VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide · VIPergic peptide · PHM-27 related
A 28-amino acid neuropeptide and potent immunomodulator with anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and neuroprotective properties, with an extensive clinical research history in autoimmune, inflammatory, and pulmonary conditions.
Half-Life
~2 minutes (intravenous). Inhaled formulations have local retention.
MW
3326.8 Da
Amino Acids
28 AA
Evidence
Moderate Evidence
Regulatory Status
Investigational in most jurisdictions. Aviptadil (synthetic VIP) received FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation for COVID-19 ARDS. Not broadly approved. Research compound.
In Plain English
A jack-of-all-trades messenger peptide your body uses to simultaneously calm inflammation, open blood vessels, open airways, and regulate immune cells. It's like a biological fire suppression system — when activated, it dials down the immune system's most aggressive responses. COVID-19 research brought it significant attention for its ability to tame cytokine storms.
Overview
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide found throughout the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. It is one of the most pleiotropic peptides in human biology — acting as a neurotransmitter, neuromodulator, vasodilator, bronchodilator, and potent immunomodulator simultaneously. It is expressed in the gut, lungs, brain, and immune cells, and signals through VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors. VIP has been studied in clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and ARDS. Research interest expanded significantly during COVID-19 due to VIP's anti-inflammatory potential in cytokine storm contexts.
Common Formats
- Injectable (IV/IM research)
- Inhaled (Aviptadil for pulmonary)
- Lyophilized powder
Storage Notes
Store lyophilized at -20°C. Very sensitive to enzymatic degradation — protect from plasma proteases. Short plasma half-life requires careful formulation.
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Research Sources
(4 vendors)For research use only. No affiliation or endorsement implied.
Related Compounds
Thymosin Alpha-1
A 28-amino acid peptide derived from the thymus with potent immunomodulatory effects approved in multiple countries for hepatitis and cancer supportive care.
LL-37
The only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, immunomodulation, and wound-healing properties.
BPC-157
A 15 amino acid peptide derived from human gastric juice, widely researched for its tissue-healing and cytoprotective properties.
Educational Disclaimer: All information on this page is for educational and research purposes only. This does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.