KPV
Dosage Protocol
KPV is a tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). While the full α-MSH molecule produces both anti-inflammatory and melanogenic effects, KPV retains the anti-inflammatory properties without affecting melanin production. It primarily acts through NF-κB pathway inhibition and direct interaction with immune cell receptors to reduce inflammatory cytokine production.
What is KPV?
KPV is derived from the C-terminus of α-MSH — a melanocortin peptide produced from POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin) that has broad anti-inflammatory effects across many tissues. Research identified KPV as the biologically active anti-inflammatory core of the molecule, separating it from the melanogenic (MC1R-activating) properties of the full sequence.
KPV exerts its anti-inflammatory effects primarily by inhibiting NF-κB nuclear translocation and reducing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8). Its small size enables excellent tissue penetration and it has been studied as an oral agent for inflammatory bowel disease, a topical agent for skin inflammation, and a SubQ agent for systemic inflammatory conditions.
Dosing Schedule
Parameters documented in published preclinical and clinical research.
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting dose | 200 mcg SubQ | Once daily | Days 1–7 | Begin conservatively to assess response before escalating. |
| Oral | 0.5–2 mg | 1–2× daily oral | 4–8 weeks | For gut and systemic inflammation. Taken with or without food. |
| SubQ working dose | 500 mcg–1 mg | Daily SubQ | 4–8 weeks | For systemic anti-inflammatory effect. Abdomen or thigh injection. |
| Topical | 0.1–1% | Apply 1–2× daily | Per indication | For skin inflammation, psoriasis, or wound healing research. |
| High dose | 5 mg oral | Daily | Short courses | Higher oral doses in acute IBD-related research protocols. |
Safety & Side Effects
Academic References
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[1]
Gatti S, et al. (2002). Effect of peripheral and central melanocortins on fever and inflammation. Neuroendocrinology. 75(6):364–72. PubMed ↗
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[2]
Luger TA, et al. (2003). Neuropeptide-mediated immunomodulation. J Invest Dermatol. 121(4):688–701. PubMed ↗
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[3]
Catania A, et al. (2004). The melanocortin system in control of inflammation. ScientificWorldJournal. 4:890–5. PubMed ↗
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[4]
Rajora N, et al. (1997). Alpha-MSH modulates local and circulating tumor necrosis factor. J Clin Invest. 99(6):1526–32. PubMed ↗