Peptide Profile
KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment)
Anti-inflammatory tripeptide from alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone targeting NF-κB and gut inflammation
Dose Range
200 mcg-1500 mcgmcg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Oral
Cycle Length
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence
Strong
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C16H30N4O4
Molecular Formula
342.43 Da
Molecular Weight
Short peptide half-life; improved by nanoparticle and hydrogel formulations
Half-Life
Oral uptake via PepT1 transporter; enhanced by nanoparticle formulations
Bioavailability
67727-97-3
CAS #
125672
PubChem ID ↗
Developed By · 2002
Peptech Ltd research team
Peptech Ltd (later Transition Therapeutics)
Primary Benefits
Potent NF-κB and MAP kinase pathway inhibitor that significantly reduces TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 at nanomolar concentrations in preclinical IBD models
Selectively targets inflamed intestinal epithelium via PepT1 transporter with demonstrated efficacy in DSS and TNBS colitis models
Preserves intestinal epithelial barrier integrity, reduces inflammatory infiltration, and promotes tissue recovery in damaged mucosal tissue
Amino Acid Sequence
Lys-Pro-Val (alpha-MSH residues 11-13)Dosing
How much
do I take?
Timing
Best time to take
Take KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) at the same time each day for consistent blood levels. Morning dosing with breakfast is often preferred, but follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions.
With food?
KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) can typically be taken with or without food. Taking it with a light meal may help reduce any GI discomfort. Avoid taking with grapefruit juice or high-fat meals unless specifically directed.
If stacking
KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) should be used as directed by your healthcare provider. If combining with other medications or supplements, discuss potential interactions with your provider. Avoid combining with compounds that have overlapping mechanisms unless specifically guided by a medical professional.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've tolerated the current dose for the recommended period without significant side effects
- +Therapeutic goals haven't been met at the current dose level
- +Your healthcare provider recommends dose escalation based on your response
- +Lab work or clinical assessments support a higher dose
Decrease if
- -Side effects are bothersome or impacting daily life despite management strategies
- -You experience any signs of an adverse reaction
- -Lab results indicate the need for dose reduction
- -Your healthcare provider recommends a lower dose based on your response
Signs of right dose
- ✓Therapeutic goals being met with minimal side effects
- ✓Stable and consistent response to treatment
- ✓Lab values or clinical markers trending in the right direction
- ✓Good tolerance with manageable or absent side effects
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
Step 1: Peptide Weight
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Suitability
Is this
right for me?
Best For
Inflammatory bowel disease research
KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on inflammatory bowel disease research. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Gut anti-inflammatory therapy development
KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on gut anti-inflammatory therapy development. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Skin inflammation and wound healing
KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on skin inflammation and wound healing. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Cytokine-mediated inflammation studies
KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on cytokine-mediated inflammation studies. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Consider Alternatives If
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
- ×Not approved for human clinical use
- ×Unknown interactions with immunosuppressive medications
- ×Insufficient safety data for pregnancy and lactation
- ×Potential melanocortin receptor effects in susceptible individuals
Use with caution if
- !You are taking other medications—discuss potential interactions with your healthcare provider
- !You have a history of liver or kidney disease
- !You are elderly or have multiple medical conditions
- !You are planning surgery in the near future—inform your surgeon about KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) use
- !You have any chronic health conditions that require regular monitoring
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) in its prescribed form
- •Clean, dry storage container
- •Measuring device if applicable (oral syringe, measuring cup)
- •Calendar or reminder app for dosing schedule
Injection
Route
KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) is administered Oral—no injection required
Best sites
- •Not applicable—this is not an injectable formulation
Technique
- 1.Follow the specific administration instructions for your KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) formulation
- 2.Take or apply as directed by your healthcare provider
- 3.Store properly between uses according to package instructions
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
KPV is a tripeptide fragment of alpha-MSH with excellent tolerability in preclinical models and limited human safety data. The compound shows immunomodulatory properties targeting anti-inflammatory pathways (IL-1 and TNF-alpha suppression) rather than broad immune activation, potentially making it safer for individuals concerned about excessive immune stimulation. Skin darkening and appetite stimulation are documented alpha-MSH effects but less pronounced with the KPV fragment. Safety remains largely determined by route and dose, with cutaneous application showing minimal systemic absorption.
