KPV Peptide Research Guide 2026: Alpha-MSH Fragment Chemistry, COA & Handling

KPV peptide is the tripeptide lysine-proline-valine, the C-terminal fragment (residues 11-13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). This KPV peptide research guide covers what a laboratory purchaser needs before ordering: identity data, what the preclinical literature has examined, how KPV differs from the full-length melanocortin peptides, and how to verify purity on a certificate of analysis. For Research Use Only. Not for human consumption.

What Is KPV Peptide?

Alpha-MSH is a 13-residue peptide derived from pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). Researchers studying its anti-inflammatory activity in cell and animal models noticed that much of that activity appeared to track with the short C-terminal end of the molecule, Lys-Pro-Val. That fragment, listed in databases as alpha-MSH (11-13) or ACTH (11-13), became a research tool in its own right.

Its appeal to researchers is its simplicity. At three residues, KPV is far shorter than alpha-MSH or synthetic melanocortin analogs such as Melanotan II or PT-141, which makes synthesis, analytical verification and comparison work more straightforward.

KPV Sequence, CAS Number and Molecular Weight

The reference values below come from public chemical databases such as PubChem. Cross-check them against any certificate of analysis instead of relying on listing copy alone.

Sequence: H-Lys-Pro-Val-OH (L-lysyl-L-prolyl-L-valine)

CAS number: 67727-97-3

Molecular formula: C16H30N4O4

Molecular weight: approximately 342.4 g/mol (free base)

Research material is commonly supplied as an acetate salt. A salt form raises the gross mass per vial relative to the free-base figure, so confirm which basis the COA reports before comparing lots or suppliers.

What Has Preclinical Research Examined?

Published work on KPV is preclinical: cell culture and animal models. The main themes in the literature are:

Inflammatory signaling in epithelial cells. Several studies have examined KPV in the context of NF-kB and MAPK signaling pathways in intestinal and other epithelial cell lines.

Peptide transporter uptake. A frequently cited line of work describes KPV as a substrate of the intestinal di/tripeptide transporter PepT1, which has made it a model compound for transporter-mediated uptake studies.

Delivery systems. Researchers have explored nanoparticle and hydrogel formulations to study targeted delivery of the tripeptide in animal models.

Melanocortin receptor questions. Whether KPV acts through classic melanocortin receptors or through receptor-independent mechanisms is still discussed in the literature, which is part of why it remains an active research subject.

None of this establishes safety or efficacy in humans. KPV is not an approved drug, and Precision Labs supplies it strictly as a laboratory reagent.

KPV vs. Alpha-MSH and Other Melanocortin Peptides

Buyers often search KPV alongside other melanocortin-family compounds. The key research distinctions:

Alpha-MSH: the 13-residue parent hormone; KPV is its last three residues.

Melanotan II and PT-141 (bremelanotide): cyclic synthetic analogs designed for melanocortin receptor binding; structurally much larger and studied for different receptor pharmacology. See our PT-141 research guide for that side of the family.

KPV: a linear tripeptide, used largely in inflammation-signaling and transporter research rather than pigmentation studies.

How to Verify KPV Purity on a COA

Because KPV is short, a mislabeled or degraded product can be hard to spot by eye. A usable certificate of analysis should include:

HPLC purity with the chromatogram, ideally 98% or higher, and the method conditions stated.

Mass spectrometry showing an observed mass consistent with about 342.4 Da (for example the [M+H]+ ion near 343.4).

Lot number that matches the vial label, plus a test date.

Salt form and net peptide content where available.

For a walkthrough of each field, read How to Read a Peptide COA.

Storage and Handling of KPV in the Lab

Lyophilized KPV should be stored sealed, dry and protected from light, typically at -20 C for long-term storage. Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to limit moisture condensation. Once reconstituted for in-vitro work, keep solutions refrigerated, label them with the date, and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Our peptide storage and handling guide covers general practice, and bacteriostatic vs. sterile water explains diluent choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About KPV Peptide

What does KPV stand for?

KPV is the one-letter amino acid code for lysine (K), proline (P) and valine (V), the three residues that make up the peptide.

Is KPV the same as alpha-MSH?

No. KPV is the C-terminal fragment (residues 11-13) of alpha-MSH. Alpha-MSH is a 13-residue hormone; KPV is a three-residue research peptide.

What is the molecular weight of KPV?

About 342.4 g/mol for the free base (C16H30N4O4, CAS 67727-97-3). Salt forms such as acetate will have a higher gross mass.

Is KPV approved for human use?

No. KPV is not an FDA-approved drug. It is sold by Precision Labs for laboratory research use only and is not for human or veterinary consumption.

How should I check a KPV supplier?

Ask for a lot-matched COA with an HPLC chromatogram and mass spec data, confirm the observed mass matches about 342.4 Da, and check that the lot number on the COA matches the vial.

Source Research-Grade KPV

Precision Labs supplies KPV 10mg with lot-matched COA documentation for qualified research use. Questions about a lot or bulk orders? Contact our team.

For Research Use Only. Not for human consumption. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.