VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)

A natural gut and brain peptide that relaxes blood vessels and calms inflammation. Tested by IV for COVID lung failure without clear benefit.

Evidence: Limited human research
Half-life: Minutes
Sources: 2 cited

Is VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) FDA-approved?

Not FDA-approved.

Overview

VIP is made by nerves in the gut, lungs and brain. It widens blood vessels, relaxes airways and dials down inflammation. Aviptadil, the synthetic form, was tested for COVID-19 respiratory failure; the large TESICO trial found no benefit. Some clinics use nasal VIP for mold-related illness (CIRS), based on small uncontrolled reports.

How it works

It binds VPAC receptors on blood vessels, airways and immune cells, causing relaxation and lower inflammatory signaling.

How long does VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) stay in the body?

About 1–2 minutes in the blood.

What it's studied for

Lung injury
Inflammation
Mold-related illness (CIRS)

Reported side effects

Flushing, low blood pressure, diarrhea (IV)

Related: LL-37, Thymalin, KPV, Larazotide.

Sources

The studies and prescribing labels this page is written from.