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⚠ For research use only — NOT intended for use on humans or animals. This site is informational, does not provide medical advice and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional.

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Anti-Inflammatory & ImmunityNon approuvéPubMed ↗

KPV

Lys-Pro-Val

KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is a naturally occurring bioactive peptide corresponding to the C-terminal sequence of α-MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone). Made up of three amino acids — Lysine, Proline, and Valine — it has powerful anti-inflammatory, healing, and regenerative properties, targeting root processes rather than symptoms. It acts deeply to reduce inflammation, speed up tissue repair, and restore balance across many tissues and systems in the body.

ProtocolReconstitution
Reconstitution
10 mg + 2 ml
5000 mcg/ml
Usual dose
250–500 mcg
beginner 250 mcg
Frequency
7×/wk
Morning while fasted, ideal for an anti-inflammatory effect throughout the day
Administration
Subcutaneous
Abdomen · Thigh · Triceps

Chemical identity

Sequence
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val)
Molecular formula
C16H30N4O4
Molecular weight
342.43 g/mol
CAS no.
67727-97-3

Purity (HPLC) measures the absence of related impurities; it is distinct from net peptide content, since salts and counter-ions (acetate, TFA) count toward the vial mass. Account for this when computing the real concentration at reconstitution.

1

Potential benefits

Reduces inflammation

Rapidly calms acute and chronic inflammation.

Speeds up healing

Promotes faster, higher-quality wound healing.

Optimal gut health

Improves symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.

Joint health

Relieves joint pain and supports repair of cartilage and connective tissue.

Skin health

Helps treat acne, eczema, and psoriasis and improves skin regeneration.

Recovery & performance

Reduces muscle soreness and speeds up recovery after intense training.

2

Mechanism of action

  • Cytokine modulation: inhibits production of key pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IFN-γ) and reduces both acute and chronic inflammation.
  • Cellular protection: protects cells against oxidative stress and inflammatory damage.
  • Tissue repair: activates fibroblasts and collagen synthesis, promoting tissue regeneration.
  • Barrier reinforcement: improves the integrity of skin and gut barriers, strengthens tight junctions, and reduces intestinal permeability.
  • Immune balance: regulates the immune response to limit chronic inflammation while supporting healing.
3

Historical milestones

Research milestones, clinical trials and regulatory steps.

  1. 1980s

    α-MSH found anti-inflammatory

    Anna Catania, James Lipton and colleagues show the hormone α-MSH reduces fever and inflammation, beyond its known role in pigmentation.

  2. 1989

    KPV activity discovered

    Hiltz and Lipton demonstrate that the C-terminal tripeptide Lys-Pro-Val (KPV) retains α-MSH's anti-inflammatory activity without its pigmentary effect.

  3. 1990s-2000s

    Anti-inflammatory mechanism

    Studies identify KPV as an inhibitor of the NF-κB pathway, effective in animal models of intestinal, skin and bronchial inflammation.

  4. 2008

    Intestinal uptake via PepT1

    Dalmasso, Merlin and colleagues show KPV is taken up by the PepT1 transporter and reduces intestinal inflammation at low doses.

  5. 2010s-2020s

    Ongoing preclinical research

    KPV continues to be studied preclinically (inflammatory bowel disease, skin) with no approved drug to date.

4

Evolution over time

01
1 to 2 weeks

First effects may be felt (reduced inflammation).

02
With consistency

Benefits increase: faster healing, more resilient tissue, and better tissue function.

03
8 to 12 week course

Lasting reduction in inflammatory markers, improved gut barrier, and regeneration of damaged tissue.

5

Dosages & protocol

Reference dosages

Beginner
Assess tolerance
250 mcg
Common use
Most used dosage
250–500 mcg
High
Experienced users
500 mcg
Cycle
12 wk + 4 off
Timing
Morning while fasted, ideal for an anti-inflammatory effect throughout the day
Half-life
Estimated plasma half-life around 2-4 h (longer than native α-MSH, ~10 min); the anti-inflammatory cascade persists 12-24 h after clearance.

Reconstitution

10 mg
vial
+
2 ml
BAC water
=
5
mg/ml
Open the calculator →

What is KPV?

KPV is a naturally occurring tripeptide (Lysine – Proline – Valine) corresponding to the C-terminal sequence of α-MSH. It targets inflammatory and regenerative processes at the source.

