KPV 10mg vial

                                              NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTIO

KPV is a C-terminal tripeptide fragment of α-MSH (melanocortin) with potent anti-inflammatory, pro-resolution, and pro-healing activity. Unlike full-length α-MSH or afamelanotide, KPV is non-melanotropic (does not tan skin) yet retains key melanocortin receptor–mediated effects—primarily via MC1R on keratinocytes, immune cells, and gut epithelium—leading to cAMP/PKA signalling, NF-κB inhibition, and broad dampening of inflammatory cytokines. It also shows direct antimicrobial/antibiofilm actions and barrier-repair effects. KPV is not FDA/EMA-approved; current use is investigational or in cosmetic/topical research formats.

Additional Benefits of KPV Now Under Investigation

2. Molecular Mechanism of Action

2.1 Pharmacodynamics

• Melanocortin signalling: Predominantly MC1R agonism on keratinocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and gut epithelium → ↑ cAMP/PKA → CREB, IκB stabilization, and NF-κB inhibition.

• Pro-resolution immunology: Lowers TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17/IL-23, and CXCL chemokines; promotes IL-10 and resolution cues.

• Barrier & repair: Increases tight-junction and cornified-envelope proteins, improves wound keratinocyte migration, and modulates MMP/TIMP balance.

• Antimicrobial: Disrupts microbial membranes and biofilm matrix; reduces pathogen virulence signalling.

2.2 Down-stream Biology

3. Pharmacokinetics

• Formulations/routes: Topical creams/gels, wound dressings/hydrogels, rectal enemas/suppositories for colitis models; oral colon-targeted prodrugs under study.

• Absorption & half-life: As a tripeptide, unmodified KPV is rapidly degraded systemically (minutes–hours); local delivery concentrates tissue exposure.

• Optimization: N-acetylation/C-amidation, lipidation (e.g., palmitoyl-KPV), microneedles, liposomes, and mucoadhesive hydrogels extend local residence and stability.

• Distribution/clearance: Predominantly local with topical/rectal dosing; proteolysis → amino-acid catabolites; minimal CYP involvement expected.

4. Pre-clinical and Translational Evidence

4.1 Dermatology & Wounds

Multiple rodent/porcine models show faster closure, lower bacterial counts, and better collagen alignment. Early human topical experiences report itch/erythema reduction in AD/rosacea with high tolerability.

4.2 Gastroenterology

In DSS/TNBS colitis, KPV reduces disease activity, restores barrier proteins, and decreases MPO and cytokines; colon-targeted delivery enhances efficacy while minimizing systemic exposure.

4.3 Mucosal Injury & Mucositis

Reduces severity and accelerates recovery in chemo/radiation mucositis models with preserved microbiome diversity versus antiseptics.

Evidence quality note: Robust preclinical and early translational data; controlled, multicenter human RCTs remain limited—especially for IBD and chronic wounds.

5. Emerging Clinical Interests

6. Safety and Tolerability

• Common (topical/local): Mild stinging, transient erythema, or itch; generally well tolerated.

• Systemic: Minimal with local use; systemic dosing limited by rapid proteolysis.

• Pigmentation: No tanning/melanotropic effects at therapeutic concentrations.

• Allergy/sensitization: Rare; patch testing advisable for chronic use.

• Infection risk: Lower than topical steroids/calcineurin inhibitors given antimicrobial action (still monitor).

• Special populations: Limited pregnancy/lactation data—prefer avoidance outside trials.

Comparative safety matrix

7. Regulatory Landscape

• Approvals: None in major markets as a drug.

• Availability: Appears in research-grade and cosmetic formulations; quality and claims vary.

• Guidance: Clinical use should occur within IRB-approved studies or specialist protocols, with standardized outcomes and safety monitoring.

8. Future Directions

• Rigorous RCTs in AD/eczema, rosacea, chronic wounds, and radiation dermatitis with validated endpoints (e.g., EASI, IGA, wound-area reduction, time-to-closure).

• IBD programs using colon-targeted KPV prodrugs; endpoints: Mayo score, fecal calprotectin, endoscopic healing.

• Formulation science: Long-residence hydrogels, microneedle patches, liposomal/solid-lipid carriers, and adhesive dressings; stability and release kinetics.

• Biomarkers: TEWL, corneometry, tight-junction proteins, cytokine panels, microbiome profiling, and non-invasive imaging.

• Combinatorial strategies: Pair KPV with gentle antisepsis, LL-37 analogs (for recalcitrant biofilms), or photobiomodulation for wound care; with low-dose steroids for AD flare control to reduce steroid exposure.

Selected References

• Journal of Investigative Dermatology; Journal of Dermatological Science — Melanocortin/MC1R signalling and KPV in skin inflammation and barrier repair.

• Wound Repair & Regeneration; Burns — KPV-enhanced re-epithelialization, matrix remodeling, and infection control in wounds.

• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Gut — Colon-targeted KPV in experimental colitis, tight-junction restoration.

• Antimicrobial Agents & Chemotherapy; Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy — Direct antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of melanocortin fragments including KPV.

• Allergy; Experimental Dermatology — Mast-cell/itch pathway modulation by KPV.

• Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science; International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology — Epithelial healing in ocular/sinonasal models.

• Dermatology; Skin Pharmacology and Physiology — Non-melanotropic profile and cosmetic tolerability.

• Frontiers in Immunology; Molecular Therapy — NF-κB/NLRP3 restraint, peptide optimization and delivery strategies.