Clinical Trials Immune & Anti-Inflammatory

VIP

also known as: Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, Aviptadil

An endogenous 28-amino-acid peptide with vasodilatory, bronchodilatory, and immunomodulatory effects; explored in sarcoidosis, CIRS/mold illness, and acute respiratory distress.

A 28-amino-acid neuropeptide and hormone, widely distributed in the CNS and gut, that activates VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors to produce vasodilation, bronchodilation, and immunomodulatory effects.

Mechanism of action

Agonist at VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors (both Gs-coupled GPCRs), with secondary activity at PAC1. Effects include vascular and bronchial smooth muscle relaxation, stimulation of surfactant production by type II pneumocytes, suppression of inflammatory cytokine release, and modulation of T-cell polarization toward Th2/Treg.

Primary uses

  • Pulmonary hypertension (EU approved)
  • ARDS / COVID-19 respiratory failure (investigational)
  • Sarcoidosis (research)
  • Chronic inflammatory response syndrome (off-label protocols)

Typical dosing

50–100 mcg 4 times daily (intranasal, off-label) (intranasal / inhaled / IV)

Shoemaker protocol uses intranasal dosing. Community/off-label use — not medical guidance.

Regulatory status

Approved in some EU countries as an injectable for pulmonary hypertension. In US, investigational: aviptadil (inhaled/IV) studied in COVID-19 ARDS (Phase 3 COVID-AIV trial). Intranasal VIP is used off-label in some CIRS/mold-illness protocols (Shoemaker protocol).

References

  1. [pubmed] Delgado M, Ganea D. "Vasoactive intestinal peptide: a neuropeptide with pleiotropic immune functions." Amino Acids, 2013;45:25-39.
  2. [clinical-trial] Youssef JG, et al. "Aviptadil for Critical COVID-19 with Respiratory Failure." Crit Care Explor, 2022;4:e0746.
  3. [clinical-trial] ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04311697 (aviptadil in COVID-19 ARDS).

Related peptides

Disclaimer

This entry is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dosing information reflects published regulatory or research data and is not a recommendation. Many compounds described here are not approved for human use in the United States. Consult a licensed medical professional before considering any peptide therapy.