▶ KPV · SUBTOPIC · SAFETY PROFILE
KPV Safety Profile
For Laboratory Research Use Only. This page summarises observed adverse events and regulatory status reported in the peer- reviewed literature. It is not medical advice and does not recommend any human use of KPV.
OBSERVED ADVERSE EVENTS IN LITERATURE
The following adverse events have been observed in trials or animal studies of KPV. Severity, frequency, and attribution depend on the source publication.
- Generally well-tolerated in preclinical data
- Limited published Western human safety data
- No melanogenic activity (key distinction from full alpha-MSH)
DRUG INTERACTIONS
The following interactions are reported in or theorised from the published mechanism for KPV.
- No major drug-drug interactions documented
CONTRAINDICATIONS REPORTED IN LITERATURE
Contraindications recorded for KPV in the published record:
- Pregnancy/lactation (unstudied)
- Hypersensitivity
FDA REGULATORY STATUS
Not FDA-approved. Research-use only.
WADA REGULATORY STATUS
Not currently listed on the WADA Prohibited List (2026).
SAFETY Q+A FROM LITERATURE
▶ What is KPV?
KPV is a synthetic tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) representing the C-terminal three residues of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH(11-13)). It retains the anti-inflammatory activity of the parent hormone without its melanogenic activity, making it useful as an anti-inflammatory research compound without pigmentation side effects.
▶ KPV vs alpha-MSH · why use the fragment?
Full alpha-MSH (13 residues) activates MC1R-MC5R with anti-inflammatory effects but also drives melanocyte stimulation and pigmentation changes via MC1R. KPV retains the anti-inflammatory arm without significant MC1R-driven pigmentation, useful for research applications where pigmentation side effects are unwanted.
▶ Is KPV FDA-approved?
No. Research-use only.
▶ Is KPV WADA-prohibited?
KPV is not currently listed on the WADA Prohibited List as of 2026.
CITED LITERATURE
The safety statements above are drawn from the following peer-reviewed sources. Refer to the originals for adverse- event tables, attribution, and full context.
- Brzoska T, Luger TA, Maaser C, Abels C, Bohm M. Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and related tripeptides: biochemistry, antiinflammatory and protective effects in vitro and in vivo, and future perspectives for the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Endocr Rev 2008. PMID 18483175. link
- Kannengiesser K, Maaser C, Heidemann J, et al.. Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2008. PMID 18067137. link
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▶ LAST UPDATED · 2026-05-25