Buy KPV 2026 — α-MSH fragment (11–13) as a tripeptide for cell culture research (EU)

Peptide Research · 9 July 2026 · 10 min read · Research Use Only

KPV at a glance

What is KPV?

KPV is a tripeptide made up of three amino acids: lysine (K), proline (P), and valine (V) – the name is also the sequence in one-letter code. These residues form the C-terminal end of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a 13 amino acid long melanocortin peptide. In the scientific literature, KPV is therefore often referred to as "α-MSH (11–13)".

This brevity makes KPV interesting for laboratory work: fragment peptides allow individual sections of a larger hormone to be considered in isolation, and a tripeptide is very easy to characterise analytically – low molecular mass, clear mass spectrum, easily assignable side peaks. KPV is produced synthetically via solid-phase peptide synthesis with preparative chromatography and freeze-drying; the result is a white lyophilised powder in a sealed vial.

Molecular profile & target structure

The molecular formula is C₁₆H₃₀N₄O₄, the CAS number is 67727-97-3. The three building blocks contribute different properties: Lysine carries a basic, positively charged side chain, proline is the only proteinogenic amino acid whose side chain is re-bonded to the backbone nitrogen (pyrrolidine ring), which restricts the conformational freedom of the chain, valine is small and hydrophobic.

Regarding the target structure, the literature describes a differentiated picture: While complete α-MSH is considered the classic ligand for melanocortin receptors, KPV is investigated in several studies in connection with the peptide transporter PepT1 (SLC15A1) – a transport protein for di- and tripeptides, which is described in, among others, intestinal epithelial and immune cell lines.

What in-vitro and animal model studies document

The following summary reflects only what is described in the publicly accessible preclinical literature – it is not a statement about an effect or suitability in humans.

• Peptide transport Published in vitro studies investigate the uptake of KPV in intestinal epithelial cell lines (including Caco-2) and immune cell lines in connection with the transporter PepT1.
• Inflammatory mediators in cell models: Several papers document observations on NF-κB and MAP kinase signalling pathways, as well as the release of cytokines such as IL-8 in cytokine-stimulated cell cultures with the addition of KPV.
• Melanocortin context: Literature classifies KPV as a C-terminal α-MSH fragment and discusses the extent to which observations are described independently of the classical melanocortin receptors; it is also compared with the fragment GKPV (α-MSH 10–13).
• Animal models Published animal model studies investigate KPV in models of intestinal inflammation research and document observations on inflammatory markers and histological scores.

These observations originate from in-vitro and animal models. They underpin the research interest in KPV as a short melanocortin fragment, but make no statement about safety, efficacy, or any use outside laboratory research.

Purity, COA & Analytical Testing

BlitzLab specifies KPV with a purity of ≥ 99 % (HPLC) upon LC-MS confirmed identity. The test is carried out in an external third-party laboratory; the COA is batch-related and bears the batch number of the supplied vial.

Pay attention to the peptide name, batch number, test date, chromatogram with area percentage evaluation and mass balance. How to read such a document is explained in in in in Understanding and reading a Certificate of Analysis (COA); describes the differences between the methods Peptide Purity: HPLC and LC-MS Explained.

Storage & Handling

The lyophilisate should be stored cool, dry, protected from light and in the unopened, sealed vial. Temperature fluctuations and moisture ingress are the most common causes of quality loss – a vial should be brought to room temperature before opening so that no condensation forms on the cold glass. After opening, the established laboratory SOPs for aseptic working and batch traceability apply. Practical tips: Storing and Handling Research Peptides.

Buying KPV in the EU – what matters

You should check these points before placing an order:

• Batch-specific COA instead of a template document: A COA without a batch number or a PDF that hasn't changed in years says nothing about the supplied vial.
• Verifiable analytical data: An HPLC chromatogram and LC-MS mass balance are included – a mere percentage without raw data images is of little value.
• Clear identification details: Sequence, sum formula and CAS number consistent – with KPV: Lys-Pro-Val, C₁₆H₃₀N₄O₄, CAS 67727-97-3.
• Clear RUO position and EU shipping: Declared as laboratory supplies with no application claims, shipped from Germany with no customs detour.

What else to look out for: 7-point checklist.

Frequently asked questions about buying KPV

Note on Sources & RUO

The technical information is based on publicly accessible databases and preclinical scientific literature on KPV. All observations mentioned originate from *in vitro* or animal models and are presented solely as a description of the published state of research.

At BlitzLab, KPV is intended exclusively for laboratory research and is not a medicinal product, food, food supplement or cosmetic. It is not intended for and is not permitted for use in humans or animals.