KPV

What KPV is

KPV is a three-amino-acid peptide: lysine, proline and valine. The same three residues sit at the very end (positions 11-13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), a natural hormone in the melanocortin family, and KPV has been studied in the lab as a stripped-down piece of that hormone. It is one of the smallest peptides people sell. That makes it simple to make, but also easy to mix up with acetylated, amidated or rearranged versions that look almost the same.

The published research on KPV is preclinical. It covers cell culture and mouse models of colitis, plus a growing number of drug-delivery studies, and we found no controlled human trials in PubMed. KPV is not an FDA-approved drug. In July 2026, an FDA advisory committee voted to recommend that KPV be considered for the list of substances pharmacies may compound. That recommendation is not binding, and the substance has not been added to the list. Because products sold as KPV can differ in what molecule is actually in the vial, in salt form and in how much peptide each vial holds, testing each lot is the only way to know what a vial contains.

Regulatory status. Not an FDA-approved drug. FDA removed KPV from its 503A Category 2 list (bulk substances raising significant safety concerns) in April 2026 after the nomination was withdrawn. FDA said this removal does not make KPV eligible for compounding. On July 23, 2026, FDA's Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee voted to recommend KPV for consideration for the 503A Bulks List. The vote is non-binding, and as of October 2026 KPV has not been added to the list.