KPV (Ac-KPV-NH2)

Key points

• This is KPV (lysine, proline, valine) with small chemical caps added to make it more stable in the body.
• KPV is a fragment of alpha-MSH, studied for its anti inflammatory effects, especially in the gut.
• The evidence is from laboratory and animal models, not human trials.
• It is not a licensed medicine in the UK and is sold only for research use.

Quick facts

What it is

Protected form of the tripeptide KPV (from alpha-MSH)

Studied for

Inflammation, particularly in the gut

UK status

Not a licensed medicine; sold for research use

Human evidence

Very limited; animal and cell models only

How it works

KPV comes from the active tail of alpha-MSH, a hormone that helps calm inflammation. Adding protective caps at each end is meant to stop enzymes breaking it down so quickly. In laboratory and animal models it appears to quieten inflammation, as described more fully in the KPV entry.

What the evidence shows

The encouraging results are from cell and animal models of inflammation. There are no human trials establishing benefit or safety, and no agreed dose.

What it does not settle

• There are no human trials of benefit or safety.
• There is no established human dose.
• Products are not quality assessed.

Side effects

Less common but serious

• Because there is no licensed product, the dose, purity and contents of material bought online cannot be verified.

Report any suspected side effect through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

UK legal status and access

This form of KPV has no UK marketing authorisation, so it is not a licensed medicine and is not offered by registered clinics or pharmacies. It is sold online labelled for research use.

Common questions