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KPV (Lys-Pro-Val)
Research Use
Also known as α-MSH(11-13)
Function
Primary
IBD · Gut inflammation
Secondary
Wound healing · Antimicrobial
Mechanism
C-terminal tripeptide of α-MSH — activates MC1R/MC3R; reduces NF-κB activity; anti-inflammatory in intestinal epithelium; promotes wound closure.
Evidence
Pre-clinical / Observational
Research
Mouse colitis models; limited human data
Dosing
Range
300–500 mcg/day
Frequency
Once or twice daily
Route
Oral · Subcutaneous
Administration & Technique
Oral
For peptides formulated with absorption enhancers (SNAC) or small stable molecules.
DeviceTablet or capsule.
TechniqueSwallow whole with ≤120 mL plain water, on an empty stomach. Wait 30 min before food, other meds, or additional liquid (bioavailability collapses otherwise).
Subcutaneous (SubQ)
Default route for most research and therapeutic peptides — best absorption for reconstituted powder.
Device31G × 5/16" insulin syringe (U-100). 100 units = 1 mL.
TechniquePinch skin at abdomen (2" from navel), outer thigh, or love handle. Insert at 45–90°. Rotate sites daily to prevent lipohypertrophy. Alcohol-swab site, air-dry, inject slow, hold 5 sec.
Injection & Application Sites
Front
Back
Oral
Swallowed — no injection site
Subcutaneous (SubQ)
- Abdomen — 2 in (5 cm) away from the navel, either side. Fastest, most consistent SubQ absorption.
- Flank / love handle — Lateral fat pad above the hip. Good rotation site when the abdomen is tender.
- Outer thigh — Upper outer quadrant, a hand-width below the hip. SubQ pinch at 45°.
Diagram is a general illustration, not a medical instruction. Rotate sites every injection, keep 1 in (2.5 cm) between recent sites, and avoid scars, moles, bruises and the navel area.
Cycling
4–8 weeks on / 2–4 weeks off.
Timing & Interactions
When to take
Oral or SubQ, 1–2× daily. Oral formulations pair well with meals for GI targeting.
Do not combine with
- ·No major peptide interactions
Complements
- ·BPC-157 for gut/GI protocols
- ·Larazotide for barrier repair
Storage & Reconstitution
Powder (Pre-Reconstitution)
Lyophilized powder: refrigerate 2–8°C for up to 24 months, or freeze at –20°C for extended storage. Keep sealed, desiccated, and protected from light.
After Reconstitution
After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 28 days. Discard if cloudy, discolored, or precipitated.
Notes
Do not freeze after reconstitution — freeze/thaw cycles degrade most peptides.
Reconstitution Calculator
Concentration
2.50 mg/mL
Volume per dose
0.100 mL
Insulin syringe
10.0 units (U-100)
1 mL = 100 units on a standard U-100 insulin syringe. Draw to the nearest 0.5 unit and confirm dosing with a clinician before injection.
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Benefits
- ·Anti-inflammatory in gut epithelium (preclinical)
- ·Wound healing support
- ·Low toxicity in animals
Risks
- ·Very limited human data
Contraindications
- ·Pregnancy
- ·Active malignancy (theoretical)
Regulatory
Not FDA-approved; research use
Veterinary Use (Pets)
GI-targeted use in canine and feline IBD protocols.
Dogs (Canine)
Dose500 mcg orally 1–2× daily
RouteOral
UseIBD, chronic diarrhea.
Cats (Feline)
Dose250 mcg orally 1–2× daily
RouteOral
UseIBD, chronic enteritis.
Functional Groups
Cited Works
- Luger TA et al. Anti-inflammatory potency of α-MSH/KPV. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2003;994:133.source