KPV
What it is
KPV is a synthetic tripeptide made up of the amino acids lysine (K), proline (P), and valine (V). It corresponds to the C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), the naturally occurring melanocortin peptide, and it does not carry the pigment-related activity of the full-length hormone.
Research context and categorization
KPV is generally grouped with the anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating peptides, and it is also discussed in the context of healing and tissue repair, particularly in the gut and skin. In preclinical and laboratory settings it has been investigated for its reported influence on inflammatory signaling, and it is commonly discussed in relation to pathways such as NF-kB and MAP-kinase activity and the output of pro-inflammatory cytokines in epithelial models. Much of the published work centers on intestinal and dermatological inflammation models, including colitis and inflammatory bowel disease research. These uses are investigational. KPV is not approved for human use by any regulatory agency, human clinical evidence remains limited, and none of the effects described in the literature should be treated as confirmed or approved outcomes.
Status
- Regulatory status: Research-only. KPV is not approved by the FDA for any indication and is not an approved drug product.
- Sport status: Not specifically listed by name on the WADA Prohibited List, and KPV is not a named melanocortin under the peptide hormones and growth factors class. Because it has no approval by any governmental regulatory health authority for human therapeutic use, it may fall under the broad S0 (non-approved substances) category. Athletes subject to anti-doping testing should treat it as potentially prohibited unless official guidance states otherwise.
Reconstitution notes (general)
Concentration equals the milligrams of peptide in the vial divided by the millilitres of bacteriostatic water added. For example, 10 mg of powder reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water gives a concentration of 5 mg/mL. A reconstitution calculator is available at /pages/tools to work out the water volume for a target concentration.
Dilution and handling notes (compound-specific)
KPV is supplied as a white to off-white lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder that requires reconstitution before laboratory use. It is a small, water-soluble peptide, and the positively charged lysine residue means it typically dissolves readily in bacteriostatic water, generally reported as soluble at 1 mg/mL or greater, so it does not usually need an acidic co-solvent. Vials are often supplied in a 10 mg format, and a common approach is 1 to 2 mL of bacteriostatic water per vial, chosen to give a convenient working concentration rather than because of any solubility limit. Because it dissolves easily, add the water slowly down the inner wall of the vial rather than directly onto the powder, then swirl gently to finish and never shake. If the powder arrives clumped, or the solution turns cloudy or fails to clear, that generally signals moisture exposure or degradation rather than a mixing problem; clumping and discoloration are not reversible, so such material should be discarded rather than used. Let both the vial and the water reach room temperature before mixing, since cold solvent dissolves more slowly.
Handling and storage
Store the reconstituted solution refrigerated at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, out of direct light. Wipe the vial stopper with an alcohol swab before drawing from it, and label the vial with the mix date. A refrigerated solution is generally considered usable for roughly a 4-week window. Discard the solution if it becomes cloudy or discolored or if floaters or particulates appear.
Related reading
Tools and supplies
- Reconstitution & blend calculators
- Bacteriostatic Water 30 ml
- Gansulin Metal Reusable Pen
- 3 ml Glass Cartridges (10-pack)
- Complete Starter Kit
For laboratory and research reference only. Educational content, not medical, dosing, injection, or therapeutic guidance, and not intended for human or animal use. Any research uses described are investigational and not confirmed or approved benefits. Confirm anything involving health with a licensed professional. References linked above.