---|
| Format | Lyophilized powder |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC-verified per lot) |
| Storage | −20°C; refrigerate 2–8°C after laboratory handling |
Certificate of Analysis
Every lot is independently tested and lot-matched. View Certificates of Analysis