KPV is a naturally occurring tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val, MW ~342.4 g/mol) derived from the C-terminal region (positions 11–13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It retains potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of the full-length hormone without activating melanocortin receptors responsible for skin pigmentation or sexual arousal. KPV suppresses NF-κB activation and is transported into intestinal epithelial cells via the PepT1 transporter, which is upregulated during gut inflammation — creating a self-targeting mechanism. Its small size enables oral bioavailability, which is unusual for peptides. It was among the 12 peptides removed from FDA Category 2 on April 15, 2026.
31 vendors tracked by PeptideAtlas list KPV, priced from $28.00 to $200. The lowest price per milligram is $1.67/mg at Domestic Peps (30mg). 10 independent Janoshik purity tests cover KPV across 7 vendors. Results range from 99.2% to 99.8%.
Category: Anti-Inflammatory / Immune. Evidence rating: D (animal/preclinical only).
Clinical status: Preclinical. No formal clinical trials completed. Used in compounding pharmacy protocols. Removed from FDA Category 2 on April 15, 2026.
KPV exerts anti-inflammatory effects through a mechanism distinct from the parent α-MSH hormone. Rather than acting through melanocortin receptors (which would trigger pigmentation), KPV is transported into cells via PepT1, a di/tripeptide transporter expressed on intestinal epithelial cells and…
Research base: 0 registered clinical trials and 4 indexed publications reference KPV.
Safety considerations: No significant adverse effects reported in preclinical studies; Does not cause skin darkening (unlike Melanotan peptides); No formal human safety trials have been conducted.
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team.
| Amino-acid sequence | Lys-Pro-Val |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | ~342.4 g/mol |
| Half-life | ~2 hours (SC); shorter oral due to GI degradation |
| Production method | synthetic |
| Anti-doping status | not-listed |
| US regulatory status | Not FDA-approved. Removed from FDA Category 2 on April 15, 2026 after HHS Secretary Kennedy directed withdrawal of nominations. PCAC review scheduled July 23-24, 2026. Research chemical. |
| Vendor | Size | Price | Price per mg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Peps | 30mg | $50.00 | $1.67/mg |
| Evolve BioPep | 10mg | $35.00 | $3.50/mg |
| Athena Peptides | 10MG | $38.00 | $3.80/mg |
| Purus Peptides | 10MG | $39.00 | $3.90/mg |
| US Peptide Co | 10mg | $39.99 | $4.00/mg |
| All Peptides USA | 10MG | $40.00 | $4.00/mg |
| Ameano Peptides | 10mg | $44.00 | $4.40/mg |
| VitalCell Peptides | 10 MG | $44.49 | $4.45/mg |
| Petratide Science | 10mg | $44.95 | $4.50/mg |
| NUPEPS Peptides | 10mg | $45.00 | $4.50/mg |
| Choice Peps | 10mg | $45.00 | $4.50/mg |
| Red Fox Peptides | 10 mg | $45.00 | $4.50/mg |
| The Peptide Labs | 10MG | $45.00 | $4.50/mg |
| Mammoth Muscle Peptides | 10MG | $46.00 | $4.60/mg |
| Bpc157 Peptide | 10 MG | $50.00 | $5.00/mg |
| Growth Guys | 10mg | $50.00 | $5.00/mg |
| PureRx Peptides | 10mg | $52.00 | $5.20/mg |
| Liberty Peptides | 10mg | $55.00 | $5.50/mg |
| Great Northern Peptides | 10mg | $55.00 | $5.50/mg |
| Particle Peptides | 5mg | $30.75 | $6.15/mg |
| Blue Line Research | 10MG | $63.00 | $6.30/mg |
| Compound Purity | 10mg | $65.00 | $6.50/mg |
| Legendary Peptides | 10mg | $70.00 | $7.00/mg |
| Red Leaf Peptides | 10mg | $72.00 | $7.20/mg |
| Wholesale Peptide | 5mg | $37.39 | $7.48/mg |
| Vendor | Best tested purity |
|---|---|
| Peptide Crafters | 99.8% |
| HK Peptides | 99.8% |
| Cocer Peptides | 99.7% |
| Kensingtonlabs.co | 99.6% |
| Imperial Peptides | 99.2% |
| Panda Peptides LLC | 99.2% |
KPV is the C-terminal fragment of α-MSH and does NOT cause skin darkening. Melanotan I and II are full melanocortin receptor agonists that cause pigmentation. KPV works through the PepT1 transporter, not melanocortin receptors, so it provides anti-inflammatory benefits without tanning effects.
Yes. Oral KPV is commonly used for gut inflammation because the PepT1 transporter in intestinal cells actively imports it. PepT1 is upregulated during gut inflammation, creating a self-targeting mechanism. Typical oral doses are 200-500 mcg, 1-2 times daily.
No. KPV has no FDA approval and has not completed formal clinical trials in humans. It was removed from FDA Category 2 on April 15, 2026, and PCAC review is scheduled for July 2026.
Vendors with independent lab tests for it: Peptide Crafters.
Vendors stocking it: Direct Peptides UK, Polar Peptides, Red Leaf Peptides, Risynth Bio, Liberty Peptides, NUPEPS Peptides, Amino Lair, Evolve BioPep, Nexaph, Peptide Origin, All Peptides USA, Biomax Research, NovaPeptide, Ameano Peptides, Pacific Peptide, Mammoth Muscle Peptides, Ascension Peptides, Choice Peps, Wholesale Peptide, Compound Purity, Purus Peptides, Peplogix Peptides, Petratide Science, HJ Peptide, Blue Line Research, SupraChems, Legendary Peptides, Treasure Coast Peptides, US Peptide Co, BioPure Peptides, Athena Peptides, PureRx Peptides, VitalCell Peptides, RipTidez, Main Peptides, Catalyst Peptides, Bpc157 Peptide, Protide Health, AminoVault, Tide Labs.
Coverage on this site: Guidance separates lyophilised KPV integrity from visual appearance, Representative Peptides for In Vivo Tumor Imaging, KLOW vs GLOW Peptide Stacks: Key Differences and Research Roles, Melanotan 1: Tanning Peptide with Broad Research Potential.