KPV
Also known as Lysine-Proline-Valine, alpha-MSH (11-13)
A tripeptide fragment of alpha-MSH studied in animal models for anti-inflammatory and gut-healing effects.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Snipes, MD
Reviewed for clinical accuracy · Last reviewed July 22, 2026 · Review policy
Quick answer
KPV is a tripeptide (lysine-proline-valine) derived from the anti-inflammatory tail of the hormone alpha-MSH, studied mainly in animal models for gut and skin inflammation. It is not FDA-approved, has very limited human data, and its compounding pathway was under FDA review at the July 2026 PCAC meeting.
- Type
- Tripeptide (alpha-MSH fragment)
- FDA status
- Not approved; compounding under review
- Human evidence
- Minimal (mostly animal studies)
- Evidence grade
- D (Preclinical Only)
- Banned in sport
- Not specifically listed
Key takeaways
- →KPV is the C-terminal fragment of alpha-MSH and retains its anti-inflammatory activity without the pigmentation effects.
- →Most evidence is preclinical: animal and cell studies on colitis, wound healing and skin inflammation.
- →It is not FDA-approved, and human clinical trial data is very limited.
- →KPV was one of the seven peptides reviewed at the July 2026 PCAC meeting for the 503A compounding list.
KPV is a short three-amino-acid peptide (lysine-proline-valine) that comes from the tail end of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). Researchers have been interested in it because it appears to keep the anti-inflammatory activity of alpha-MSH while dropping the pigment-related effects. The catch, as with most peptides in this class, is that the promising data is almost entirely preclinical.
How KPV works
In laboratory and animal studies, KPV appears to reduce inflammatory signaling inside cells, including pathways tied to NF-kB, and to calm inflammation in the gut and skin. It is small enough to be taken up by intestinal cells, which is part of why it has been studied for inflammatory bowel conditions. These mechanisms come from preclinical work and have not been confirmed in controlled human trials.
What the evidence shows, by use
Each use is graded on the same A-E scale, based on human-trial quality rather than popularity.
Gut inflammation / IBD
DPreclinical OnlyAnimal models of colitis show reduced inflammation, but there is no completed randomized human trial establishing benefit in people.
Skin inflammation and wound healing
DPreclinical OnlyPreclinical and topical studies suggest anti-inflammatory effects; human evidence is anecdotal.
Dosing
There is no FDA-approved KPV product and no validated human dose. Protocols in circulation come from community practice, not human trials. Because most supply is unregulated research-grade material, any use should be through a licensed clinician and legitimate pharmacy rather than research-chemical vendors.
Side effects
- •Injection-site reactions · Reported
- •Mild GI symptoms (oral use) · Reported
- •Headache · Reported
Legal & regulatory status
KPV is not FDA-approved. Its compounding pathway was under FDA review at the July 2026 PCAC meeting, where the agency recommended against listing.
Is KPVlegal? Full regulatory status →Where to get it: TeleRanked independently ranks the telehealth providers that offer clinician-prescribed peptides. See our Peptide Therapy rankings. We rank providers, we do not sell compounds, and rankings are never for sale.
Frequently asked questions
What is KPV used for?+
It has been studied mainly for gut and skin inflammation and wound healing, based on animal and laboratory data. Human clinical evidence is very limited.
Is KPV FDA-approved?+
No. KPV is not FDA-approved, and its compounding status was under FDA review at the July 2026 PCAC meeting.
How we grade evidence
Grade D: Preclinical Only. Evidence is largely limited to animal or laboratory studies; human data is minimal or absent. Our A-E scale reflects the strength of human evidence, not how popular a compound is.
Sources
- 1.July 23-24, 2026: Meeting of the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee · U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- 2.Compounding and the FDA: Questions and Answers · U.S. Food & Drug Administration