KPV safety data come from in vitro mechanistic studies, rodent models, and limited human topical application research. Published research in Journal of Neuroimmunology demonstrates selective anti-inflammatory activity without systemic toxicity signals in animal models. Human safety data are restricted primarily to pilot studies and unpublished investigations, placing KPV in the research compound category with incomplete clinical characterization. Animal studies show no organ toxicity or genotoxicity at relevant doses.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Injection Site Reaction
Potential mild redness, swelling, or discomfort at subcutaneous injection site as expected with peptide administration
Management: Rotate injection sites; apply ice if needed; standard subcutaneous injection technique
Mild GI Effects
Theoretical mild gastrointestinal symptoms with oral administration as peptide interacts with intestinal epithelium
Management: Take with food if GI discomfort occurs; start with lower doses and titrate upward
Transient Skin Effects
With topical application, potential mild irritation or redness at application site during initial use
Management: Patch test before widespread application; reduce concentration if irritation occurs
Mild Immune Modulation
Anti-inflammatory effects may transiently alter local immune responses at sites of inflammation
Management: Monitor for signs of infection; effects are expected to be reversible upon discontinuation
Peptide Stability Concerns
As a small peptide, KPV is susceptible to proteolytic degradation which may affect bioavailability rather than cause side effects
Management: Use nanoparticle or hydrogel formulations for improved stability; subcutaneous route may offer better bioavailability than oral
Less Common
- •Theoretical Immunosuppression
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Severe or worsening side effects that don't improve with dose adjustment or supportive care
- ×Signs of an allergic reaction—rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing
- ×Your healthcare provider recommends discontinuation based on your clinical response
- ×Development of any new medical condition that may be contraindicated with KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment)
- ×Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (unless specifically approved for use during pregnancy)
- ×Abnormal lab results or clinical markers that suggest adverse effects
KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) should only be started, adjusted, or discontinued under medical supervision. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Never stop a prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abrupt discontinuation may have consequences.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓Complementary gut-healing peptide that promotes mucosal repair while KPV addresses underlying inflammation
- ✓Immune-modulating peptide that can complement KPV anti-inflammatory effects for balanced immune regulation
- ✓Amino acid that supports intestinal barrier function and mucosal integrity alongside KPV anti-inflammatory action
With medications
- !High-Dose Immunosuppressants - Additive immune suppression may increase infection risk through overlapping anti-inflammatory mechanisms
- !Melanotan Peptides - Potential overlapping melanocortin receptor activation could produce unpredictable combined effects
- !Systemic Corticosteroids - Redundant anti-inflammatory pathways may confound therapeutic outcomes or cause excessive immune suppression
With supplements
- ✓Multivitamins - Generally safe to take alongside KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment). Space doses apart if taking oral formulations to ensure optimal absorption.
- ✓Electrolyte supplements - Helpful if experiencing any GI side effects that could lead to dehydration. Safe to combine.
Effectiveness
Does it
work?
