Immune Modulators Gastrointestinal Peptides Under research

VIP

Also known as: Péptido Intestinal Vasoactivo, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, Aviptadil

VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide with potent vasodilatory, bronchodilatory, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory action. It participates in gastrointestinal, respiratory and immune regulation. Its synthetic form (aviptadil) has been investigated in pulmonary hypertension and respiratory distress syndrome.

Mechanism of action

VIP acts on the VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, coupled to Gs protein.

cAMP: activates adenylate cyclase, relaxing vascular and bronchial smooth muscle.
Immunomodulation: reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and favors a regulatory profile.
Lung protection: preserves surfactant and reduces alveolar inflammation.

Uses & indications

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (research, aviptadil).
Acute lung injury / ARDS (research).
Chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) intranasal (off-label).

Effects

Intended effects: pulmonary vasodilation, bronchodilation and modulation of inflammation.

Adverse effects: hypotension, flushing, diarrhea and tachycardia from its vasodilatory effect. Intranasal use may cause local irritation.

Considerations & contraindications

Aviptadil has had orphan-drug designations but no broad FDA/EMA approval.
Risk of hypotension: monitor blood pressure.
Intranasal use for CIRS is off-label and poorly standardized.

Regulatory approval

Its synthetic form (aviptadil) has been the subject of clinical trials and orphan designations, without general FDA/EMA approval.

Dosage

Research only or under strict medical supervision; a self-administration regimen is not appropriate.

Storage

Lyophilized: -20 °C for prolonged storage. Reconstituted: refrigerate and use immediately; VIP is highly labile.

Technical data

Regulatory status Under research

Molecular weight 3326.8 Da

Half-life ~1–2 minutos (plasma)

Administration routes Intravenosa, inhalada, intranasal

VIP