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← Compounds

VIP

peptide · headlineResearch use only

Binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors on immune, pulmonary, and neural tissues

Summary

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide that modulates immune response, dilates pulmonary vessels, and protects neural tissue. It is being studied for its potential role in treating pulmonary hypertension, COVID-19 respiratory failure, inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, and migraines.

How it works

  • Binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors on immune, pulmonary, and neural tissues
  • Suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6)
  • Enhances T-regulatory cell function and dampens Th1/Th17 responses
  • Acts as a neuropeptide with protective effects in CNS

Dosing

  • unit: mcg
    low dose: 50
    frequency: daily
    high dose: 200
    standard dose: 100
    administration route: Subcutaneous (SQ)
  • unit: mcg
    low dose: 50
    frequency: 1 spray per nostril, 3-4x daily
    high dose: 200
    standard dose: 100
    administration route: Intranasal

Cycling

  • Typically 100 mcg daily for 4–6 weeks for autoimmune or pulmonary inflammatory conditions. May repeat cycles as needed.
  • Useful for direct CNS and respiratory targeting; used daily or in cycles for neuroinflammation and MCAS protocols.

Side effects

common: ["Nasal irritation with intranasal administration","Mild flushing or hypotension","Headache"]
warnings: ["May induce migraine in susceptible individuals","Use cautiously in patients with asthma or vascular instability"]
long term: ["Safety under long-term use still under evaluation; neuroprotective potential is under investigation"]

Chemistry & PK

sequence: HSDAVFTDNYTRLRKQMAVKKYLNSILN
half life: 5–10 minutes
degradation: Degraded by plasma and tissue peptidases
molecular weight: 3327.9
molecular formula: C147H237N43O42S
tissue specificity: Targets lungs, immune cells, CNS, and vasculature

Verified citations

2 · PubMed-checked

Used for

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Contraindication — Cationic peptides can worsen MCAS (MRGPRX2 degranulation)

LL-37, VIP/PACAP and full α-MSH degranulate human mast cells via MRGPRX2 — avoid in mast-cell patients. KPV is safe (NF-κB pathway).

Legal / compounding

Research use only

Legal status is a hard gate: non-compoundable or delisted agents cannot be filled and are blocked from protocol export. Keep 503A status current.