KPV
KPV is a short tripeptide derived from the alpha-MSH sequence, studied for anti-inflammatory activity — the simplest molecule in our immune range.
Also known as: Lys-Pro-Val tripeptide
Research context
- A three-amino-acid fragment of alpha-MSH.
- Studied in inflammation and gut-research contexts.
- Available in 5mg and 10mg.
Related compounds
What KPV is
KPV is a tripeptide — three amino acids, lysine–proline–valine — corresponding to the C-terminal tail of α-MSH (alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone). Alpha-MSH is a melanocortin peptide with a wide signalling profile; KPV is the minimal fragment that retains the anti-inflammatory activity seen in research models, which is why it is studied as a compound in its own right rather than as a hormone.
One property is worth stating plainly: unlike its parent α-MSH, KPV is described in the literature as not melanotropic — it does not drive pigmentation in the models where that has been tested. It is also the smallest molecule in our catalogue, which is what makes it chemically distinct from the larger immunomodulatory peptides on the same shelf.
The honest bound: the evidence base is predominantly preclinical — cell-culture and animal inflammation models, with interest in NF-κB signalling and gut-mucosal work. Human data is minimal.
Where KPV sits in the catalogue
KPV belongs to the immune-and-inflammation shelf, but it is the fragment rather than the full-length hormone. The honest comparison within our own range:
| Compound | Class / origin | Volume of human evidence |
|---|---|---|
| KPV | Tripeptide fragment of α-MSH (melanocortin family) | Early — mostly animal and in-vitro inflammation work |
| Thymosin Alpha-1 | 28-residue thymic peptide | Moderate — used clinically in some countries, more human data |
| LL-37 | 37-residue cathelicidin (endogenous antimicrobial peptide) | Moderate — extensive basic research, limited controlled human trials |
| GHK-Cu | Copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) | Early-to-moderate — topical skin research |
KPV and GHK-Cu are both tripeptides, but they are not interchangeable: GHK-Cu is studied for skin and connective-tissue signalling and carries a copper ion, while KPV is studied through the melanocortin-inflammatory axis alone.
Supply, handling and documentation
We supply KPV as a lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder in sealed vials: 5mg and 10mg presentations. Because it is only three residues it is highly soluble and dissolves quickly once reconstituted.
- Lyophilised powder: store sealed, refrigerated, protected from light.
- Reconstituted solution: refrigerate at 2–8°C and keep covered.
- Very short peptides degrade quickly if handled roughly — avoid repeated warm/cool cycles.
Every batch ships with documentation available on request — see our lab and COA policy for what we will and will not claim, and the reconstitution guide for the method in detail.
Ordering, payment and delivery
Pricing is per vial, shown openly at the top of this page. Card checkout runs through Stripe. Bank transfer is offered at a 10% discount and prices are shown under each card price; bank orders are confirmed once funds clear. UK dispatch is same or next working day, with tracked delivery.
Delivery times and payment details are set out in full on the delivery page. If anything is unclear before ordering, contact us — we would rather answer a question than process a return.
KPV: common questions
Is KPV the same as alpha-MSH?
No. KPV is a three-residue fragment of the α-MSH sequence, studied as a distinct compound. Unlike full-length α-MSH it is described as non-melanotropic in the research literature.
Is KPV a medicine?
No. It is supplied as a research chemical. It is not a medicine, it is not for human or veterinary use, and nothing on this page is medical advice.
What is KPV researched for?
Predominantly anti-inflammatory activity in preclinical models, with interest in NF-κB signalling and gut-mucosal inflammation. Human data is minimal.
Which sizes do you stock?
5mg and 10mg vials, priced per vial. Both are listed in the price table above.
Does KPV need to be refrigerated?
Yes — sealed lyophilised vials should be refrigerated and kept out of light. Once reconstituted, keep at 2–8°C.
Do you provide a certificate of analysis?
Batch documentation is available on request. See the lab and COA policy for exactly what is provided and what is not.