VIP
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide | Immune Regulation & Neuroprotection
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What is VIP?
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a naturally occurring 28-amino-acid peptide the body makes to help regulate immune activity, blood-vessel tone, and nervous-system signaling. Researchers have studied it across inflammatory, respiratory, and neurological research models, and an injectable form has been studied in FDA Fast Track research for severe respiratory illness. It's sold here strictly as a research chemical for laboratory study, not for use in people or animals.
Key terms:
VIP is a linear neuropeptide.
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a naturally occurring peptide of 28 amino acids that carries signals between nerve cells. Researchers describe potent anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective activity. It works through two receptors, VPAC1 and VPAC2, and helps regulate immune function, vascular tone, circadian rhythms, and neurological health. Studies have covered chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), pulmonary conditions, autoimmune diseases, and most recently COVID-19 respiratory failure. The injectable form (Aviptadil, brand name Zyesami) received FDA Fast Track designation for COVID-19 ARDS.
Key research areas
- Immune regulation and reduced inflammation
- Neuroprotection and circadian rhythm support
- Respiratory health improvement
- Direct CNS delivery bypassing BBB via intranasal route
- Correction of CIRS inflammatory markers
- Potential cognitive and mood benefits
Researched dosing
This table reflects the study designs and dose ranges researchers have used with VIP in the cited literature — research-methodology reference, not personal usage guidance.
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIRS protocol (Shoemaker) | 50mcg per spray, 4-8 sprays/day | 4x daily | Intranasal |
| General immune studies | 50-100mcg | 2-4x daily | Intranasal |
| Starting dose | 50mcg | 2x daily | Intranasal |
| Higher-dose and maintenance | 100-200mcg | 2-4x daily | Intranasal |
Commonly cycled 12 weeks on, 0+ weeks off.
How it works
At the cell level, VIP research looks at how the peptide binds two receptor types (VPAC1, VPAC2) to activate a signaling pathway that dials down inflammatory activity — the terms below are the names for those receptors and signaling steps.
VIP binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors coupled to Gαs proteins, activating adenylate cyclase and increasing cAMP/PKA signaling. This leads to anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), modulation of T helper cell differentiation, and regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. Intranasal delivery allows direct brain access via olfactory and trigeminal pathways.
Molecular data
These figures — molecular weight, chain length, sequence — are the chemistry ID researchers use to confirm a VIP sample's identity; at 28 amino acids, it's a mid-sized peptide compared to others in this encyclopedia.
- Weight
- 3326.8 Da
- Length
- 28 amino acids
- Type
- Linear neuropeptide
His-Ser-Asp-Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-Ala-Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-Ile-Leu-Asn-NH2
Pharmacokinetics
This chart shows how quickly a research dose of VIP is absorbed and cleared in the cited studies — notice the short timescale, measured in hours, which is part of why repeated or continuous dosing shows up in the research literature.
- Peak
- 0.25 hr
- Half-life
- 0.5 hrs
- Cleared
- ~2.5 hrs
Youssef et al. 2022
Research applications
This section summarizes the research areas — inflammatory, respiratory, and neurological pathways — that scientists have studied for VIP, a summary of what's been investigated in the literature, not medical claims about people.
Inflammatory
VIP nasal spray is the final step in the Shoemaker Protocol for CIRS from mold/biotoxin exposure, correcting inflammatory markers (TGF-β1, C4a, MMP9) refractory to other therapies. Research shows VIP downregulates both inflammatory and autoimmune disease components, studied in rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and multiple sclerosis models. VIP has bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects in airways, studied for asthma, COPD, and pulmonary sarcoidosis.
Neurological
Effective neuroprotection and circadian rhythm support through direct CNS delivery via olfactory and trigeminal pathways. Potential cognitive and mood benefits.
Cardiovascular
Moderate cardiovascular effects through vascular tone regulation and vasodilation. Monitor blood pressure as VIP can cause vasodilation.
Dosage reference
- Doses used in research
- 50–100 mcg per spray
- Frequency in studies
- 2-4x daily
- Handling
- Reconstituted solution — research use only; not for administration
- Timeline reported in studies
- Days to weeks for symptom improvement, months for full CIRS correction
- Storage
- Fridge 2-8°C
- Cycle length
- 4-12 weeks or ongoing based on condition
- Break between cycles
- May use continuously under medical supervision
Interactions
This list shows which other peptides researchers study alongside VIP, and why.
Reconstitution & storage
This describes how a research-grade VIP formulation is typically supplied and stored — most research use relies on a pre-formulated solution rather than lab-side mixing from powder.
- VIP nasal spray is typically supplied pre-formulated by compounding pharmacies
- Prime spray bottle before first use (2-3 pumps)
- Store the reconstituted solution refrigerated (2–8°C), labeled with the date and concentration, for laboratory research use only.
Lyophilized: 2-8°C, use within Per manufacturer expiration date
Reconstituted: 2-6°C, use within Per compounding pharmacy guidance
Open the VIP reconstitution calculatorQuality indicators
These are the checks — solution clarity, spray function, cold-chain handling — researchers and buyers use to confirm a VIP formulation hasn't degraded.
Clear Solution - Compounded VIP nasal spray should be clear and colorless with no particles or cloudiness.
Proper Spray Function - Spray bottle should deliver consistent, fine mist with each actuation.
Licensed Compounding Pharmacy - Source from accredited compounding pharmacy with Certificate of Analysis and proper quality controls.
Temperature During Shipping - VIP is temperature-sensitive. Ensure cold chain was maintained during shipping.
Cloudiness or Particles - Any visible particles, cloudiness, or precipitation indicates degradation.
Discoloration - Any yellow or brown coloration indicates oxidation or contamination.
What to expect
This timeline summarizes what the cited research literature reports at each study stage — research context for comparing studies, not a personal-results promise.
May experience mild nasal irritation initially
Potential improvement in energy and sleep quality
Reduction in inflammatory symptoms
Progressive improvement in CIRS markers if applicable
Continued correction of inflammatory and neurological parameters. Full benefits in CIRS may take several months of consistent use.
Safety notes
This section covers handling cautions and regulatory notes for VIP — the nasal-spray form is not FDA-approved, and this is research-use-only scope, not medical advice.
- First dose should be administered under medical supervision with lab monitoring
- Pre-VIP labs: TGF-β1, Lipase (baseline); Post-VIP 15 min labs: TGF-β1, Lipase (to assess response and safety)
- Stop immediately if abdominal pain develops or lipase elevates above range
- CIRS patients: Complete Shoemaker Protocol steps 1-11 before starting VIP
- Ensure MARCoNS eradicated and environment safe before VIP therapy
- Monitor blood pressure - VIP can cause vasodilation
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Not FDA-approved as nasal spray - compounded off-label
- Injectable form (Aviptadil/Zyesami) received FDA Fast Track designation for COVID-19 ARDS
Regulatory status
- Not approved by the FDA for any indication.
- Supplied and described for laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use.
Community data
Community Insights
Based on data the community reported. Not clinical proof.
References
Multicenter RCT across 10 U.S. hospitals (196 patients): 2-fold increased odds of 60-day survival (OR 2.0, p=0.035). Mechanically ventilated patients showed 10-fold increased survival odds. Significant reduction in IL-6.
VIP nasal spray corrects CIRS acquired from water-damaged buildings. Showed correction of proteomics, transcriptomics, and gray matter nuclear atrophy refractory to other therapies.
Definitive pharmacological review detailing VIP mechanism through Gαs/cAMP/PKA pathway and therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases.