KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) — the minimal anti-inflammatory fragment of alpha-MSH. Oral, subcutaneous and topical dosing for gut and skin, NF-κB inhibition, and safety. For research purposes only — not for human use.
Clean Peptides does not provide advice on dosages or usage. This guide compiles product information from Clean Peptides together with independent educational material from PeptideWiki, for research reference only. It is not medical advice and does not represent recommendations, endorsements, or instructions from Clean Peptides.
What Is KPV?
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is a naturally occurring tripeptide derived from the C-terminal sequence of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) — the smallest fragment that retains potent anti-inflammatory activity. KPV enters cells and directly inhibits NF-κB nuclear translocation, the master switch controlling pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β). Unlike melanocortin-stimulating peptides (e.g. MT-II), KPV is purely anti-inflammatory — no tanning, sexual or appetite effects. Its small size may allow partial oral absorption, making oral dosing popular for gut-targeted inflammation.
Dosing derives from preclinical studies and community protocols.
Key Characteristics
- Minimal anti-inflammatory fragment of α-MSH — sequence Lys-Pro-Val.
- NF-κB inhibition — reduces TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and other pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- NOT a melanocortin agonist — no tanning, sexual or appetite effects.
- Multiple routes — oral (most popular for gut), subcutaneous, topical, intranasal.
- Potential oral bioavailability — tripeptide size may allow some GI absorption.
- Very mild side-effect profile — no hormone manipulation or receptor desensitization.
How Dosage Is Determined
Informed by preclinical IBD and skin-inflammation models (Dalmasso et al.; Kannengiesser et al.) and community use. Animal microgram/kg doses were extrapolated to the 200–500 mcg oral range. Strength of evidence: moderate preclinical, limited clinical.
Standard Dosage Ranges
Oral
| Level | Dose | Frequency | Daily Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | 200 mcg | 1x daily | 200 mcg | Empty stomach; assess tolerance |
| Standard | 200–500 mcg | 1–2x daily | 200–1,000 mcg | Most common for gut inflammation / IBD |
| Higher Range | 500 mcg | 2x daily | 1,000 mcg | Persistent inflammation |
Subcutaneous
| Level | Dose | Frequency | Daily Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | 100 mcg | 1x daily | 100 mcg | Assess tolerance; rotate sites |
| Standard | 200–300 mcg | 1x daily | 200–300 mcg | Systemic anti-inflammatory |
| Higher Range | 500 mcg | 1x daily | 500 mcg | Active inflammatory conditions |
Topical
Reconstituted and applied to affected skin 1–2x daily, or compounded into a cream/gel. Best for localized skin inflammation (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, wound healing).
Administration Routes Compared
| Parameter | Oral | Subcutaneous | Topical | Intranasal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Dose | 200–500 mcg | 100–500 mcg | Applied to area | 100–200 mcg |
| Bioavailability | Lower (partial) | Highest | Local | Moderate |
| Best For | Gut, IBD | Systemic | Skin conditions | Sinus / airway |
Reconstitution & Dosing (with the supplied 3 mL)
At Clean Peptides, KPV is supplied as part of the KLOW blend rather than as a standalone vial; the figures below use a typical standalone 5 mg vial for reference. Oral KPV is dosed from pre-measured capsules and needs no reconstitution.
Every Clean Peptides vial ships with 3 mL of bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol). All figures below assume you reconstitute with the full 3 mL. On a standard U-100 insulin syringe, 100 units = 1 mL.
Quick formula: concentration = vial strength ÷ 3 mL, and units to draw = dose (mg) × 300 ÷ vial strength (mg).
How to reconstitute
- Wash your hands and lay out the vial, the 3 mL bacteriostatic water, an insulin syringe and alcohol swabs on a clean surface.
- Flip off the caps and swab both rubber stoppers with alcohol; let them air-dry 10–15 seconds.
- Draw the full 3 mL of bacteriostatic water (in three 1 mL passes with an insulin syringe, or in one pass with a 3 mL syringe).
- Add the water slowly, angling the needle so it runs down the inside glass wall — never squirt it directly onto the powder cake.
- Dissolve gently — let the vial sit 1–2 minutes, then swirl or roll it between your palms until the solution is clear. Never shake.
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Resulting concentration: 5 mg → 1.67 mg/mL.
Storage: unreconstituted powder refrigerated (2–8 °C); reconstituted solution refrigerated and used within 28–30 days; do not freeze; protect from light and heat.
