KPV

Also known as Lysine-Proline-Valine, alpha-MSH (11-13) fragment

Not approved in the USAnti-inflammatory & immune

Last reviewed 8 July 2026 · Awaiting clinical review

Main safety concerns

Human evidence is limited and mostly from animal gut studies. Its safety record looks clean so far, but it has not been tested in long human trials.

SeriousAvoid if: Pregnancy or breastfeeding
WarningUnknown long term risks, since there is no long term human safety data

Educational information, not medical advice. If you have symptoms that worry you, contact a clinician or emergency services.

What is known

A small anti inflammatory tripeptide from the tail of alpha-MSH, studied most for gut inflammation.

Status:: Not an FDA approved drug. FDA found no human safety data for it.[3] [4]
Strongest evidence for any claim:

See the evidence claim by claim

On this page

What it is and how it works

KPV is the last three amino acids of alpha-MSH, a natural hormone. Researchers found that this short tail keeps most of the anti inflammatory effect of the full hormone without the pigment or strong hormone signaling. It appears to calm inflammation from inside the cell, and it is taken up efficiently through a gut transporter called PepT1. It is the anti inflammatory part of the KLOW blend.[1]

Evidence by claim

Each claim is graded on its own. Tap a grade to see what it does and does not mean.

Reduces gut inflammation and related markers.
Source type: Animal study
The strongest area, with animal studies showing inflammatory markers cut roughly in half. No completed human dose finding trial.
[1]PMC (preclinical study) 2019 (opens source in a new tab)· Animal study
Calms inflammation in skin and elsewhere.
Source type: Animal study
Supported by cell and animal work, with human use running ahead of the evidence.
[1]PMC (preclinical study) 2019 (opens source in a new tab)· Animal study
Used for gut issues, skin flares, and general inflammation.
No source cited for this claim.

Reported side effects

WarningUnknown long term risks, since there is no long term human safety data
CautionInjection site irritation(uncommon)[1]
InfoGenerally very well tolerated, with no skin darkening[1]Unlike its parent hormone alpha-MSH, KPV does not darken skin at usual doses.

Interactions and combination risks

InfoKLOW blend
KPV is the anti inflammatory part of the KLOW blend, combined there with BPC-157, TB-500, and GHK-Cu.

Who should avoid it

SeriousPregnancy or breastfeeding
No safety data in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Dosing

Placed after the evidence and risks on purpose. Nothing here is a recommendation for you.

Community reported use, not tested in trials

Route(s)	subcutaneous, oral (it is absorbed intact through a gut transporter)
Typical range	Injectable: about 200 to 500 mcg per day, sometimes up to 1,000 mcg. Oral capsules are also used, often around 10 to 20 mg per day for gut targeted effects.
Frequency	Once or twice daily
Cycle guidance	Often run for a few weeks.
Notes	No human dose finding trial sets an official dose. The blood is short, around 2 hours, so it does not build up. Oral KPV is used specifically for gut inflammation because it is absorbed intact.

[1]

For the equipment itself, see syringes, needles, and the rest of the kit.

Reconstitution

Vial sizes	5 mg, 10 mg
Diluent	Bacteriostatic water for multi dose vials, or sterile water for single use
Concentration	Example: a 5 mg vial plus 1 mL of water gives 5 mg/mL, so a 500 mcg dose is 0.1 mL, which is 10 units on a U-100 syringe.
Notes	KPV usually ships as 5 mg or 10 mg freeze dried vials. Oral capsule forms also exist for gut use.

General reconstitution technique

Units and volume arithmetic

Converts between an amount and syringe units for the vial and diluent you enter. It starts empty and does not suggest an amount. Open the full calculator

Result

Fill in steps 1 to 3 to see the arithmetic. Nothing here is a suggested amount.

Settings live in the address bar, so a pasted link reopens this calculator as you left it.

Educational arithmetic only. It does not choose an amount for you and is not medical or dosing advice. Verify every calculation independently.

Storage and stability

Dry powder (lyophilized)

Temperature	Freeze for long term storage, or 2 to 8 short term
Shelf life	Many months when frozen
Notes	Keep dry and out of light until you mix it.

After mixing

Temperature	2 to 8 (refrigerated)
Shelf life	About 2 to 4 weeks
Notes	Do not freeze after mixing. Discard if cloudy or discolored.

General storage and stability guide

COA and purity notes

Common adulterants	underdosed or mislabeled vials, material sold without clear content
Mislabeling	As with any research peptide, a recent third party COA helps confirm identity and purity.
Notes	Sold as unregulated research material, both as an injectable and as oral capsules.

How to read a COA

Sources

[1]KPV ameliorates LPS-induced intestinal inflammation and mucosal barrier damage
PMC (preclinical study) 2019 (opens source in a new tab)· Animal study
[2]Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and related tripeptides: biochemistry, antiinflammatory and protective effects in vitro and in vivo, and future perspectives for the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases
Brzoska T, Luger TA, Maaser C, Abels C, Böhm M (Endocrine Reviews) 2008 (opens source in a new tab)· Review
[3]FDA Briefing Document, Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee, July 23 to 24, 2026: KPV Related Bulk Drug Substances
U.S. Food & Drug Administration 2026 (opens source in a new tab)· Regulatory record
[4]Certain Bulk Drug Substances for Use in Compounding that May Present Significant Safety Risks
U.S. Food & Drug Administration 2026 (opens source in a new tab)· Regulatory record

Last reviewed 8 July 2026 · editorial status: reviewed