Last updated 18 September 2026 · SARMs Store editorial team. Products on this site are supplied strictly for laboratory research and are not for human consumption. This guide summarises published research; it is not medical advice and contains no instructions for use. 18+ only.
KPV at a glance
| Class | Tripeptide Lys-Pro-Val, the C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone |
|---|---|
| Studied by | Didier Merlin's group, Emory University, 2008 onwards |
| Highest evidence | Mouse colitis and skin models; cell studies; no human trial |
| Studied for | Inflammation signalling through NF-kB, gut inflammation, skin inflammation, bacterial infection models |
| Format | Lyophilised vial (10mg) |
| Storage | 2 to 8°C unopened, frozen long term, away from light |
| UK status 2026 | Research chemical; not a licensed medicine; not named on the WADA list |
What KPV is
KPV is the last three amino acids of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, lysine-proline-valine. Alpha-MSH has two well-known activities: it darkens pigment through the melanocortin-1 receptor, and it damps inflammation. The KPV fragment keeps the anti-inflammatory activity and loses the pigmentation effect, which is why it is studied on its own. It is small enough to be carried into cells by the PepT1 peptide transporter.
What the research found
Gut inflammation. Dalmasso and colleagues at Emory (Gastroenterology, 2008) gave KPV orally to mice in two colitis models and reported reduced weight loss, reduced tissue damage and lower inflammatory cytokines. The effect depended on PepT1 uptake into gut cells and ran through reduced NF-kB activation. A 2010 follow-up delivered KPV to the mouse colon in hydrogel-coated nanoparticles at much lower doses with similar results.
Skin and infection. Cell and mouse studies reported reduced cytokine release in skin inflammation models and activity against some bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, in culture.
What is missing. No human trial of KPV for any indication. Everything is mouse and cell data from a small number of groups.
KPV in the KLOW blend
KPV is the K in the KLOW blend, where it is combined with BPC-157, TB-500 and GHK-Cu. No study tests that combination; the KLOW guide covers the blend.
Stability, storage and handling
Supplied lyophilised in a sealed vial. Keep unopened vials at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius or frozen for long storage, away from light. Reconstituted solutions degrade over days to weeks. The certificate should show HPLC purity and mass spectrometry identity.
Legal status in the UK, 2026
Not a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Not a licensed medicine anywhere, so it cannot be sold or advertised for human use in the UK; supplied strictly for laboratory research. Not named on the WADA Prohibited List.
What to check before buying
Milligrams per vial, HPLC purity, mass spectrometry identity, a batch number matching the certificate, and cold-chain shipping. Every Origin Peptides batch is independently tested and its certificate of analysis is published on the product page and the Lab Testing page.
Frequently asked questions
Does KPV affect skin colour?
No. The pigmentation activity of alpha-MSH sits in a different part of the molecule.
Has KPV been tested in humans?
No published human trial as of 2026.
How does KPV get into cells?
Through the PepT1 transporter, which is why the gut studies used oral dosing in mice.
Is KPV legal in the UK?
Legal to buy and possess as a research compound; not lawful to sell or advertise for human consumption.
Key references
Dalmasso G, Charrier-Hisamuddin L, Nguyen HT, Yan Y, Sitaraman S, Merlin D. PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2008;134(1):166-178. Laroui H, Dalmasso G, Nguyen HT, Yan Y, Sitaraman SV, Merlin D. Drug-loaded nanoparticles targeted to the colon with polysaccharide hydrogel reduce colitis in a mouse model. Gastroenterology. 2010;138(3):843-853. Brzoska T, Luger TA, Maaser C, Abels C, Böhm M. Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and related tripeptides: biochemistry, antiinflammatory and protective effects in vitro and in vivo. Endocrine Reviews. 2008;29(5):581-602.
Related guides
- KLOW blend research guide
- BPC-157 research guide
- SARMs vs peptides: what the research compares
- How to read a certificate of analysis
- SARMs 101 hub
Research products: Origin Peptides KPV 10mg · KLOW blend 80mg · Full Origin Peptides range · Lab Testing