KPV Research Information

C-Terminal α-MSH Tripeptide

For Anti-Inflammatory & Immune Research

⚠️ Important: This information is for educational and research purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before use.

📑 Contents

• Overview • How It Works • Research Applications • Clinical Studies • Dosing Guide • Safety & Precautions • References

🔬 What is KPV?

KPV is a naturally occurring tripeptide (Lysine-Proline-Valine) that corresponds to the C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) [9]. It was identified as the active anti-inflammatory fragment of α-MSH in research dating to the 1990s [11]. Unlike full-length α-MSH, KPV retains significant anti-inflammatory activity while shedding the pigmentation effects associated with the parent hormone [3][11].

KPV is available in pen and freeze-dried vial formulations for research purposes.

⚡ How KPV Works

KPV works through a unique, melanocortin receptor-independent mechanism to suppress inflammation:

🎯

NF-κB Inhibition

Blocks NF-κB activation, stabilizing IκBα and preventing nuclear translocation of p65RelA [11]

🧬

PepT1 Transport

Enters intestinal epithelial cells through PepT1, which is upregulated during inflammation [11]

🛡️

Cytokine Reduction

Reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MMP-9 [11]

Importantly, KPV's anti-inflammatory effect does not work through melanocortin receptors (MC1-R, MC3-R) [2][11]. Studies have shown KPV retains its gut anti-inflammatory activity even in melanocortin-receptor knockout models, indicating the effect is receptor-independent [11]. KPV also exhibits direct antimicrobial activity against organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans [7][11].

📋 Research Applications

🧬

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Strongest preclinical signal; reduces mucosal edema and protects intestinal barrier function [3][11]

🛡️

Skin Inflammation

Studied in contact dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis models [11]

🫁

Airway Inflammation

Inhibits NF-κB and reduces IL8 and eotaxin secretion in bronchial epithelial cells [10]

🧪

Antimicrobial Research

Exhibits direct antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi [7][11]

📊 Clinical Studies

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Models (Gastroenterology 2008)

Dalmasso and colleagues reported KPV retained gut anti-inflammatory activity even in melanocortin-receptor knockout models [11]
Oral KPV administration in DSS and TNBS colitis models showed reduced mucosal edema, protection of intestinal barrier function, and tissue repair [3][11]
KPV uptake is mediated by PepT1, which is upregulated during inflammation, making the peptide more effective in inflamed tissue [11]

Inflammation & Immune Modulation (ScienceDirect 2025)

KPV inhibited PMN migration with up to 42% reduction at effective doses in crystal-induced peritonitis models [2]
Systemic treatment with KPV resulted in significant reduction in polymorphonuclear leukocyte accumulation in the peritoneal cavity [2]
KPV inhibits macrophage activation and release of KC and IL-1β [2]

Airway Epithelial Research

KPV evoked dose-dependent inhibition of NF-κB, matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity, IL8 and eotaxin secretion in human bronchial epithelial cells [6]
The KPV effect was associated with nuclear import, IκBα stabilisation, and suppressed nuclear translocation of p65RelA [6][10]

Antimicrobial & Wound Research

KPV and KPV-containing peptides significantly decreased S. aureus and C. albicans colony forming units [7]
In rabbit models, KPV dimer treatment eliminated bacterial colonies from catheter sites by day 6 [7]

💉 Interactive Dosing Guide

Select your vial size and dose to see the corresponding volume, clicks, dosing frequency, and how many doses per vial:

🖊️ Step 1: Select Your Vial Size

💊 Step 2: Select Your Dose

Common protocol: 200-500 mcg/day, gradual escalation recommended [1][5][12]

Vial Size

10mg Vial

Selected Dose

0.25 mg

Doses per Vial

40 doses

Pen Clicks

7.5 clicks

Volume

0.075 mL

Protocol Level

Level 2 (Standard)

Recommended Schedule

Once daily - Loading Phase (1-2 weeks)

⚠️ Do not change your dose unless advised by a qualified professional.

📋 Protocol Level Summary

Based on research protocols: 200-500 mcg/day, gradual escalation recommended [1][5][12].

Protocol Level	Target Dose	Frequency	Pen Clicks	Volume (mL)	Who It\'s For
Level 1 (Starting)	0.2 mg	Once daily	6 clicks	0.06 mL	New users, first week
Level 2 (Standard)	0.25 mg	Once daily	7.5 clicks	0.075 mL	Week 2-3
Level 3 (Advanced)	0.3-0.4 mg	Once daily	9-12 clicks	0.09-0.12 mL	Weeks 3-4
Level 4 (Maintenance)	0.5 mg	Once daily	15 clicks	0.15 mL	Weeks 4-8

⚠️ Do not change your dose unless advised by a qualified professional.

💉 Vial Users (Insulin Syringe)

Add 3mL of bacteriostatic water to your freeze-dried vial and mix gently. After reconstitution, use the table below to draw your dose:

Vial Size

10mg vial with 3mL bac water

Dose	Frequency	Units on Syringe	Volume (mL)	Protocol Level

⚠️ Always use a new sterile needle and syringe for each injection.

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

KPV has demonstrated an excellent safety profile in research and therapeutic use. Most patients experience no adverse effects; KPV is generally very well-tolerated with minimal side effects reported [1]. However, KPV is not FDA-approved, and most evidence comes from preclinical and laboratory studies [11].

Well-tolerated: Most patients experience no adverse effects [1]
Targeted action: Selectively targets inflammatory pathways without compromising overall immune function [1]
Mild injection site reactions: Redness, tenderness, or pain at injection site (rare)
Nausea: Mild and transient, more common during initial dosing

Important Safety Considerations:

KPV is not FDA-approved as a drug [11]
High-quality, peer-reviewed human clinical trials are sparse [11]
Do not use if allergic to KPV or any ingredients
Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding

⚠️ Warning: KPV is an investigational peptide with limited human clinical data. If you experience severe allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, or signs of anaphylaxis, seek immediate medical help.

📚 References

KPV Protocol. Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center. 2026. [1]
Dissection of the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of the Core and C-Terminal (KPV) α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Peptides. ScienceDirect. 2025. [2]
KPV - MOL Changes. MOL Changes. 2025. [3]
KPV Dosing Protocol: Cycling, Frequency & Best Practices. TrimRX. 2026. [5]
Inhibition of cellular and systemic inflammation cues in human bronchial epithelial cells by melanocortin-related peptides. University of Dundee. 2012. [10]
KPV Peptide: What It Is, Benefits, Dosing & Safety. Empire Medical Training. 2026. [11]
KPV (10 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol. Peptides Unleashed. 2026. [12]
Patent WO2004104019A2. [7]

This information is for educational and research purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional.

Last updated: July 2026