KPV
Lys-Pro-Val
Recovery & Performance
CAS
67727-97-3
Molecular Weight
340
Da
Animal / In Vitro
A synthetic tripeptide derived from the C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), comprising three amino acids: Lysine, Proline, and Valine. Unlike most peptides in this catalog which stimulate or build, KPV is primarily a regulator — it quiets overactive inflammatory responses without broadly suppressing immune function. Most studied for gut inflammation, wound healing, and antimicrobial activity. One of the four components of the KLOW recovery stack. No human clinical trials completed to date.
Injectable · Oral
Intranasal Suitable
Yes
Research Compound
Community Signal
Community signal is emerging rather than established, KPV is less widely known than catalog peers and the anecdotal pool is accordingly thin. Gut health applications dominate what discussion exists, particularly among users with IBD-adjacent symptoms or leaky gut concerns. Topical use for inflammatory skin conditions generates occasional reports on dermatology forums. The community interested in KPV tends to be more research-aware than average given the compound's lower mainstream profile. Most reports acknowledge the in vitro and animal evidence as the basis for use, with genuine uncertainty about human translation, a notable degree of epistemic honesty relative to more hyped compounds.
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What It Is
A synthetic tripeptide derived from the C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), comprising just three amino acids: Lysine, Proline, and Valine. Works primarily by entering cells directly and inhibiting NF-κB and MAP kinase inflammatory signaling pathways, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6. Unlike corticosteroids or NSAIDs which broadly suppress immune activity, KPV appears to restore immune balance without shutting down immune defense. Most studied for gut inflammation, animal research shows meaningful reduction in colitis markers via the PepT1 transporter in intestinal epithelial cells. Also studied for wound healing, antimicrobial properties against S. aureus and C. albicans, and skin repair. One of the four components of the KLOW stack alongside GHK-Cu, BPC-157, and TB-500. No human clinical trials completed to date. Research compound only.
Mechanism of Action
KPV works by entering cells directly through the PepT1 transporter, a peptide transport protein expressed in intestinal epithelial and immune cells. Once inside, it inhibits two key inflammatory signaling pathways: NF-κB and MAP kinase. This suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ. Unlike corticosteroids or NSAIDs which block COX enzymes or shut down broad immune pathways, KPV works intracellularly to restore immune balance rather than override it, leaving baseline immune function intact while reducing inflammatory overdrive. It also demonstrates antimicrobial properties independent of its anti-inflammatory mechanism, showing activity against S. aureus and C. albicans in research settings.
Use Cases
KPV's most studied application is gut inflammation, with animal research demonstrating significant reduction in colitis markers across multiple models of intestinal inflammation. The PepT1 transporter mechanism makes it particularly relevant for gut-targeted delivery, as this transporter is highly expressed in intestinal epithelial cells, meaning oral administration may be effective for bowel-specific applications in a way that most injectable peptides are not.
Beyond gut health, KPV has been studied for wound healing, where its combination of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity appears to accelerate closure, reduce infection risk, and improve cosmetic outcomes. Research also supports skin barrier repair applications, and KPV is used in some cosmetic formulations for inflammatory skin conditions.
Its intracellular mechanism, restoring immune balance rather than broadly suppressing immune activity, makes it an area of interest as a precision alternative to NSAIDs and corticosteroids for chronic inflammatory conditions, without the systemic side effects associated with those compounds. In the biohacking and research community KPV is most commonly encountered as a component of the KLOW recovery stack alongside GHK-Cu, BPC-157, and TB-500, where it serves as the inflammation regulator that clears the way for the tissue repair activity of the other compounds.
It is important to note that all current evidence is derived from animal models and in vitro studies. No human clinical trials have been completed and human efficacy cannot be confirmed at this time.
Known Risks
Human safety data is limited given the absence of completed clinical trials. Based on available animal research and in vitro studies, KPV appears well tolerated with a low adverse effect profile. No significant hormonal effects have been reported, unlike α-MSH itself, KPV does not appear to affect pigmentation or melanotropic pathways. Immune modulation without full immune suppression is considered a key safety advantage over corticosteroids, though long-term effects in humans remain unstudied. As with all research compounds, purity and sourcing are significant variables. Not approved for human use.
Available Forms
KPV is available as a lyophilized sterile powder for reconstitution, typically supplied in vials of 5–10mg. Can be administered via subcutaneous injection or orally, the PepT1-mediated uptake mechanism makes oral administration particularly relevant for gut-targeted applications, as the transporter is highly expressed in intestinal epithelial cells. Topical formulations exist in cosmetic research contexts for skin applications. All forms are research grade only.
Regulatory Status
Research compound. Not FDA approved for any human therapeutic indication. Not available through licensed compounding pharmacies. Sold exclusively through research chemical suppliers for laboratory use. No scheduled substance status in the United States. Regulatory status varies internationally, verify local laws before acquisition. The cosmetic peptide industry uses KPV-derived formulations in topical products in some markets, which occupy a separate regulatory category from injectable research compounds.
Sources
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18061177/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12750433/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17934097/
Similar Compounds
BPC-157, GHK-Cu, TB-500, α-MSH
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