KPV Peptide: the α-MSH tripeptide
KPV peptide is the tripeptide lysine-proline-valine — the last three amino acids (11-13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). In mouse studies it is taken up by intestinal cells through the PepT1 transporter and reduced markers of intestinal inflammation, and it is often compared with BPC-157 in gut-focused research. KPV is a research compound, not an approved medicine; the vials sold here are for laboratory research use only.
Specifications
| Sequence | Lys-Pro-Val (KPV) |
|---|---|
| Origin | C-terminal fragment of α-MSH (residues 11-13) |
| CAS number | 67727-97-3 |
| Purity | ≥98% (HPLC) |
| Form | Lyophilised powder |
What is KPV?
α-MSH is a 13-amino-acid hormone with well-described anti-inflammatory activity. Researchers found that its short C-terminal fragment, KPV, retains much of that activity in laboratory models while being small enough to be carried into cells by peptide transporters.
Published research
Dalmasso et al. (2008) showed that intestinal epithelial cells take up KPV through the PepT1 transporter, and that KPV reduced inflammatory signalling and colitis severity in mouse models.
Kannengiesser et al. (2008) reported anti-inflammatory effects of KPV in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease, including in mice with impaired melanocortin-1 receptor signalling, suggesting more than one mechanism.
KPV vs BPC-157
Both appear in gut-focused research, but they are unrelated molecules. KPV is a three-amino-acid fragment of α-MSH studied mainly for inflammatory signalling. BPC-157 is a 15-amino-acid sequence derived from a gastric protein, studied mostly in rat tissue-injury models such as tendon healing (Staresinic et al., 2003).
- Size: KPV 3 amino acids; BPC-157 15 amino acids.
- Origin: KPV from α-MSH; BPC-157 from a gastric protein.
- Main research focus: KPV inflammation markers; BPC-157 tissue repair models.
Frequently asked questions
What is KPV peptide?
KPV is the tripeptide Lys-Pro-Val, the C-terminal fragment of α-MSH. Mouse studies link it to reduced intestinal inflammation via PepT1 uptake.
What is the difference between KPV and BPC-157?
KPV is a 3-amino-acid α-MSH fragment studied for inflammatory signalling; BPC-157 is a 15-amino-acid gastric-protein sequence studied mainly in tissue-repair models.
Is KPV an approved drug?
No. KPV has been studied in cell and animal models and is sold here strictly for laboratory research.
Where can I buy KPV peptide for research?
PeptidesDirect sells KPV in 5mg vials for laboratory research only. Orders placed before 1:00 PM Central on business days ship the same day. See our research peptides guide (/learn/research-peptides) for how to compare suppliers and read test documents.
How should KPV be stored?
Keep lyophilised KPV cold, dry and away from light; refrigerate reconstituted solutions. See our research peptides guide (/learn/research-peptides) for how to compare suppliers and read test documents.
Is this product for human use?
No. PeptidesDirect sells this compound for laboratory research only. It is not a drug, food or cosmetic and is not for human or veterinary use. This page summarises published research and is not dosing or medical guidance.
References
- Dalmasso G, et al. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2008. PubMed 18061177
- Kannengiesser K, et al. Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2008. PubMed 18092346
- Staresinic M, et al. Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 accelerates healing of transected rat Achilles tendon and in vitro stimulates tendocytes growth. J Orthop Res. 2003. PubMed 14554208
Research compounds
Related guides
Research Use Only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not dosing or medical guidance.