Evidence Level
Strong human trials
What to Expect
Initial Response (1-2 Weeks)
What you might notice
- •Anti-inflammatory signaling initiated;
- •reduction in acute inflammatory markers;
- •early improvement in intestinal symptoms in research models
What's normal
- •Full integration of KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) into physiological systems is established
- •Long-term KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) response remains personalized to your physiology
- •KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) tolerance is well-maintained with consistent dosing
What's next
- →Maintain your established KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) protocol for sustained benefits
- →Continue periodic monitoring to confirm KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) efficacy
- →Review comprehensive KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) response with your provider
Active Anti-Inflammatory Phase (2-6 Weeks)
What you might notice
- •Significant cytokine reduction;
- •improved intestinal barrier function;
- •measurable reduction in myeloperoxidase activity and inflammatory infiltrates
What's normal
- •KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) has achieved stable, long-term homeostatic integration
- •Sustained efficacy of KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) remains consistent
- •Chronic KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) effects remain stable and predictable
What's next
- →Maintain your established KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) protocol for sustained benefits
- →Continue periodic monitoring to confirm KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) efficacy
- →Review comprehensive KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) response with your provider
Sustained Benefit (6-12 Weeks)
What you might notice
- •Maximum anti-inflammatory and barrier-protective effects;
- •prevention of disease progression in chronic models;
- •potential for mucosal healing
What's normal
- •Full therapeutic effects of KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) are well-characterized at this point
- •Maintenance of KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment)'s therapeutic effects is typical
- •Tolerance patterns with KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) are generally stable over months
What's next
- →Comprehensive assessment of KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) efficacy should be conducted
- →Discuss long-term continuation, cycling, or protocol modifications
- →Continue regular monitoring of relevant biomarkers or symptoms
Signs It's Working
Treatment Response
- ✓Improvement in the primary symptoms or condition being treated
- ✓Positive changes in relevant lab values or clinical markers
- ✓Consistent, stable response to KPV (Alpha-MSH Fragment) over time
- ✓Reduction in symptom frequency or severity
General Well-being
- ✓Improved energy levels and daily functioning
- ✓Better quality of life related to the treated condition
- ✓Manageable or absent side effects indicating good tolerance
- ✓Positive feedback from healthcare provider during check-ups
Not Seeing Results?
Common reasons
- •Not at therapeutic dose yet—initial doses are for building tolerance, not maximum effect
- •Insufficient time at target dose—most compounds need several weeks to show full benefits
- •Inconsistent dosing schedule—regular, consistent use is crucial for optimal results
- •Individual variation in response—genetics, metabolism, and other factors affect outcomes
- •Underlying conditions or medications interfering with absorption or effectiveness
- •Improper storage leading to degraded product—always verify proper storage conditions
Key Research
"Self-Cross-Linked Hydrogel Stabilized Tripeptide KPV for Alleviating TNBS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats"
Research investigators, 2021
Finding: A novel hydrogel delivery system stabilized KPV for ulcerative colitis treatment, showing 50% reduction in colonic myeloperoxidase activity in rat models. Intestinal epithelial barrier function was preserved, preventing disease progression.
View Study"Orally Targeted Delivery of Tripeptide KPV via Hyaluronic Acid-Functionalized Nanoparticles Alleviates Ulcerative Colitis"
Research investigators, 2017
Finding: Hyaluronic acid-nanoparticles delivered KPV directly to inflamed intestinal epithelium, achieving stronger anti-inflammatory effects than standard delivery. TNF-α was significantly downregulated, demonstrating targeted efficacy.
View Study"Alpha-MSH and related tripeptides: anti-inflammatory and protective effects in vitro and in vivo"
Research investigators, 2008
Finding: This comprehensive review established KPV as a potent anti-inflammatory tripeptide derived from alpha-MSH that lacks the pigmentary effects of the parent hormone. KPV shows promise for treating inflammatory bowel disease, fibrosis, and arthritis.
View Study"Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of IBD"
Research investigators, 2008
Finding: Original preclinical research demonstrated KPV efficacy in multiple murine inflammatory bowel disease models with approximately 50% reduction in colonic myeloperoxidase activity. The mechanism involved NF-κB pathway inhibition.
View Study"Terminal signal: anti-inflammatory effects of alpha-MSH related peptides beyond the pharmacophore"
Research investigators, 2010
Finding: Analysis revealed KPV's anti-inflammatory effects work through NF-κB and MAP kinase pathway inhibition—the same mechanism as full-length alpha-MSH but without unwanted side effects. KPV represents a minimal anti-inflammatory fragment.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions