--- title: "KPV 10mg" url: "https://lotuspeptide.com/peptide/kpv" canonical: "https://lotuspeptide.com/peptide/kpv" type: "product" brand: "LotusPeptide" strength: "10 mg" currency: "USD" price_low: "30.00" price_high: "220.00" availability: "in stock" ships_from: "United States" handling_time_business_days: 1 returns: "not accepted" replacements_and_refunds: "damaged or lost items" intended_use: "Laboratory research use only" image: "https://lotuspeptide.com/order/api/media/products/24.webp?size=full&v=1" updated: "2026-10-05" order_url: "https://lotuspeptide.com/order/p/24" synonyms: "Lys-Pro-Val; alpha-MSH (11-13); L-lysyl-L-prolyl-L-valine" cas: "67727-97-3" formula: "C16H30N4O4" molecular_weight: "342.43 g/mol" sequence: "Lys-Pro-Val (KPV)" pubchem: "125672" written_by: "LotusPeptide research team" --- # KPV 10mg > KPV is the tripeptide Lys-Pro-Val, the three C-terminal amino acids (positions 11 to 13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). It is a synthetic peptide that has been studied in cell cultures and in rodents. KPV has never been approved by FDA as a drug, and this material is sold strictly as a laboratory reagent. ## Packs and prices - Availability: In stock - Order: https://lotuspeptide.com/order/p/24 | Pack | Price | Per vial | |---|---|---| | Single Vial | $30 | $30 | | 5-Pack (5 vials) | $120 | $24 | | 10-Pack (10 vials) | $220 | $22 | ## At a glance - Strength: 10 mg - Also known as: Lys-Pro-Val; alpha-MSH (11-13); L-lysyl-L-prolyl-L-valine - CAS number: 67727-97-3 - Molecular formula: C16H30N4O4 - Molecular weight: 342.43 g/mol - Sequence: Lys-Pro-Val (KPV) - PubChem CID: 125672 - Availability: In stock - Ships from: United States - Intended use: Laboratory research use only - Page updated: 2026-10-05 Written by LotusPeptide research team. KPV is the tripeptide Lys-Pro-Val, the three C-terminal amino acids (positions 11 to 13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). It is a synthetic peptide that has been studied in cell cultures and in rodents. KPV has never been approved by FDA as a drug, and this material is sold strictly as a laboratory reagent. ## What KPV is KPV is defined by its structure and origin. It is a tripeptide derived from alpha-MSH [1], namely the C-terminal residues recorded in PubChem as alpha-MSH (11-13) under CID 125672. That record describes the free acid, H-Lys-Pro-Val-OH. The sequence appears in the literature in several chemical forms. A keratinocyte signaling study used KPV alongside a D-amino acid variant written KP-D-V [2]. A 2018 chemistry study started from the C-terminal amide, H-KPV-NH2, and its N-acetyl form, and modified the lysine side chain [1]. That study is a reminder that KPV has two amines: the N-terminal amine and the side-chain amine of lysine, and either can be chemically modified [1]. The middle residue is proline, and the C-terminal residue is valine. Because these forms differ in mass and behavior, the name KPV alone does not say which one a product contains. ## Published research Published KPV research consists of cell-culture and rodent studies. Many of those papers frame their results as effects in particular disease models, and this page does not summarize them. A [PubMed search for KPV peptide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=KPV+peptide) returned 54 records on October 3, 2026. Two studies with descriptive aims show the kind of measurements made. In human keratinocytes, KPV produced no rise in cyclic AMP. Intracellular calcium signals were recorded, in HaCaT cells only in the presence of an adenosine agonist, and Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with the MC-1 receptor responded to KPV with calcium signals [2]. In the 2018 chemistry study, lysine-modified KPV amides were stable toward proteolytic enzymes, and antimicrobial assays under several conditions showed no activity for Ac-KPV-NH2 or its modified analogs [1]. Each finding belongs to its own cell system or assay. ## Regulatory status FDA has approved no drug containing KPV, and Drugs@FDA has no entry for it. When KPV was nominated for pharmacy compounding, FDA put it in category 2 under its interim compounding policy, the group flagged for potential significant safety risks, and the nominators later withdrew the nominations. FDA's published summary says the agency found no human exposure data for KPV-containing drug products (FDA page content current as of April 22, 2026). KPV was on the agenda of the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee's July 23, 2026 meeting, and FDA had not published minutes or a decision as of October 3, 2026. The KPV on this page is a research reagent, not a medicine. ## What is not known Human evidence is the largest gap. A PubMed search for KPV and its synonyms in October 2026 found no controlled human trial, and FDA reports no human exposure data. How KPV signals in cells is also unresolved. The keratinocyte study states that it was not known whether the C-terminal tripeptides act through the MC-1 receptor or cyclic AMP [2]. Finally, the chemical form varies across the literature. Papers use the free acid, the amide and its acetylated form [1], and D-amino acid variants [2]. Any salt form of the material sold here is set by the manufacturer, and the certificate should say which form was supplied. ## Laboratory storage and handling Store KPV as stated on its certificate of analysis and product label. In the solid state, peptide bond cleavage and oxidation continue slowly, with temperature and moisture content as major influences [3]. KPV's own weak point is cyclization. In forced-degradation tests with acid, alkali and hydrogen peroxide, its major degradation product was lysyl-proline diketopiperazine, identified by mass spectrometry [4]. Kinetic work on X-Pro model peptides describes this reaction as intramolecular aminolysis by the N-terminal amino group, with a rate that depends strongly on pH [5]. Moisture and extremes of pH are therefore best avoided. ## Quality testing For KPV, the certificate of analysis should list: - **Identity:** mass spectrometry matching Lys-Pro-Val (C16H30N4O4, 342.43 g/mol for the free acid). - **Purity:** reverse-phase HPLC. A validated stability-indicating method uses a C18 column with a water and acetonitrile gradient containing 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid, and it separates KPV from its degradation products [4]. - **Degradation product:** a check for lysyl-proline diketopiperazine, the main product seen under stress conditions [4]. - **Form:** whether the peptide is the free acid or an amide, which counter-ion is present, and the net peptide content. Lot-specific purity appears only on the certificate. ## Questions ### How is KPV related to alpha-MSH? KPV is the last three residues (11 to 13) of alpha-MSH, and PubChem records it under the synonym alpha-MSH (11-13). Research material sold as KPV is a synthetic tripeptide with that sequence. ### What chemical forms of KPV appear in research papers? Papers use the free acid, the C-terminal amide H-KPV-NH2 and its N-acetyl form [1], and a D-amino acid variant written KP-D-V [2]. These differ in mass, so a certificate should state which one was tested. ### What degradation product should a KPV purity test look for? Under acid, alkali and peroxide stress, KPV mainly forms lysyl-proline diketopiperazine. A published stability-indicating HPLC method resolves it from intact KPV [4]. ## References 1. [Songok AC, Panta P, Doerrler WT, et al. Structural modification of the tripeptide KPV by reductive "glycoalkylation" of the lysine residue. PLoS One. 2018.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29953505/) 2. [Elliott RJ, Szabo M, Wagner MJ, et al. alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone, MSH 11-13 KPV and adrenocorticotropic hormone signalling in human keratinocyte cells. J Invest Dermatol. 2004.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15102092/) 3. [Lai MC, Topp EM. Solid-state chemical stability of proteins and peptides. J Pharm Sci. 1999.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10229638/) 4. [Pawar KR, Mulabagal V, Smith F, et al. Stability-indicating HPLC assay for lysine-proline-valine (KPV) in aqueous solutions and skin homogenates. Biomed Chromatogr. 2015.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25298219/) 5. [Goolcharran C, Borchardt RT. Kinetics of diketopiperazine formation using model peptides. J Pharm Sci. 1998.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9523979/) _This page summarises published laboratory research and cites its sources. It is not medical advice and makes no claim that the compound treats, cures or prevents any condition. LotusPeptide sells it for laboratory research use only._ ## Shipping and returns - Orders are processed and shipped within 1 business day. - Returns are not accepted. - Replacements and refunds are offered on damaged or lost items. ## Related products - [BPC-157+TB500 (Blend) 10mg](https://lotuspeptide.com/peptide/bpc-157-tb500-blend.md): from $35 - [GHK-Cu](https://lotuspeptide.com/peptide/ghk-cu.md): from $20 - [Retatrutide](https://lotuspeptide.com/peptide/retatrutide.md): from $25 --- For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Prices are in US dollars and can change without notice.