VIP
A naturally occurring neuropeptide with anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and immune-modulating properties. Early clinical data exists for pulmonary hypertension; other therapeutic uses remain under investigation.
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This information is for educational purposes. Peptide therapy should be guided by a licensed healthcare provider. Connect with a Noho clinician
What is VIP?
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide found throughout the body, particularly in the gut, brain, and immune system. Its synthetic form, aviptadil, has been tested in multiple RCTs for COVID-19-related respiratory failure and ARDS. VIP has also been investigated for pulmonary hypertension, autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren syndrome), and neurological disorders. It is used in the Shoemaker Protocol for CIRS, though published controlled trial data for that indication is limited.
Why People Talk About It
COVID-19 / ARDS (aviptadil)
ModerateChronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS)
PreliminaryAutoimmune diseases (RA, lupus, Sjogren)
EmergingGut inflammation and motility
EmergingNeuroprotection (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's)
EmergingPulmonary hypertension
EmergingHow It Works
VIP is thought to act as a natural anti-inflammatory messenger in the body. Preclinical and early clinical research suggests it may help calm overactive immune responses, protect nerve cells, and regulate gut function. Its mechanism via VPAC1/VPAC2 receptors is well-characterized, though translating this into proven therapies is still in progress.
Common Questions
Safety Information
Common Side Effects
Cautions
- • Should be used under clinician guidance
- • Not FDA-approved for any indication
- • Contraindicated in some cardiac conditions
- • Clinical safety data from controlled trials is limited
What We Don't Know
Long-term effects of exogenous VIP supplementation are not well characterized. Most therapeutic claims rely on small studies, case series, or preclinical data. Interaction with endogenous VIP signaling needs more study.
Published Research
27 studiesInhalation of vasoactive intestinal peptide in pulmonary hypertension
Vasoactive intestinal peptide in pulmonary arterial hypertension
The role of vasoactive intestinal peptide in pulmonary diseases
Vasoactive intestinal peptide in the immune system: potential therapeutic role in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases
The Anti-Inflammatory Mediator, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, Modulates the Differentiation and Function of Th Subsets in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Neuroprotection: a comparative view of vasoactive intestinal peptide and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide
From vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) through activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) to NAP: a view of neuroprotection and cell division
Advantages of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide for the Future Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
Recent advances in vasoactive intestinal peptide physiology and pathophysiology: focus on the gastrointestinal system
Therapeutic potential of vasoactive intestinal peptide and its receptor VPAC2 in type 2 diabetes
Vasoactive intestinal peptide: a potential target for antiviral therapy
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a putative neurotransmitter of nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) inhibitory innervation and its relevance to therapy
The Use of IV Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (Aviptadil) in Patients With Critical COVID-19 Respiratory Failure: Results of a 60-Day Randomized Controlled Trial.
Intravenous aviptadil and remdesivir for treatment of COVID-19-associated hypoxaemic respiratory failure in the USA (TESICO): a randomised, placebo-controlled trial.
Inhaled Aviptadil Is a New Hope for Recovery of Lung Damage due to COVID-19.
Aviptadil Therapy in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
A Clinical Approach for the Use of VIP Axis in Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases.
An Overview of VPAC Receptors in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Biological Role and Clinical Significance.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide gene polymorphisms, associated with its serum levels, predict treatment requirements in early rheumatoid arthritis.
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Decreases β-Amyloid Accumulation and Prevents Brain Atrophy in the 5xFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.
A Synthetic Agonist to Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Receptor-2 Induces Regulatory T Cell Neuroprotective Activities in Models of Parkinson's Disease.
Colonic delivery of vasoactive intestinal peptide nanomedicine alleviates colitis and shows promise as an oral capsule.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide ameliorates renal injury in a pristane-induced lupus mouse model by modulating Th17/Treg balance.
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Protects Salivary Glands against Structural Injury and Secretory Dysfunction via IL-17A and AQP5 Regulation in a Model of Sjogren Syndrome.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide axis is dysfunctional in patients with Graves' disease.
Reversal of Refractory Ulcerative Colitis and Severe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms Arising from Immune Disturbance in an HLA-DR/DQ Genetically Susceptible Individual with Multiple Biotoxin Exposures.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide/vasoactive intestinal peptide (Part 2): biology and clinical importance in central nervous system and inflammatory disorders.
Always consult a qualified clinician
This information is for educational purposes. Peptide therapy should be guided by a licensed healthcare provider. Connect with a Noho clinician
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Quick Facts
- Class
- Neuropeptide
- Evidence
- Moderate
- Safety
- Moderate Data
- Updated
- Mar 2026
- Citations
- 27PubMed
Also known as
Tags
Related Goals
Evidence Score
Clinical Trials
View Clinical TrialsLinks to ClinicalTrials.gov for reference. Listing does not imply endorsement.
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