KPV is a naturally occurring tripeptide derived from alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), prescribed by Dr. Katherine Ortiz at DNA Wellness and Longevity Institute. It works by targeting specific inflammatory pathways supporting gut health, immune balance, skin conditions, and chronic inflammation, without suppressing your immune system the way conventional anti-inflammatory drugs do.
Why patients choose us
All protocols supervised by
Dr. Katherine Ortiz I-MD, Ph.D., PA-C, M.M.S., ABAAHP
Protocol built from your bloodwork, not a template
Serving Bonita Springs, Naples, Estero & Fort Myers
Treatment Overview
Physician-Supervised
Lab-Based Protocol
FDA-Regulated
Bonita Springs, FL
What Is KPV Therapy?
KPV (lysine-proline-valine) is a tripeptide fragment naturally derived from alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), one of the body's key immune-regulating signals. Its primary mechanism is the direct inhibition of NF-κB — a master regulator of inflammatory gene expression — which controls the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6. By blocking this pathway upstream, KPV reduces inflammation at the cellular level rather than masking it systemically.
What makes KPV clinically distinctive is its selectivity. Unlike corticosteroids or NSAIDs, which broadly suppress immune function, KPV targets specific inflammatory mediators while preserving the body's beneficial immune responses. It also carries antimicrobial properties — active against common pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans — making it particularly relevant for conditions where infection and inflammation coexist, such as inflammatory bowel disease and chronic skin conditions.
KPV is available in multiple delivery forms depending on the target condition: oral capsules for gut-directed inflammation (KPV remains stable through the digestive tract and acts directly on intestinal tissue), topical cream for skin applications including eczema, psoriasis, and wound healing, and injectable for systemic anti-inflammatory effect. Dr. Ortiz determines the most appropriate route based on your specific clinical picture.
How It Helps
KPV has been studied extensively for its effects on the gastrointestinal tract. When taken orally, it travels intact through the digestive system and exerts anti-inflammatory effects directly on intestinal mucosa. Research supports its role in reducing mucosal inflammation, restoring intestinal barrier function (often referred to as "leaky gut"), and promoting healing of damaged gut lining — making it a targeted option for patients managing ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, IBS, or general intestinal permeability.
Chronic low-grade inflammation is a driver of many of the conditions Dr. Ortiz treats — from hormonal dysregulation to accelerated aging, joint pain, and metabolic dysfunction. KPV's ability to inhibit NF-κB and reduce cytokine production without globally suppressing immune function makes it a useful tool in comprehensive longevity and anti-aging protocols. Patients managing autoimmune conditions or chronic inflammatory states may find it a complementary addition to their existing treatment plan.
KPV acts on melanocortin receptors (MC1R) expressed in skin cells involved in cutaneous wound healing and immune regulation. Applied topically, it has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the redness, itching, dryness, and scaling associated with psoriasis and eczema — without the long-term risks of topical steroid therapy. Its antimicrobial properties also make it relevant for acne-related inflammation and post-procedure healing support.
Your Journey
Step 01 — Consultation & Clinical Assessment Your first appointment with Dr. Ortiz includes a thorough review of your inflammatory history, current symptoms, gut health, skin conditions, and any relevant lab work. Because KPV can be delivered in multiple forms — oral, topical, or injectable — the clinical assessment is essential to matching the delivery route to your specific condition and goals. If you have existing labs from another provider, bring them; Dr. Ortiz will review them as part of your intake.
Step 02 — Personalized Protocol & Delivery Based on your assessment, Dr. Ortiz will prescribe the appropriate KPV formulation, dose, and administration schedule. Oral KPV is typically taken daily in capsule form. Topical KPV is applied directly to affected skin areas. Injectable KPV follows a subcutaneous protocol similar to other peptide therapies offered at the clinic. All prescriptions are sourced from licensed U.S. compounding pharmacies.
Step 03 — Monitoring & Integration KPV is frequently used alongside other peptide therapies — most commonly BPC-157 for enhanced gut healing — and may be integrated into a broader anti-inflammatory or longevity protocol. Dr. Ortiz schedules follow-up check-ins to assess your response, monitor symptoms, and adjust the protocol as needed. Most patients notice meaningful improvement in their target condition within 4–8 weeks.
Questions Answered
Q1: What conditions is KPV most commonly used for? KPV is primarily used for conditions driven by chronic or acute inflammation, particularly in the gut and skin. At DNA Wellness, Dr. Ortiz most commonly prescribes KPV for patients managing inflammatory bowel conditions (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, IBS), intestinal permeability (leaky gut), autoimmune skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema), chronic systemic inflammation, and post-inflammatory recovery. It is also used as part of broader anti-aging and immune optimization protocols.
Q2: How is KPV different from other anti-inflammatory treatments? Most conventional anti-inflammatory drugs — including corticosteroids and NSAIDs — work by broadly suppressing immune function, which creates a risk of increased susceptibility to infection and long-term side effects. KPV works differently: it targets specific inflammatory signaling pathways (primarily NF-κB) while preserving the immune responses your body needs. It also carries antimicrobial properties, meaning it can reduce inflammation and address certain underlying microbial triggers simultaneously.
Q3: Can KPV be taken alongside other medications or peptides? KPV has a favorable compatibility profile and is frequently combined with other peptide therapies. It pairs particularly well with BPC-157 for gut healing protocols, and with immune-modulating peptides in broader anti-aging programs. Dr. Ortiz reviews all current medications and supplements at your consultation to ensure a safe and integrated approach — full disclosure of everything you are taking is essential.
Q4: How long does KPV take to work? Most patients report noticeable improvement in their primary target symptom — gut discomfort, skin inflammation, or systemic inflammatory markers — within 4–8 weeks of consistent use. Gut-directed applications (oral KPV) often show the earliest response. Systemic and autoimmune applications may require 8–12 weeks for full effect. Dr. Ortiz monitors your progress and adjusts the protocol as needed at follow-up appointments.
Q5: Is KPV peptide therapy available in Bonita Springs and Southwest Florida? Yes. DNA Wellness and Longevity Institute, located at 26800 S Tamiami Trail, Suite 380 in Bonita Springs, offers KPV peptide therapy — oral, topical, and injectable — for patients throughout Bonita Springs, Naples, Estero, Fort Myers, and surrounding Southwest Florida communities. Call (239) 250-7930 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ortiz.
Dr. Katherine Ortiz is the founder of DNA Wellness and Longevity Institute in Bonita Springs, FL. She is a board-certified Physician Associate and holds a Ph.D. in Integrative Medicine from Quantum University, with fellowship training through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) and the University of South Florida in functional and regenerative medicine.
Her practice is built on a foundational belief: that the body has an extraordinary capacity to heal and self-regulate when given the right support. Dr. Ortiz investigates root causes — hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, genetic factors — and builds individualized protocols designed to restore function and optimize long-term health.
Every protocol at DNA Wellness is ordered, reviewed, and monitored directly by Dr. Ortiz.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Katherine Ortiz at DNA Wellness and Longevity Institute in Bonita Springs. We begin with a full lab evaluation so your protocol is built on your biology — not a guess.