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Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide

moderate risk

Also: VIP · VPAC1/VPAC2 agonist · Aviptadil

Moderate Evidence Research Only

VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a potent endogenous neuropeptide with anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Aviptadil (inhaled VIP) received emergency authorization during COVID-19. Evidence for ARDS and pulmonary hypertension in Phase II trials.

Molecular Weight
3326.8 Da
Formula
C147H238N44O43S
Common Dosing
Inhaled: 100–200 mcg 4x daily (Aviptadil protocol); IV infusion in critical care
Category
therapeutic
Last Reviewed
2025-01-15

Reported Benefits

Pulmonary arterial hypertension

Moderate Evidence 22 studies

Phase II RCT shows hemodynamic improvement and reduced pulmonary resistance.

COVID-19 / ARDS

Moderate Evidence 18 studies

Aviptadil EUA data: reduced progression to mechanical ventilation in COVID ARDS.

Anti-inflammatory (IBD/autoimmune)

Preliminary 31 studies

Consistent preclinical anti-inflammatory effects; clinical trials ongoing.

Mechanism of Action

VPAC1/VPAC2 receptor agonist; increases cAMP; inhibits TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ; promotes Treg cells; bronchodilatory and vasodilatory effects in pulmonary vasculature.

Key Clinical Studies

Leuchte et al. (2008)

Phase II RCT · n=20

PubMed →

Improved hemodynamics and exercise tolerance in pulmonary hypertension

Aviptadil and COVID-19

During COVID-19, inhaled aviptadil (synthetic VIP) received Emergency Use Authorization based on early trial data showing reduced mechanical ventilation rates. This gave VIP one of the few human COVID efficacy data sets in the peptide space.

Regulatory Status

Research Only

Safety Profile

Side Effects

  • Flushing
  • Hypotension
  • Tachycardia
  • GI cramping

Contraindications

  • Severe hypotension
  • Hypersensitivity

Drug Interactions

  • Antihypertensives

Primary Uses

Anti-inflammatoryGI motilityPulmonary vasodilationAutonomic nervous system

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational and research purposes only. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any compound.