KPV

A tripeptide corresponding to the C-terminal sequence of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It is studied for anti-inflammatory activity without the pigmentation effects associated with the parent hormone.

• Intestinal inflammation models
• Skin inflammation and dermatology research
• Wound healing
• Antimicrobial activity

Listing a research area does not imply efficacy, approval, or suitability for any use.

• Mouse colitis models report reduced inflammatory markers and improved histological scores following KPV administration, including via nanoparticle oral delivery systems.
• Dermatological research describes reduced inflammatory response in skin models, with interest in topical formulations.
• In vitro work reports antimicrobial and antifungal activity against several organisms, a property shared with the parent α-MSH molecule.
• Human clinical evidence is limited; the compound is primarily represented in preclinical literature.

• Preclinical studies generally report a favourable tolerability profile at studied doses.
• No established human adverse-event dataset exists.
• Local irritation with topical or injected preparations is the most commonly reported practical observation.
• Because the mechanism is immunomodulatory, researchers note the theoretical relevance of immune-status context.

Small tripeptide supplied in low-milligram vials; formulations for topical, oral and injectable research routes all appear in the literature.

This section is educational background on laboratory handling. It is not an instruction or protocol.

Documented KPV protocols use a 10 mg vial reconstituted with 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water, giving ~3.33 mg/mL (3,333 mcg/mL) — the largest practical dilution, so 1 unit on a U-100 syringe ≈ 33.3 mcg and every referenced dose lands on a whole unit mark. Reported schedules are once-daily subcutaneous over an 8–12 week course, extendable to about 16 weeks.

Protocol overview

• Reconstitution: 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water per 10 mg vial → ~3.33 mg/mL; 1 unit ≈ 33.3 mcg on a U-100 syringe.
• Start at 200 mcg once daily and increase by roughly 100 mcg per week as tolerated.
• Target a 400–500 mcg daily maintenance range by weeks 4–8; cycle length is typically 8–12 weeks, extended to ~16 in some references.
• Vial planning: a 10 mg vial covers several weeks at 200–500 mcg/day — roughly 3 vials for 8 weeks, 4 for 12 weeks, 6 for 16 weeks.
• Consistent daily timing with systematic subcutaneous site rotation (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) appears throughout the reference protocols.
• The very short half-life is why essentially all published schedules are daily; evidence is preclinical (cell and animal) with no established human efficacy.

Dosing protocol — standard titration

Dosing protocol — gradual titration

Schedules summarise what appears in published studies, trial protocols or manufacturer documentation. They are reference material, not a recommendation.

Where to Buy Compounds & Supplies

KPV vial

Lyophilised research vial

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Bacteriostatic water

Sterile diluent with 0.9% benzyl alcohol

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Supplies needed

Reconstitution steps

1. 01

   Bring the vial to room temperature

   Lyophilised powder is allowed to equilibrate out of the refrigerator before the stopper is pierced, which reduces condensation inside the vial.

2. 02

   Disinfect both stoppers

   The peptide vial and the bacteriostatic water vial are each swabbed with 70% isopropyl alcohol and allowed to air dry.

3. 03

   Draw the calculated solvent volume

   Solvent volume is chosen to produce a convenient concentration — the reconstitution calculator converts vial mass and solvent volume into concentration and syringe units.

4. 04

   Add the solvent slowly down the vial wall

   The stream is directed against the glass rather than onto the powder cake. Peptides are shear-sensitive and direct jetting is avoided.

5. 05

   Dissolve without shaking

   The vial is left to stand, then gently swirled or rolled. Shaking introduces foam and mechanical stress that can denature peptide chains.

6. 06

   Inspect the solution

   Documentation describes checking for a clear, particle-free solution. Cloudiness, visible particulate or discolouration is treated as a failed preparation.

7. 07

   Label and refrigerate

   The vial is labelled with compound, concentration and date, then stored at 2–8 °C protected from light.

Storage instructions

• Lyophilised: hold the dry vial at −20 °C (−4 °F) in dry, dark conditions and limit moisture exposure.
• Reconstituted: refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within about 28 days.
• Do not freeze the mixed solution — freeze–thaw cycles can denature the peptide.
• Let frozen vials reach room temperature before opening so condensation does not form; keep solution away from heat and direct light.
• Label each vial with the reconstitution date and resulting concentration.

Before reconstitution

Lyophilised powder stored refrigerated or frozen.

After reconstitution

Refrigerated after reconstitution.

Light protection

Protected from light.

Shelf-life considerations

Reconstituted solutions are typically described with a short usable window.

1. Combination therapy of KPV peptide and curcumin in nanoparticles for colitis

   Biomaterials

2. The tripeptide KPV: anti-inflammatory activity of an α-MSH C-terminal fragment

   Peptides