KPV vs PT-141
Specialty
KPV
C-terminal tripeptide fragment of α-MSH studied for anti-inflammatory signaling without melanocortin receptor pigmentation effects.
Specialty
PT-141
Cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin receptor agonist, a metabolite of melanotan II studied for central MC4R signaling.
Side by side
| Dimension | KPV | PT-141 |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weight A 3.0× difference in mass — these are not comparable on a milligram-for-milligram basis. | 342.44 g/mol | 1025.16 g/mol |
| Size class | small molecule / short peptide | short peptide |
| CAS number | 67727-97-3 | 189691-06-3 |
| Research area | specialty | specialty |
| Sequence | Lys-Pro-Val | Not published as a linear sequence |
| Available sizes | 10mg | 10mg |
| Entry price | $49 | $44 |
| Cost per mg | $4.90 | $4.40 |
Mechanism
KPV
KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide (residues 11-13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Its research interest stems from retaining anti-inflammatory activity attributed to the parent hormone while lacking the melanocortin receptor binding responsible for pigmentation effects — making it a useful tool for separating those two activities. Work has examined NF-κB pathway inhibition in intestinal epithelial models.
PT-141
PT-141 is a cyclic heptapeptide and the deaminated metabolite of melanotan II, acting as an agonist at melanocortin receptors with principal research interest at MC4R. Unlike melanotan II it lacks significant MC1R-mediated pigmentation activity, making it a cleaner tool for isolating MC4R-mediated central effects. Its mechanism is centrally mediated rather than vascular, which distinguishes it from PDE5-targeting compounds.
Evidence quality
Mechanism is not the same as evidence. Where we have assessed the literature, the verdict is stated plainly.
KPV
Evidence base: small but mechanistically coherent in the intestinal context, where PepT1-mediated uptake gives a defined transport route. Antimicrobial findings are thinner. Search results require filtering, since the sequence occurs incidentally in unrelated proteins.
Full research reference →PT-141
Evidence base: strong by the standards of this catalogue. Randomised phase 3 trials, a published pooled safety analysis, and regulatory approval for a defined indication. The evidence supports the studied endpoint and population, not a general claim.
Full research reference →Research applications
KPV
- NF-κB signaling pathway inhibition assays
- Intestinal epithelial inflammation models
- PepT1 transporter-mediated uptake studies
- Cytokine expression profiling
PT-141
- MC4R and MC3R binding and selectivity assays
- Central melanocortin pathway signaling studies
- Comparative receptor profiling against melanotan II
Common questions
What is the difference between KPV and PT-141?
KPV is c-terminal tripeptide fragment of α-MSH studied for anti-inflammatory signaling without melanocortin receptor pigmentation effects. PT-141 is cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin receptor agonist, a metabolite of melanotan II studied for central MC4R signaling. They differ in molecular weight (342.44 vs 1025.16 g/mol) and in the pathways they are studied against.
Which is more cost-effective per milligram, KPV or PT-141?
PT-141 is lower at approximately $4.40 per milligram at its best tier, against $4.90 for the other. Cost per milligram is only meaningful relative to the concentrations a given protocol requires, since these compounds are not used at comparable masses.
Can KPV and PT-141 be studied together?
Combination designs appear in the published literature for a number of these compounds. Whether it is appropriate for a given protocol depends entirely on the model and endpoint. We supply research compounds and do not provide protocol guidance — consult the primary literature for your specific model.
How should KPV and PT-141 be stored?
Store lyophilized powder at -20°C protected from light. Reconstituted solution stable at 2-8°C for up to 30 days. For PT-141: Store lyophilized at -20°C protected from light. Reconstituted at 2-8°C for up to 30 days.
Which has the stronger evidence base?
KPV — Evidence base: small but mechanistically coherent in the intestinal context, where PepT1-mediated uptake gives a defined transport route. Antimicrobial findings are thinner. Search results require filtering, since the sequence occurs incidentally in unrelated proteins. PT-141 — Evidence base: strong by the standards of this catalogue. Randomised phase 3 trials, a published pooled safety analysis, and regulatory approval for a defined indication. The evidence supports the studied endpoint and population, not a general claim.
All products sold on this website are intended for research and identification purposes only. These products are not intended for human dosing, injection, or ingestion.
Comparison generated from Lyra Vital catalog data. Every specification is reconciled against the certificate of analysis for the shipped batch.