VIP · DOSSIER

VIP

Vasoaktives Intestinales Peptid · Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide · Peptide · 28 AS
LEGAL DE · NOT APPROVEDEVIDENCE · EARLY CLINICAL STUDIES3 STUDIES
FIG.01 — SIGNAL CHAIN
HSDAVFTDNYTRLRKQMAVKKYLNSILN-NH₂ · ~3326.8 Da
02

Mechanism of action

What VIP does in the body — step by step.

01

VIP is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide of the secretin/glucagon superfamily, produced throughout the nervous system as well as in intestinal, respiratory and immunological tissues.

02

VIP binds the G-protein-coupled receptors VPAC1 and VPAC2, which via cAMP signalling pathways leads to vasodilation, bronchodilation and pronounced immunomodulation.

03

Immunologically, VIP inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12) and promotes regulatory T cells (Tregs) as well as anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-10).

03

Research status

How far along is the evidence?

PRECLINICALEARLY CLINICAL STUDIESCLINICALLY ESTABLISHED
Aviptadil (synthetic VIP) has been studied clinically mainly in pulmonary arterial hypertension (inhaled) and in COVID-19-associated studies of acute respiratory failure.
Aviptadil (synthetic VIP) has been studied clinically mainly in pulmonary arterial hypertension (inhaled) and in COVID-19-associated studies of acute respiratory failure.
A randomised Phase II study (Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 2023) in COVID-19-related hypoxaemic respiratory failure showed no significant difference in the primary endpoint, although earlier uncontrolled studies had shown positive signals.
In the MCAS and long-COVID community, VIP is intensively discussed; controlled studies for these indications are pending.
A further research focus is VIP's role in mast-cell regulation and intestinal inflammation.
04

Known risks

Without human data, safety statements are limited. What is known:

01
Hypotension: pronounced vasodilatory effect — drop in blood pressure possible with parenteral administration
02
Tachycardia as a reflex response to vasodilation
03
Flushing, headache with systemic use
04
No established dosing protocols for safe non-clinical use
05
The randomised COVID-19 study showed no significant primary-endpoint effect
05

Cited studies

Chronological — links lead to the source.

2006
VIP and PACAP modulate T cell function and inhibit immune-mediated inflammation
PubMed 16624319 →
2008
Inhaled aviptadil (VIP) in pulmonary arterial hypertension: a randomized pilot study
PubMed 18184669 →
2023
Vasoactive intestinal peptide in COVID-19-associated acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure: a randomised controlled trial
PubMed 37148893 →
06

Frequently asked questions

What is VIP?+

VIP is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide of the secretin/glucagon superfamily, produced throughout the nervous system as well as in intestinal, respiratory and immunological tissues.

What type of peptide is VIP?+

VIP belongs to the Neuropeptide class.

What is VIP used for?+

In research, VIP has primarily been investigated in the context of: Immunomodulation, Cognition. These are research findings (evidence: early clinical studies), not proven benefits in humans and not a usage recommendation.

Is VIP legal in Germany?+

VIP is not approved as a medicine in Germany. Obtaining it outside clinical studies is legally problematic.

Is VIP FDA-approved / legal in the US?+

No. VIP is not FDA-approved as a drug in the US; it is mostly sold as a research chemical and not for human consumption.

Is VIP legal in Canada?+

No. VIP is not authorized by Health Canada and not intended for human consumption.

Where can I buy VIP?+

Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. VIP is "not approved" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.

What is the dosage of VIP?+

Peptica publishes no dosing. There are no approved dosing guidelines for VIP; figures circulating online stem from animal studies or anecdote, not from validated human protocols. This is not medical advice.

Is VIP banned in sport (WADA)?+

VIP is currently not on the WADA Prohibited List.

What are the known risks of VIP?+

Documented risks include: Hypotension: pronounced vasodilatory effect — drop in blood pressure possible with parenteral administration; Tachycardia as a reflex response to vasodilation. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.

How well researched is VIP?+

The evidence is classified as “early clinical studies”. 3 studies are cited on this page.

What is the molecular weight of VIP?+

VIP has a molar mass of about 3326.8 Da, with a plasma half-life of ~1–2 minutes.

Which peptides are related to VIP?+

Closely related entries: Selank, DSIP. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.

07

Dossier

Legal · Structure · Sources.

LEGAL STATUS BY REGION
Germanynot approved

Aviptadil is not approved as a medicine in the EU. Clinical studies are ongoing within regulated trial programmes. VIP is not on the WADA Prohibited List. Import for purposes other than scientific ones may fall under the German Medicines Act (AMG).

Legal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.

STRUCTURE & MOLECULE
H₂NHSDAVFTDNYTRLRKQMAVKKYLNSILN-NHCOOH
28
AMINO ACIDS
~3326.8
MOL. WEIGHT (Da)
~1–2 minutes
HALF-LIFE
SOURCES & EXTERNAL DATABASES

Methodology: Peptica compiles publicly available studies and regulatory information and assigns each statement an evidence level. Not medical advice. No warranty.

RELATED PEPTIDES & FURTHER READING
08

Community notes

Note: These posts are user opinions and not medical advice. Posts containing dosages, therapeutic claims or purchase recommendations are removed. All entries are manually reviewed before publication.
This page is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information. No medical advice · no dosage or usage recommendations · no claims of efficacy · no substitute for medical consultation. Peptica sells no substances. Partner links are marked as advertising; Peptica may earn a commission. © 2026 Peptica · Issue 01