What is KPV?
KPV (Lysine-Proline-Valine) is the natural C-terminal tripeptide of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), corresponding to residues 11–13 of ACTH. Despite its very small size, KPV retains the anti-inflammatory activity of the parent α-MSH while bypassing classical melanocortin receptors entirely.
KPV is transported intracellularly via the PepT1 di/tripeptide transporter, which is highly expressed in intestinal epithelium and inflammatory immune cells. Once inside the cell, KPV accumulates in the nucleus and directly inhibits NF-κB and MAPK inflammatory signalling at nanomolar concentrations — a mechanism distinct from receptor-mediated α-MSH analogues.
ClaraScience supplies KPV as a lyophilised powder in 10mg vials. Each batch is independently HPLC-tested to ≥99.0% purity (99.15% verified this batch) at a WHO/GMP-certified laboratory, with a full COA including HPLC chromatogram and mass spectrometry confirmation included with every order. All products are supplied for laboratory research use only.
Mechanism. PepT1-mediated intracellular uptake → nuclear NF-κB and MAPK inhibition — receptor-independent anti-inflammatory mode.
Structure. 3 amino acids (Lys-Pro-Val) · α-MSH C-terminus · 342.43 g/mol — among the smallest bioactive peptides studied.
Research context. Studied for IBD/colitis models, ocular inflammation, wound repair, and gut-barrier integrity research.
Research Background
KPV has been studied since the 1980s as a minimal active fragment of α-MSH. The seminal work by Hiltz and Catania demonstrated that KPV retains the anti-inflammatory potency of full-length α-MSH while lacking pigmentary activity, establishing it as a candidate anti-inflammatory peptide that decouples receptor pharmacology from inflammation pathways.
More recent research by Dalmasso et al. (2008, Gastroenterology) demonstrated oral KPV delivery via PepT1 reduces colonic inflammation in DSS-colitis models at femtomolar doses, establishing the peptide as one of the most potent endogenous anti-inflammatory tripeptides characterised to date. Ongoing investigations explore KPV's role in dermal repair, ocular inflammation, and gut-barrier integrity.
Unlike most peptides which require parenteral administration, KPV's PepT1-mediated uptake means it remains active when delivered orally — making it a uniquely tractable research compound for inflammation models in the gastrointestinal tract.
KPV pairs synergistically with BPC-157 in tissue-repair research models — both compounds target gut and tissue inflammation through distinct mechanisms.
Key citation Dalmasso G et al. "PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation." Gastroenterology. 2008;134(1):166–178.
Compound Specifications
| Common Name |
KPV (Lysine-Proline-Valine) |
| Structure |
3 amino acids · Lys-Pro-Val · α-MSH C-terminus |
| Molecular Weight |
342.43 g/mol |
| Receptor Targets |
PepT1 transporter (cellular uptake) → NF-κB / MAPK inhibition |
| Purity (HPLC) |
≥99.0% (99.15% verified this batch) |
| Vial Size |
10mg lyophilised powder |
| Storage |
2–8°C (short-term) · −20°C (long-term) |
| Primary Reference |
Dalmasso G et al., Gastroenterology 2008;134:166–178 |
Storage & Handling
KPV is supplied as a lyophilised powder in sealed vials. ClaraScience ships all orders in plain, discreet packaging from our Australian warehouse.
- Unopened vial: 2–8°C for regular use; −20°C for longer-term storage.
- After reconstitution: Store at 2–8°C and use within 28 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Reconstitution solvent: Sterile bacteriostatic water. Use our free reconstitution calculator for the exact volume.
Full protocols in our Storage & Handling Guide.
Ordering & Pricing — Australia
| Quantity |
Price per vial |
Saving |
| 1–4 vials |
$79.95 AUD |
— |
| 5–9 vials |
$69.95 AUD |
Save 8% |
| 10+ vials |
$59.95 AUD |
Save 15% |
Free priority tracked shipping on orders over $250 AUD. Dispatched within 24 hours. For bulk orders, see our wholesale enquiry page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is KPV?
KPV is a tripeptide consisting of lysine, proline and valine — the C-terminal sequence of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It retains potent anti-inflammatory activity while acting independently of melanocortin receptors via PepT1-mediated cellular uptake. All ClaraScience products are for laboratory research use only.
How is KPV different from α-MSH or melanotan?
α-MSH and Melanotan II are full melanocortin receptor agonists with pigmentary and appetite effects. KPV is the inert C-terminal tripeptide fragment — it isolates the anti-inflammatory activity from receptor-mediated pigmentary effects. It acts through PepT1 uptake and intracellular NF-κB inhibition rather than melanocortin receptor binding.
Can KPV be administered orally?
Yes — KPV is one of the few peptides with established oral bioavailability via PepT1 transporter uptake in the gut. The PepT1 transporter is naturally upregulated at sites of intestinal inflammation, which is one of the mechanisms by which KPV exhibits gut-targeted anti-inflammatory activity in research models.
Is KPV available in Australia for research?
ClaraScience supplies research-grade KPV from an Australian warehouse. Products are for laboratory research use only and have not been evaluated by the TGA for therapeutic purposes in this context.
What purity is your KPV?
≥99.0% HPLC-verified at a WHO/GMP-certified third-party laboratory (99.15% this batch). Full COA with HPLC chromatogram and mass spectrometry confirmation included with every batch.