Draw volumes with 3 mL — KPV
| Vial (Clean Peptides) | Concentration | 200 mcg | 300 mcg | 500 mcg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | 1.67 mg/mL | 12 u | 18 u | 30 u |
Dosage by Goal
- Gut inflammation & IBD: oral 200–500 mcg 1–2x daily, empty stomach, 4–8 weeks. Stack with BPC-157 for mucosal repair (the most popular KPV stack).
- Skin inflammation: topical 1–2x daily; optional oral 200–500 mcg daily for systemic support.
- Systemic inflammation: SubQ 200–500 mcg once daily, 4–8 weeks; consider Thymosin Alpha-1.
- Wound healing: topical to site ± SubQ 200–300 mcg daily; 2–6 weeks. Stack with BPC-157 + TB-500.
Match the route to the target: oral for gut, SubQ for systemic, topical for skin.
Cycling & Duration
| Protocol | On-Period | Off-Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (Gut) | 4–8 weeks | 2–4 weeks off | Reassess symptoms at 4 weeks |
| Extended (Chronic IBD) | 8–12 weeks | 4 weeks off | Monitor and reassess regularly |
| Maintenance | Ongoing at lower dose | N/A | ~200 mcg/day; limited long-term data |
| Acute (Wound Healing) | 2–6 weeks | Stop when healed | Matches healing timeline |
Lower desensitization risk than GHRPs (intracellular NF-κB mechanism), but cycling remains best practice.
Stacking Protocols
KPV + BPC-157 — gut-healing stack (most popular): KPV 200–500 mcg oral 1–2x daily (NF-κB inhibition) + BPC-157 250–500 mcg oral or SubQ (mucosal repair).
Full BPC-157 protocols: see our BPC-157 Dosage Guide.
Other combinations: KPV + LL-37 (anti-inflammatory + antimicrobial); KPV + Thymosin Alpha-1 (immune modulation); KPV + BPC-157 + TB-500 (comprehensive healing). KPV does not interact with melanocortin pathways.
Safety, Side Effects & Contraindications
One of the mildest side-effect profiles of any research peptide; no hormone manipulation, no receptor desensitization.
Rare, mild: GI discomfort (oral), injection-site reactions (SubQ), rare headache, mild skin irritation (topical). NOT associated with: tanning, sexual effects, appetite changes, cortisol/prolactin elevation, water retention.
Contraindications: pregnancy and breastfeeding; caution during active severe infection (NF-κB has a role in immune defense); immunosuppressed individuals; known hypersensitivity.
Not FDA-approved; research peptide (in some jurisdictions sold as a supplement).
Common Mistakes
- Expecting melanocortin effects (tanning/libido/appetite) — KPV has none.
- Using injectable doses orally or vice versa.
- Stopping too early (gut improvement takes 1–2 weeks; full IBD benefit 4–8 weeks).
- Using KPV alone for severe IBD without medical supervision.
- Improper storage of reconstituted solution.
- Taking oral KPV with a large meal.
- Confusing KPV with full-length alpha-MSH.
Key Takeaways
- Minimal anti-inflammatory fragment of α-MSH working via NF-κB inhibition (not melanocortin receptors).
- No tanning, sexual or appetite effects.
- Oral 200–500 mcg 1–2x daily (empty stomach) is most popular; SubQ 100–500 mcg for systemic; topical for skin.
- Gold-standard stack: KPV + BPC-157 for gut/IBD.
- Cycle 4–8 weeks; very mild side effects; not FDA-approved.
Download & Related Resources
KPV is included in the KLOW Pen 80 mg blend (BPC-157 + TB-500 + GHK-Cu + KPV).
Related guides: BPC-157 Dosage Guide · TB-500 Dosage Guide · GHK-Cu Dosage Guide · KLOW Pen 80 mg Dosing Guide
References
- Dalmasso G, et al. “PepT1-mediated tripeptide KPV uptake reduces intestinal inflammation.” Gastroenterology. 2008;134(1):166-178.
- Kannengiesser K, et al. “Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in IBD models.” Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2008;14(3):324-331.
- Brzoska T, et al. “Alpha-MSH and related tripeptides: anti-inflammatory and protective effects.” Endocr Rev. 2008;29(5):581-602.
- Luger TA, et al. “Functions of alpha-MSH and related peptides in the immune system.” Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2003;994:133-140.
- Ichiyama T, et al. “Alpha-MSH inhibits NF-κB activation.” Exp Neurol. 1999;157(2):359-365.
For research purposes only — not for human use. Educational reference compiled from PeptideWiki (peptidewiki.co).
