VIP
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
VIP activates VPAC1 and VPAC2, increasing cAMP through adenylyl cyclase. Immune signaling favors Th2 tolerance over inflammatory Th1 and Th17 responses, and production of TNF-alpha, IL-12 and inducible nitric oxide synthase declines. Smooth muscle relaxation contributes to bronchodilation.
Not medical advice. Educational reference only.
- Typical dose
- Subcutaneous: 250 mcg three times weekly or 500 mcg weekly; intranasal: 50 mcg twice daily; intravenous infusion: 0.2–0.4 mcg/kg (frequency unspecified)
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection; intranasal; intravenous infusion
- Storage
- Refrigerate the mixed solution at 2–8 °C; use within 28 days.
What is VIP?
Vasoactive intestinal peptide, abbreviated VIP, is a naturally occurring neuropeptide of 28 amino acids. It is expressed in nervous, gastrointestinal and immune tissues, where its actions include immune regulation and dilation of airways and blood vessels. Clinical research includes inflammatory bowel disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, sarcoidosis, autoimmune disorders and chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS). Prescription compounding access does not itself establish FDA approval for those conditions.
Mechanism of action
VIP activates VPAC1 and VPAC2, increasing cAMP through adenylyl cyclase. Immune signaling favors Th2 tolerance over inflammatory Th1 and Th17 responses, and production of TNF-alpha, IL-12 and inducible nitric oxide synthase declines. Smooth muscle relaxation contributes to bronchodilation.
Targets: VPAC1 receptor · VPAC2 receptor
Research indications
Immune Modulation
EffectiveImmune research examines changes in inflammatory responses and the activity of immune cells.
Inflammation Control
EffectivePotential anti-inflammatory effects include lower markers of inflammation locally and throughout the body.
Infection Resistance
ModerateResearch explores possible improvements in the body’s defenses against pathogens.
Research protocols
These are commonly discussed research protocols — not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
| Goal | Amount | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Dose | 250 mcg | 3x weekly | Subcutaneous injection |
| Maintenance Dose | 500 mcg | Weekly | Subcutaneous injection |
Interactions
Medications
CautionConsult your prescriber before combining treatment with any medication.
BPC-157
CompatibleNAD+
CompatibleVitamin D
Compatible
How to reconstitute and inject
Diluent: Use only bacteriostatic water; avoid saline because precipitation can occur.
- Let your refrigerated VIP vial stand for 15–20 minutes so it reaches room temperature before mixing.
- Disinfect the rubber stopper using an alcohol swab. Wait for all of the alcohol to air-dry.
- Measure the calculated bacteriostatic water volume with a sterile syringe. Use BAC water only; saline can lead to precipitation.
- Deliver the water slowly against the vial’s inner wall. Keep the stream from striking the powder directly.
- Mix by gently rotating the vial in circles. Avoid vigorous shaking, which can break down the peptide.
- Wait 2–3 minutes until dissolution is complete. Inspect the liquid for a clear appearance without color.
- Measure your calculated dose in an insulin syringe for administration beneath the skin.
- Choose your abdomen, upper arm or thigh for subcutaneous administration. Change sites between injections to help prevent lipodystrophy.
- Keep the mixed vial at 2–8 °C in the refrigerator. Use the solution within 28 days of preparation.
What to expect
- Week 1–2
- Early effects may emerge during adaptation. Watch for unwanted reactions throughout this period.
- Week 2–4
- The principal effects may begin to appear. Make dose changes only with guidance from your healthcare provider.
- Week 4–8
- The main effects are expected to be more established. Review your progress with a healthcare professional.
- Week 8+
- Assess the results with your provider before deciding whether to continue, cycle treatment or alter the dose.
Side effects and safety
- Bruising, redness or mild pain around the injection area
- Possible allergic reactions; discontinue use if you develop hives or a rash
Frequently asked questions
What functions does VIP have?
VIP links nervous-system, intestinal and immune signaling. Its effects include immune modulation, dilation of blood vessels and relaxation of airway smooth muscle. Research extends to pulmonary vascular disease and inflammatory conditions, but these varied applications do not by themselves establish a validated treatment regimen.
Which dosing approaches are discussed?
In addition to subcutaneous research amounts of 250 mcg three times weekly and 500 mcg weekly, CIRS discussions include intranasal 50 mcg twice daily. Intravenous infusion protocols use 0.2–0.4 mcg/kg, without an infusion time or frequency. The plasma half-life is approximately 1–2 minutes; a single route-specific value is not established.
What safety information needs consideration?
Reactions depend on administration route, dose and the individual. Human studies do not fully characterize adverse effects across every proposed use. Monitor injection areas and stop use if hives or a rash develops. Seek clinician guidance before combining medications, and report unusual symptoms rather than adjusting treatment independently.
References
Vasoactive intestinal peptide as a new drug for treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension. (2003)
Vasoactive intestinal peptide generates CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in vivo. (2005)
The significance of vasoactive intestinal peptide in immunomodulation. (2004)
Role of vasoactive intestinal peptide in osteoarthritis. (2016)
Delgado M & Bhatt DL — VIP immunomodulation review
Vasoactive intestinal peptide: a neuropeptide with pleiotropic immune functions (2013)
Vasoactive intestinal peptide: cardiovascular effects (2001)
Vasoactive intestinal peptide and the mammalian circadian system (2007)
New perspectives on vasoactive intestinal polypeptide as a widespread modulator of social behavior (2015)
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide studies on ClinicalTrials.gov (2024)