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Immune · Research Phase

KPV

No lawful US pathway

Tell me if this changesRead the free 2026 Peptide Safety Checklist →
Written by Peptide Association Editorial TeamLast reviewed Editorial policy

01 · Overview

A C-terminal tripeptide fragment (Lys-Pro-Val) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that retains anti-inflammatory activity without melanogenic effects.

In intestinal epithelial and immune cells, KPV enters via the PepT1 di/tripeptide transporter and at nanomolar concentrations inhibits NF-kB and MAP kinase signaling and lowers pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion (PMID 18061177).

02 · Research summary & key findings

Oral KPV reduced the severity of DSS- and TNBS-induced colitis in mice, with lower pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (PMID 18061177). KPV-loaded nanoparticles delivered to the colon in a hydrogel protected mice against inflammatory and histologic damage in DSS colitis (Laroui et al., Gastroenterology, 2010) (PMID 19909746). Hyaluronic acid-functionalized KPV nanoparticles targeted colonic epithelial cells and macrophages and improved mucosal healing in a mouse ulcerative colitis model (PMID 28143741). Evidence is preclinical; no controlled human trials were identified.

03 · Regulatory status

KPV is in the research phase with limited clinical data in humans. Current evidence is primarily derived from preclinical (animal or in vitro) studies.

No lawful pathway today

KPV is not FDA-approved and does not currently have a lawful prescription or compounding pathway in the United States, so we do not sell it and will not book a consultation for it. That can change: in 2026 FDA began reviewing several peptides for compounding.

See the 1 FDA-approved compound in Immune

Tell me if the status changes

One email, only if this compound's regulatory standing actually moves. Not a newsletter, not a sales sequence.

04 · Administration routes

  • Oral
  • Topical
  • Subcutaneous injection

References

  1. [1]PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation Gastroenterology, 2008. PMID 18061177
  2. [2]Drug-loaded nanoparticles targeted to the colon with polysaccharide hydrogel reduce colitis in a mouse model Gastroenterology, 2010. PMID 19909746
  3. [3]Orally Targeted Delivery of Tripeptide KPV via Hyaluronic Acid-Functionalized Nanoparticles Efficiently Alleviates Ulcerative Colitis Mol Ther, 2017. PMID 28143741

Primary literature

  • PubMed: "KPV"

    Peer-reviewed literature indexed by the National Library of Medicine.

  • ClinicalTrials.gov: "KPV"

    Registered interventional and observational studies, including status and phase.

  • PubChem: "KPV"

    Chemical structure, molecular properties, and bioactivity data.

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. The Peptide Association does not endorse or recommend any specific treatment protocol. See our editorial policy for how this content is produced and reviewed. Clinicians: join the network.