#1 of 4
88/100v3.0 six-pillar rubric
Starting at $160/mo. Defy Medical is one of the providers covered in our editorial directory that dispenses or coordinates KPV.
Read review →Recovery · Anti-inflammatory
KPV
KPV is a tripeptide (lysine-proline-valine) derived from alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Studied for inflammatory bowel disease, skin inflammation, and wound recovery.
KPV at a glance
KPV is a tripeptide (lysine-proline-valine) derived from alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Studied for inflammatory bowel disease, skin inflammation, and wound recovery. Mechanism: α-MSH derived tripeptide. Typical route: Oral, subcutaneous, topical. FDA status: Not FDA-approved. Compounded by specialty pharmacies and sold by some peptide research suppliers.
Drug classα-MSH derived tripeptide
Half-lifeShort (rapid clearance)
RouteOral, subcutaneous, topical
Common dosing200-500 mcg/day
FDA statusNot approved
Available throughCompounding pharmacies
Mechanism of action
KPV exerts anti-inflammatory effects through multiple pathways, including suppression of NF-κB signaling, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), and direct antibacterial activity. It is small enough to be absorbed orally with reasonable bioavailability.
Dosing reference
Oral: 200-500 mcg once or twice daily for gut applications. Subcutaneous: 250-500 mcg once daily. Topical formulations are also studied for inflammatory skin conditions.
Dosing information is provided for educational reference and is not medical advice. Patients should not initiate or modify any peptide regimen without consulting a licensed clinician. See our medical disclaimer.
FDA status & regulatory framework
Not FDA-approved. Compounded by specialty pharmacies and sold by some peptide research suppliers.
U.S. telehealth providers that work with KPV
#2 of 4
85/100v3.0 six-pillar rubric
Starting at $180/mo. Marek Health is one of the providers covered in our editorial directory that dispenses or coordinates KPV.
Read review →#3 of 4
70/100v3.0 six-pillar rubric
Starting at $110/mo. Heally is one of the providers covered in our editorial directory that dispenses or coordinates KPV.
Read review →#4 of 4
71/100v3.0 six-pillar rubric
Starting at $125/mo. PeterMD is one of the providers covered in our editorial directory that dispenses or coordinates KPV.
Read review →Related recovery peptides
Frequently asked questions about KPV
What is KPV used for?
KPV is most often used for inflammatory bowel conditions (IBD, IBS, ulcerative colitis), inflammatory skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema), and general anti-inflammatory support.
Can KPV be taken orally?
Yes. KPV is small enough to retain meaningful bioavailability when administered orally, which makes it a common choice for gut-targeted applications.
References
- Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and related tripeptides: biochemistry, antiinflammatory and protective effects in vitro and in vivo, and future perspectives for the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Endocr Rev. 2008;29(5):581-602. PMID: 18612139
- PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation. Gastroenterology. 2008;134(1):166-178. PMID: 18061177
Sources are peer-reviewed where available. PubMed (PMID) links resolve to NCBI's PubMed database. FDA links resolve to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Citations were last verified 2026-05-11.