KPV

Also called Lys-Pro-Val, α-MSH (11–13), KPV acetate^{1, 9}

KPV is a chain of 3 amino acids: lysine, proline and valine. It is the last 3 amino acids of α-MSH, a hormone that also calms inflammation.⁹ In mice it eased chemically induced colitis, and in rodents it helped wounds heal.^{1, 11, 12} FDA found no study that gave KPV to a person.¹ Since October 28, 2026, HHS has said it won't act against licensed pharmacies that compound it as a cream or a pill, with a prescription. Injections aren't covered.⁶

Often sold alongside BPC-157 for gut health. See every peptide's status in the regulatory tracker

At a glance

Where to get it

MoveWell sells no peptides. Some links may earn us a commission, which never decides what's listed or the order. All options

Molecular structure

Three amino acids in a short chain: lysine, then proline, whose side chain closes into a ring, then valine.

The proline (Pro), the middle residue

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KLysPProVVal

Sequence

KPV (H-Lys-Pro-Val-OH)

Length

3 amino acids

Formula

C16H30N4O4

Weight

342.4 g/mol

Acetate

C16H30N4O4 · CH3COOH, 402.5 g/mol

CAS

67727-97-3

FDA UNII

Not assigned

Drawn from the sequence FDA lists. Formula and weight are for the free base; acetate values are from FDA and HHS.^{1, 6}

What it is

α-MSH is a 13-amino-acid hormone best known for skin pigment. It also dampens inflammation. Researchers found that its last three amino acids, "alpha-MSH 11-13, KPV," keep much of that anti-inflammatory effect.⁹ A 2008 review proposed KPV as an alternative to α-MSH because it shouldn't darken the skin.¹⁰

What's sold is synthetic. FDA found the nominator's paperwork named KPV acetate but gave the free-base formula, so it was unclear which form had been nominated. FDA called both forms not well-characterized.¹ FDA found no KPV product authorized in the EU, and KPV is not in the US, European or Japanese pharmacopeias.¹

How it works

The proposed mechanisms come from cell and animal work.

• Calming inflammatory signals. In gut and immune cells, tiny (nanomolar) amounts of KPV blocked NF-κB and MAP kinase, two switches that turn on inflammation.¹¹
• Getting into gut cells. KPV is carried into cells by PepT1, a transporter that increases in the inflamed colon.¹¹
• Not mainly through α-MSH's receptor. KPV still protected mice lacking a working melanocortin-1 receptor, so its effect is "at least partially independent" of it.¹² FDA says melanocortin receptors are unlikely to be its main targets.¹

None of this has been measured in people.

Evidence map

Each claimed use is graded separately, because the evidence differs by use.

Scale: 5 FDA-approved, 4 strong human, 3 limited human, 2 animal or lab only, 1 anecdotal

Key studies

The only human trial nearby tested K(D)PT (Lys-D-Pro-Thr), a different molecule modeled on a piece of IL-1β.^{10, 14} Its results don't transfer to KPV. The skin and wound studies are cited as FDA summarized them.¹

By goal and route

Pick your goal to see what the evidence supports.

Sources: HHS policy terms,^{6, 7} FDA briefing,¹ Dalmasso 2008.¹¹

How it's used

No human study has set a dose for any route. We don't give one.

The nominator proposed a cream or gel for the skin.¹ Oral products appear on promotional websites, but FDA found no study of how well KPV is absorbed by mouth in people.¹ The HHS policy asks pharmacies to document human oral absorption before compounding an oral form.⁶ In mice, KPV worked in drinking water at very low (nanomolar) concentrations.¹¹ We report this as information, not instruction.

Side effects and who should avoid it

• No safety studies. FDA found no single-dose, repeat-dose, genetic, reproductive or cancer toxicity studies.¹
• Immune reactions. FDA says there is "insufficient data to conclude" KPV doesn't carry the immune and clumping risks of other peptides.¹
• Reported side effects. None in FDA's adverse event database through December 3, 2025. FDA notes compounders rarely report.¹
• The core problem. FDA is "particularly concerned about the lack of any human data."¹
• Gray-market vials. "Research use only" products aren't covered by the HHS policy or its testing conditions.^{6, 7}
• Athletes. KPV isn't named on WADA's list, but S0 bans, at all times, any substance not covered elsewhere on the list that has no government approval for human use. We found no approval for KPV, so it is likely prohibited.^{1, 16} Ask your anti-doping body first.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding. No data.

Approved treatments exist for colitis, psoriasis, eczema and wounds, which FDA cited in its recommendation.¹ See a clinician first.

Compared with

Sources: FDA KPV briefing,¹ Kucharzik 2017,¹⁴ McDermott,³ HHS Appendix B.⁶ BPC-157 details are on its guide

Stacks

No study has tested KPV with any other peptide. All blends fall outside the HHS policy, which allows one active ingredient.⁶

Myths vs evidence

All options

MoveWell sells no peptides. Some links may earn us a commission; that never decides what's listed or the order. Checked November 1, 2026

Licensed compounding, with a prescription

We found no provider page we could confirm for single-ingredient KPV acetate as a cream or by mouth. One telehealth site lists KPV as "coming soon" with no form or price. Another lists KPV injections, which fall outside the policy, so we don't link it. We'll add options when a compliant product is listed.

Compounded drugs are generally not covered by insurance, and the HHS policy requires a patient-specific prescription.⁶

Research use only vials

The HHS policy excludes research chemicals, so we don't list sellers.⁷ In August 2026 FDA warned five peptide sellers that a "research use only" label doesn't excuse products clearly meant for people.¹⁷

Legal status history

Newest first.

1. Current statusNov 1, 2026HHS says it won't take action against licensed 503A pharmacies, federal facilities and licensed physicians that compound single-ingredient KPV acetate as a cream or by mouth, with a prescription. Not FDA-approved. Not named by WADA, but likely covered by S0.^{6, 7, 16}
2. Next · no dateA formal rule to add KPV to the 503A bulks list. Comments on the HHS policy are due 2 weeks after Federal Register publication, which was scheduled for Oct 30, 2026.^{7, 19}
3. Oct 28, 2026HHS enforcement discretion policy for KPV and five other peptides. Docket HHS-OASH-2026-0496. Not approval, and interim until a final rule.^{7, 19}
4. Jul 23, 2026FDA's compounding advisory committee votes 8–6–1 in favor, for the free base and acetate. The uses reviewed were wound healing and inflammatory conditions. The vote is advisory.^{2, 3, 4, 5, 18}
5. May 12, 2026FDA staff review recommends against listing: poorly characterized, unknown compounding use, no human data, and approved treatments exist.¹
6. Apr 22, 2026Moved off Category 2 to FDA's "nominated but withdrawn" list. That did not make it legal to compound.⁸
7. Sep 2023Placed in Category 2, substances that may pose significant safety risks.^{6, 8}

What the HHS policy covers

Sources: HHS Appendix B,⁶ BakerHostetler.⁷ Official meeting minutes weren't posted when we checked; the vote count comes from law-firm and trade reports, which agree. See every peptide's status in the regulatory tracker.

FAQ

Related guides

References