KPV and BPC-157 are two distinct research peptides that are frequently studied, and frequently searched, alongside one another. This page compares their verified chemical identity and the preclinical research models in which each appears. It does not compare human outcomes and does not recommend either compound for any use; both are supplied strictly as research materials.
KPV is a tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) corresponding to the C-terminal tripeptide sequence of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). In preclinical literature it is studied as a minimal alpha-MSH-derived fragment in cell and animal models of cellular-signaling and melanocortin-pathway biology.
BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide, a chain of 15 amino acids (sequence GEPPPGKPADDAGLV) corresponding to a partial sequence identified within human gastric juice. In preclinical literature it is studied as a stable peptide construct in models of angiogenesis, nitric-oxide-pathway signaling, and connective-tissue biology. The “BPC” designation derives from “Body Protection Compound.”
Both are supplied as lyophilized powders that are water-soluble on reconstitution.
Side-by-side comparison (verified research properties)
| Property | KPV | BPC-157 |
|---|---|---|
| Compound class | Alpha-MSH C-terminal tripeptide | Synthetic pentadecapeptide |
| CAS number | 67727-97-3 | 137525-51-0 |
| PubChem CID | 125672 | 9941957 |
| Molecular formula | C16H30N4O4 | C62H98N16O22 |
| Molecular weight | ~342.4 g/mol | ~1419.5 g/mol |
| Length | 3 residues (tripeptide) | 15 residues (pentadecapeptide) |
| Sequence | Lys-Pro-Val (KPV) | GEPPPGKPADDAGLV |
| Parent origin | C-terminal fragment of alpha-MSH | Partial sequence from gastric juice |
| Primary research models | Melanocortin-pathway, cellular-signaling models | Angiogenesis, nitric-oxide pathway, connective-tissue models |
| Physical form | Lyophilized powder | Lyophilized powder |
Data verified against PubChem (CID 125672 and 9941957) and corroborating references.
How they differ in the research
The two compounds are studied through different mechanistic lenses in the preclinical record:
- Size and structure. KPV is a minimal 3-residue tripeptide (~342.4 g/mol); BPC-157 is a 15-residue synthetic pentadecapeptide (~1419.5 g/mol). They share no sequence homology.
- Biological origin. KPV corresponds to the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-MSH; BPC-157 derives from a partial sequence identified in gastric juice and does not occur as a discrete protein in the human proteome.
- Research-model emphasis. KPV is studied as a minimal alpha-MSH-derived fragment in melanocortin-pathway and cellular-signaling models. BPC-157 is most often examined in angiogenesis, nitric-oxide-pathway, and connective-tissue research models.
- Overlap. Both appear in cell- and tissue-model literature and are sometimes referenced together, which is why researchers search them as a pair. Any overlap is in the research models studied, not in established human effects. There are no large controlled human trials establishing either compound for a therapeutic use, and neither is an FDA-approved drug.
These mechanisms are described strictly in in vitro and animal research contexts; they are not established human-use mechanisms.
QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between KPV and BPC-157?
KPV is a tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val, C16H30N4O4, ~342.4 g/mol) corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of alpha-MSH, studied in melanocortin-pathway and cellular-signaling research models. BPC-157 is a 15-residue synthetic pentadecapeptide (GEPPPGKPADDAGLV, C62H98N16O22, ~1419.5 g/mol) studied in angiogenesis and connective-tissue models. They differ in size, sequence, origin, and research models, and share no sequence homology.
Are KPV and BPC-157 studied together?
They are sometimes referenced together in cell- and tissue-model research literature. Any association is within research-model contexts only; there are no controlled human trials establishing combined use, and neither is approved for human use.
Which has the larger molecule, KPV or BPC-157?
BPC-157 is substantially larger: a 15-residue pentadecapeptide at ~1419.5 g/mol versus KPV’s 3-residue ~342.4 g/mol structure.
Do KPV and BPC-157 come from the same source?
No. KPV corresponds to the C-terminal tripeptide of alpha-MSH; BPC-157 derives from a partial sequence identified in gastric juice. They are chemically and structurally distinct.
Are KPV or BPC-157 approved for human use?
No. Neither KPV nor BPC-157 is an FDA-approved drug, and neither is intended for human consumption. Both are offered strictly as research compounds for laboratory use.
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not approved by the FDA. 21+
- HPLC + MS tested, every batch
- U.S. synthesized
- Batch COA on the product page
