KPV
KPV is a tiny peptide promoted for gut and skin inflammation. Its evidence comes from cells and animals. Under the October 2026 policy it can be compounded for oral and topical use only.
- Legal lane: compounded on prescription under the October 2026 interim policy. Not FDA-approved.
- Evidence grade: D
- Forms covered by the policy: KPV acetate, oral and topical. Injection is not covered.
- Established human dose: none
What it is
KPV is three amino acids: lysine, proline and valine. It is the tail end of alpha-MSH, a 13-amino-acid hormone with known anti-inflammatory effects. Researchers study KPV because it appears to keep some of that activity without the hormone's effect on skin pigment.
What the evidence shows
In cell studies and in mouse models of colitis, KPV reduced inflammatory signals. Reviews we read found no published human efficacy trials. When FDA staff assessed KPV for the July 2026 advisory committee, they recommended against allowing it to be compounded, citing insufficient data and open questions about impurities and immune reactions.
The committee considered KPV for wound healing and inflammatory conditions and voted 8 to 6 to recommend it.
Legal status
KPV left the FDA's restricted category in April 2026 and is covered by the HHS interim policy published October 30, 2026. The policy covers oral and topical KPV acetate. Products sold for injection, or sold online as "research use only", are outside it.
Reported dosing
No dose has been established in human trials. No dose, frequency or duration has been clinically validated.
Animal studies have used oral, topical and injected routes at varying amounts. We have not found a commonly quoted human figure that traces back to a published human study, so we are not repeating one here. If a clinician prescribes KPV, the prescription sets the dose.
Safety
- There is no meaningful human safety record.
- Route matters. The policy's limit to oral and topical forms reflects that injected products carry different risks.
Sources
- BSCG: KPV research and FDA staff recommendation
- Superpower: KPV evidence summary
- Rite Aid: KPV status and FDA assessment
- HealingMaps: committee vote
- GoodRx: FDA developments on peptides (policy forms and routes; committee votes)