Library / Repair and recovery

KPV

Also known as Lys-Pro-Val, Alpha-MSH (11-13)

Animal studies only

Tripeptide from the end of alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone with anti inflammatory activity in laboratory models. Studied in cells and mouse models of colitis only.

Not an approved medicine. KPV is not an approved medicine for this use in Australia or the United States. This page summarises published research for information only. It is not a recommendation to use KPV, and VialOwl does not sell or supply it.

Background

A tripeptide (lysine, proline, valine) matching the last three amino acids of alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). Researchers found that much of alpha-MSH's anti inflammatory activity sits in this fragment, and it has been studied in laboratories since the 1990s and 2000s.

How it is thought to work

Taken up into gut lining and immune cells by the PepT1 transporter, where it dampens the NF-kappaB and MAP kinase inflammation pathways and reduces inflammatory cytokines in laboratory and mouse studies.

What is claimed, and the evidence

Claim	Evidence	Notes
Reducing gut inflammation such as colitis	Animal studies only	Mouse and rat colitis models and cell studies only.
Reducing skin and eye inflammation	Animal studies only	Cell studies and animal models.
Healing 'leaky gut', acne, eczema or autoimmune conditions	No published evidence	Common online claims; no human trials.

Side effects

Effect	How often	Notes
No published human safety data	Frequency unknown	FDA has not identified any human exposure data for KPV by any route.

Warnings

FDA says it has no human exposure data for KPV and cannot say whether it causes harm.
KPV is not approved in Australia or the US and has never been tested in human trials.
Unapproved products bought online or from compounders may be contaminated, non sterile, underdosed, overdosed or contain a different substance; the TGA warns their labelling may be inaccurate and it has received reports of severe allergic reactions and hospitalisations.

Regulatory status

Australia: Not included on the ARTG (unapproved). Not specifically listed in the Poisons Standard (June 2026).
United States: Not FDA approved. Nomination withdrawn and removed from 503A Category 2 in April 2026. In July 2026 an FDA advisory committee voted 8 to 6 to recommend it for the 503A bulks list; FDA has not finalised this.

Sources

Also in Repair and recovery

From the VialOwl library, reviewed 26 September 2026. For education and general information. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation to use KPV.