  • Composition: Lysine (tissue repair), Proline (collagen), Valine (recovery).
  • Formula C16H30N4O4, ~342.4 Da; stable for systemic or local use.
  • Multi-system action: skin, gut, joints, muscles, immunity.
  • No hormonal effect: does not influence androgen or thyroid receptors.
  • Acts at the root rather than on symptoms.

Areas and targets of action

  • Gut health: inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s, UC), irritable bowel, permeability, dysbiosis.
  • Skin health: acne, eczema / dermatitis, psoriasis, wound healing, skin regeneration.
  • Joint health: arthritis, tendinitis, joint pain, cartilage repair.
  • Immune support: modulation of inflammation, autoimmunity, recovery phase.
  • Recovery: reduced soreness, tissue repair, sustained performance.
  • Overall health: systemic anti-inflammatory action, cell protection, general well-being.

Research protocol rationale

  • Start at the lowest effective dose, adjusted according to individual response.
  • Anti-inflammatory goal: 250 to 500 mcg per day, 8 to 12 week course.
  • Tissue repair: 500 mcg per day, 8 to 16 week course.
  • Gut or skin support: 250 to 500 mcg per day, 4 to 12 week course.
  • Cycle described: 8 to 12 weeks of use followed by 2 to 4 weeks off.

Optimizing results

The effects of KPV are described as optimized by a comprehensive approach.

  • Consistency matters more than exact timing: fit the injection into the routine.
  • Anti-inflammatory diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, and polyphenols.
  • Optimal hydration, restorative sleep (7 to 9 h), stress management.
  • Can be used continuously or in cycles depending on needs and goals.
  • Local reactions possible at the injection site: rotate sites.

Usage tips

  • Always start at the lowest dose and adjust according to individual response.
  • Consistency matters more than exact timing: the timing that best fits the routine, done regularly, is preferred.
  • Can be injected in the morning while fasted, before training to support recovery, or in the evening (optional) to support overnight repair.
  • KPV can be used continuously or in cycles depending on needs and goals. Listen to your body and adjust as needed.
  • Favor an anti-inflammatory diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, and polyphenols.
  • Optimal hydration, restorative sleep (7 to 9 hours), stress management, and appropriate training optimize results.

Good to know / effects to watch

  • Generally well tolerated: few systemic effects reported in available studies.
  • Local reactions (redness, discomfort) may occur at the site of topical application or subcutaneous injection.
  • Rare hypersensitivity reactions have been described.
  • Human data remain limited; known hypersensitivity to the compound: avoid use.

Storage

  • Before reconstitution: lyophilized powder stable for months; store refrigerated (2-8 °C) or frozen (-20 °C), away from light.
  • After reconstitution: keep refrigerated (2-8 °C), protected from light; use within ~28 days.
  • Avoid freeze-thaw cycles; handle with sterile equipment and rotate injection sites.

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to KPV or an excipient.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient human data).
  • Caution with autoimmune disease or immunomodulatory therapy (effect on the immune response).
  • Non-approved compound (research use): not a substitute for the management of IBD or inflammatory disease, or for medical advice.
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Possible synergistic combinations

The catalog peptides are clickable — to complete or optimize your protocol.

BPC-157

Speeds up repair of tissues, tendons, and the gut.

View the sheet & add →
TB-500

Promotes cell regeneration and injury repair.

View the sheet & add →
Collagen / Vitamin C

Supports collagen synthesis and wound healing.

Zinc / Magnesium

Support immune response and cell repair.

Omega-3

Reinforces the anti-inflammatory effect and cellular health.

Sources & references

Links to external sources (scientific databases, trial registries, authorities). RAL Peptides is not responsible for their content.

Stacks & combinations with this peptide

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Skin

Skin, radiance & anti-aging

Two-step skin regeneration: GHK-Cu remodels collagen while KPV soothes skin inflammation.

GHK-CuCollagen, firmness, healing, radiance
KPVSkin anti-inflammatory — soothes redness and irritation

Why it works

GHK-Cu stimulates collagen remodeling and skin repair while KPV calms inflammation: the combination aims for clearer, firmer and soothed skin. Two distinct molecules, with no overlap.

  • Cycle GHK-Cu to manage copper load (~4 weeks on / 4 weeks off).
  • Topical GHK-Cu is possible as a complement to the injectable.
View the kit in the shop →

Learn more

⚠ For research use only. NOT intended for use on humans or animals. The values shown are indicative and for informational purposes ; each person reacts differently. This guide does not replace medical advice — consult a healthcare professional if in doubt.