KPV
Stocked in 10mg, 30mg at MontanaPep in Great Falls, Montana. Sold for laboratory research use only.
| Size | Catalog no. | Price per vial |
|---|---|---|
| 10mg | KPV10 | $25 |
| 30mg | KP30 | $50 |
Classification
C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-MSH; entirely preclinical
Structure and chemistry
KPV is the tripeptide Lys-Pro-Val, molecular formula C16H30N4O4. It corresponds to residues 11 to 13 of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, a 13-residue neuropeptide. Its central proline imposes the conformational constraint that defines its shape, and structure-activity work indicates the lysine residue is important for both activity and cell penetration.
What the published research shows
All KPV research is preclinical — cell culture and rodent models across colitis, peritonitis, epithelial injury and traumatic brain injury. No human clinical trial has been conducted. FDA has stated it identified no human exposure data for KPV administered by any route.
Mechanism of action
The notable feature of KPV is that it works without the receptor. Alpha-MSH binds melanocortin receptors through its core His-Phe-Arg-Trp sequence at positions 6 to 9 — and KPV does not contain that core. Published work found its anti-migratory effect was not blocked by the MC3/4 receptor antagonist SHU9119, indicating a receptor-independent route. Reported activity centers on suppressing NF-kB activation, with downstream reductions in TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-1 beta and inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis. In intestinal tissue it is reported to enter cells through the PepT1 di/tripeptide transporter, which is why the gut has been a focus of the research.
Development history
KPV came from a deliberate dissection. Researchers studying alpha-MSH wanted to know which part of the hormone carried its anti-inflammatory activity, and systematically tested fragments. The finding that a three-residue C-terminal piece retained anti-inflammatory potency while lacking the receptor-binding core separated two functions that had been assumed to travel together — the anti-inflammatory effect and the pigmentary effect.
Current regulatory status
KPV is not approved by the FDA or any regulator for any indication. KPV was nominated to FDA’s bulk drug substances list for pharmacy compounding; the nomination was withdrawn. Note the family relationship to other catalog items: alpha-MSH is also the parent molecule behind Melanotan-1, Melanotan-2 and, indirectly, PT-141.
Analytical testing
A three-residue peptide is simple to confirm by mass spectrometry against a certified reference standard, and there is no good reason for a supplier not to do so. Two points worth checking: whether the material is the free acid or an amidated form, since these differ in mass and are not the same molecule, and the counterion, since for a peptide this small the salt can represent a substantial share of the vial’s stated mass.
Ordering from Great Falls
MontanaPep, also known as Montana Peptides, is an independently owned supplier based at 715 13th Ave S, Great Falls, Montana. Local pickup is available by arrangement, and we ship to research addresses across Montana including Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, Helena, Butte, Kalispell and Havre. Call (406) 799-0812 or email customerservice@montanapep.com.