Research library / Compounds

What is peptide?

Three amino acids from the tail of α-MSH, studied as a peptide in their own right.

is a tripeptide, lysine–proline–valine: the last three amino acids of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a 13-residue peptide hormone. It has been studied on its own because papers describe it as the smallest α-MSH sequence with anti-inflammatory activity in lab models. Prism Labs supplies it as a 10 mg lyophilized vial.

Prism Labs editorial · Updated September 10, 2026 · 3 min read

Lyophilized vial10mg · 99.21% purity$49.99View product

What it is

The sequence is Lys–Pro–Val, written in one-letter code, which is where the name comes from. PubChem lists it as α-MSH (11–13), with the formula C16H30N4O4 and a molecular weight of 342.43 g/mol (CID 125672).

α-MSH has 13 residues, and the tripeptide is its C-terminal end, positions 11 to 13. Some studies use a variant with D-valine (KP-D-V), a different stereoisomer, so check the identity result on your COA.

Sources: [1] PubChem · reference structure · [3] Journal of Investigative Dermatology · 2004

Where it came from

Interest in the tripeptide grew out of α-MSH research. A 2003 study separated the effects of the α-MSH core sequence (His–Phe–Arg–Trp) from those of the C-terminal tripeptide in mouse models.

A 2004 study in human skin cells (keratinocytes) found no rise in cyclic AMP, the messenger usually linked to α-MSH’s receptor, but did record calcium signaling under specific test conditions.

In 2008, two mouse studies of intestinal inflammation followed. One showed that intestinal cells take the tripeptide up through PepT1, a transporter for small peptides; the other included mice lacking a working MC1 receptor.

Sources: [2] Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics · 2003 · [3] Journal of Investigative Dermatology · 2004 · [4] Gastroenterology · 2008 · [5] Inflammatory Bowel Diseases · 2008

Lyophilized vial from Prism Labs — Every lot ships with its own certificate of analysis.

What researchers have studied

Most published work uses cell cultures and mouse models:

Intestinal-inflammation models in mice, since 2008.
Uptake through the PepT1 peptide transporter.
Delivery systems: hyaluronic-acid nanoparticles in 2017 and a peptide-binding hydrogel in 2022.
Signaling in skin cells.

These are observations in laboratory models. They are not evidence about any use in people.

Sources: [4] Gastroenterology · 2008 · [5] Inflammatory Bowel Diseases · 2008 · [6] Molecular Therapy · 2017 · [7] Acta Biomaterialia · 2022 · [3] Journal of Investigative Dermatology · 2004

Where else it appears

is the fourth component of , and the only difference between that blend and . See vs .

How it is supplied and stored

ships as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in 10 mg vials. The powder is stable at room temperature in transit. For lab use it is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water such as .

Concentration is content divided by volume: 10 mg in 2 mL gives 5 mg per mL. The reconstitution calculator handles other combinations.

For storage before and after reconstitution, see how to store lyophilized peptides.

How to verify a batch

Every lot has its own certificate of analysis from an independent lab. Read three results separately:

Identity: confirms the expected compound was detected.
Purity: the share of the measured material that is the intended compound.
Content: the amount measured, compared with the label.

Then match the lot number on your vial or bottle to the report, and use the report’s verification link to confirm it with the testing lab. Step by step: how to read a peptide COA.