KPV: Patient Information & Safety Notes
Also known as Lys-Pro-Val
Other names: lys-pro-val, -msh-c-terminus-tripeptide
KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It has potent anti-inflammatory properties in preclinical models and has been studied for inflammatory bowel disease and skin inflammatory conditions. It is NOT FDA-approved.
In plain language
What KPV Tripeptide is used for
- Investigated in research settings for inflammatory bowel conditions and inflammatory skin conditions
Taking this medicine
How it is administered
- Subcutaneous injection
- Oral capsule (for gut-targeted effects)
Read before you decide
Risks and precautions
Risks and warnings
- Injection site irritation
- Mild headache, fatigue
- Human safety profile not established in large-scale clinical trials
Who should not take it
- Active infection (melanocortin pathway modulation may affect immune responses)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
- Autoimmune disease requiring immunosuppression (immune modulation precaution)
Common questions
Patient questions
Is KPV approved for inflammatory bowel disease?
No. KPV is not FDA-approved for IBD or any condition. It is a research compound with preclinical (animal) data only. Individuals with IBD should work with a gastroenterologist for evidence-based treatments such as aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, biologics, or immunomodulators.
Is KPV the same as alpha-MSH?
KPV is the three-amino-acid C-terminal fragment (Lys-Pro-Val) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It shares some anti-inflammatory properties with the full peptide. Neither is FDA-approved for human use as a standalone therapeutic agent.
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This information is educational — not medical advice.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
Sources & References
- PubChem: KPV tripeptide
- FDA: Understanding risks of compounded drugs
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Alpha-MSH peptides
Learn more about where our data comes from and how we write and review medical content.