KPV (Lys-Pro-Val)
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Complete Research Guide
Open each section for the available evidence. Gaps are stated rather than inferred.
Overview
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is listed as anti-inflammatory / gut.
- •IBD
- •Gut inflammation
- •Wound healing
- •Antimicrobial
Regulatory status: Not FDA-approved; research use.
Structure & Properties
Compound: KPV (Lys-Pro-Val); also known as α-MSH(11-13).
Pharmacologic class: Anti-inflammatory / Gut.
Known delivery routes: Oral, Subcutaneous.
Sequence, molecular weight, salt form, and excipient details are formulation-specific and are not listed unless verified by a manufacturer or laboratory COA.
How It Works
C-terminal tripeptide of α-MSH — activates MC1R/MC3R; reduces NF-κB activity; anti-inflammatory in intestinal epithelium; promotes wound closure.
- •Anti-inflammatory in gut epithelium (preclinical)
- •Wound healing support
- •Low toxicity in animals
Human Research
Evidence grade: Pre-clinical / Observational
Evidence is primarily preclinical or observational; human effectiveness and long-term safety are not established.
Laboratory Research
Mouse colitis models; limited human data
Preclinical findings describe biological plausibility, not proven benefit in people. Animal and laboratory doses do not translate directly to human use.
Processing & Interactions
Timing and exposure
Oral or SubQ, 1–2× daily. Oral formulations pair well with meals for GI targeting.
Potential interactions and combinations to avoid
- •No major peptide interactions
Absorption, half-life, metabolism, and clearance can vary by formulation and route. Use prescribing information when an approved product exists.
Safety & Precautions
Known or reported risks
- •Very limited human data
Contraindications
- •Pregnancy
- •Active malignancy (theoretical)
- •Active gastrointestinal malignancy, polyposis, or undiagnosed GI bleeding
- •Colorectal adenoma history without current colonoscopic surveillance
- •Bowel obstruction, stricture, or acute abdominal pain of unknown cause
- •Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy without physician guidance (injection-site haematoma)
- •Active skin infection, cellulitis, or lipohypertrophy at intended injection sites
- •Inability to maintain sterile technique or safe sharps disposal
- •Not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use — no verified purity, sterility, or potency standards
- •Immunocompromised or transplant patients (unverified sterility and immunogenicity risk)
- •Concurrent participation in drug-tested sport (WADA prohibited or non-cleared substance)
- •Known hypersensitivity or prior reaction to this compound or any excipient/diluent
- •Pregnancy, attempting conception, or breastfeeding unless prescribed and monitored by a physician
- •Children and adolescents with open growth plates (unless under specialist endocrine care)
- •Active or recently treated malignancy without oncology clearance
- •Use without a confirmed diagnosis, baseline labs, and licensed clinical supervision
Unknown long-term toxicity should be assumed where controlled human data are limited. Seek urgent care for a severe or unexpected reaction.
Administration & Studied Formulations
Reference range: 300–500 mcg/day
Frequency: Once or twice daily
Cycling: 4–8 weeks on / 2–4 weeks off.
Oral
For peptides formulated with absorption enhancers (SNAC) or small stable molecules.
Tablet or capsule. Swallow 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.
31G × 5/16" insulin syringe (U-100). 100 units = 1 mL. Pinch 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.
Dosing information is educational context, not a personal recommendation. Approved products must follow their label and prescriber instructions.
Applications & Related Therapies
Potentially complementary measures
- •BPC-157 for gut/GI protocols
- •Larazotide for barrier repair
Clinical use should account for diagnosis, approved alternatives, nutrition, activity, sleep, rehabilitation, current medicines, and appropriate monitoring.
Cases, Considerations & Ethics
Decision framework: establish the clinical goal, confirm evidence quality and legal status, screen contraindications and interactions, compare approved alternatives, define monitoring and stopping criteria, and use shared decision-making with a licensed clinician.
Case evidence: individual reports cannot establish safety or effectiveness and should not outweigh controlled trials.
Ethics: informed consent should distinguish established care from experimental use, disclose uncertainty and cost, avoid overstated claims, and never substitute research products for medically necessary care.
What is KPV (Lys-Pro-Val)?
In plain words
KPV is a small protein fragment made of three amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. It acts on cell signals involved in inflammation and has shown effects on gut lining inflammation and wound closure in research. Researchers study it for gut inflammation and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Human data are very limited, and it is not FDA-approved.
Technical definition
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val), also called α-MSH(11-13), is a tripeptide composed of lysine, proline, and valine from the C-terminal end of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It activates melanocortin receptors MC1R and MC3R, reduces NF-κB activity, and shows anti-inflammatory effects in intestinal epithelium and promotion of wound closure in research. It is not FDA-approved and remains a research compound, with preclinical and observational evidence and very limited human data.
Function
Dosing
Recommended Time of Day
Morning fasted; can be split morning/evening during flares.
See “Timing & Interactions” below for full fasted/fed circumstances, what to avoid combining, and what pairs well.
Administration & Technique
Injection & Application Sites
- 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
- ·No major peptide interactions
- ·BPC-157 for gut/GI protocols
- ·Larazotide for barrier repair
Storage & Reconstitution
Reconstitution Calculator
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)
- ·Active gastrointestinal malignancy, polyposis, or undiagnosed GI bleeding
- ·Colorectal adenoma history without current colonoscopic surveillance
- ·Bowel obstruction, stricture, or acute abdominal pain of unknown cause
- ·Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy without physician guidance (injection-site haematoma)
- ·Active skin infection, cellulitis, or lipohypertrophy at intended injection sites
- ·Inability to maintain sterile technique or safe sharps disposal
- ·Not FDA-approved for human therapeutic use — no verified purity, sterility, or potency standards
- ·Immunocompromised or transplant patients (unverified sterility and immunogenicity risk)
- ·Concurrent participation in drug-tested sport (WADA prohibited or non-cleared substance)
- ·Known hypersensitivity or prior reaction to this compound or any excipient/diluent
- ·Pregnancy, attempting conception, or breastfeeding unless prescribed and monitored by a physician
- ·Children and adolescents with open growth plates (unless under specialist endocrine care)
- ·Active or recently treated malignancy without oncology clearance
- ·Use without a confirmed diagnosis, baseline labs, and licensed clinical supervision
Regulatory
Not FDA-approved; research use
Veterinary Use (Pets)
GI-targeted use in canine and feline IBD protocols.
Functional Groups
Cited Works
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