VIP
From PeptidePlaza, the free peptide reference · Entry #030 · Anti-Aging · Hand-curated entry · Editorial standards
VIP (also known as VIP peptide, Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, PHM-27 related) is a anti-aging research peptide. A 28-amino-acid neuropeptide with potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions. Being studied for autoimmune diseases, type 2 diabetes, and antiviral applications.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide widely distributed in the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. It was originally identified for its potent vasodilatory activity but is now recognized as a master immunomodulator: it inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine production, promotes regulatory T-cell differentiation, and exerts anti-inflammatory effects in models of autoimmune and inflammatory disease. VIP signaling via VPAC1/VPAC2 receptors is being studied in type 2 diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and as a potential antiviral target (including effects on SARS-CoV-2). Synthetic VIP and stable analogs are in development.
1 Mechanism of action
Binds VPAC1 and VPAC2 G-protein-coupled receptors, activating adenylate cyclase and cAMP/PKA signaling, which modulates cytokine gene transcription (NF-κB inhibition), promotes regulatory T cells, and suppresses Th1/Th17 inflammatory responses.
Primary targets: VPAC1 · VPAC2
2 Reported effects
Effects below are those reported in the published literature cited on this page. They are not claims of clinical benefit and not medical advice.
2.1 Reported benefits
- Potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions
- Promotes regulatory T-cell responses in models
- Studied for type 2 diabetes via VPAC2 agonism
- Potential antiviral and tissue-protective roles
2.2 Side effects
- Rapid degradation limits dosing practicality
- Vasodilation / flushing at higher doses
- GI motility effects (diarrhea)
- Limited human safety data
3 Chemical and physical properties
| CAS number | 37221-79-7 |
|---|---|
| Molar mass | 3325.9 g/mol |
| Purity (typical) | >98% |
| Half-life | ~2 minutes (plasma, rapid degradation) |
| Storage | −20 °C, lyophilised powder, desiccated |
| Solubility | Sterile water / bacteriostatic water |
| Receptors / targets | VPAC1, VPAC2 |
3.1 Amino acid sequence
His-Ser-Asp-Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-Ala-Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-Ile-Leu-Asn-NH2
4 Research dosages
Preclinical: 5–25 nmol/kg. Human studies: variable, often 200–400 pmol/kg/min infusions. No standard protocol.
5 Research studies (6)
- Therapeutic potential of vasoactive intestinal peptide and its receptor VPAC2 in type 2 diabetes.
Frontiers in endocrinology (2022) · ReviewOwing to the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes, the development of novel hypoglycemic drugs has become a research hotspot, with the ultimate goal of developing therapeutic drugs that stimulate glucose-induced... - Vasoactive intestinal peptide: a potential target for antiviral therapy.
Sheng li xue bao : [Acta physiologica Sinica] (2022) · ReviewViral infection is clinically common and some viral diseases, such as the ongoing global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), have... - Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide-Secreting Tumors: A Review.
Pancreas (2019) · ReviewVasoactive intestinal peptide-secreting tumors (VIPomas) are a group of rare neuroendocrine tumors, which cause a typical syndrome of watery diarrhea. - Role of vasoactive intestinal peptide in osteoarthritis.
Journal of biomedical science (2016) · ReviewVasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) plays important roles in many biological functions, such as, stimulation of contractility in the heart, vasodilation, promoting neuroendocrine-immune communication, lowering... - Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide/vasoactive intestinal peptide (Part 2): biology and clinical importance in central nervous system and inflammatory disorders.
Current opinion in endocrinology, diabetes, and obesity (2021) · ReviewPURPOSE OF REVIEW: To discuss recent advances of vasoactive intestinal peptide/pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (VIP/PACAP) receptors in the selected central nervous system (CNS) and inflammatory... - Myopia pathogenesis and vasoactive intestinal peptide: Molecular mechanisms, experimental models, and clinical implications.
Experimental eye research (2026) · ReviewMyopia is the most common refractive error worldwide and is projected to affect half of the global population by 2050, with high myopia significantly increasing the risk of vision-threatening complications.
6 Safety and risk profile
6.1 Regulatory status
VIP is currently classified as Investigational. It has no approved human indication in the United States; availability elsewhere does not imply demonstrated safety or efficacy.
Safety score: 50/100 — moderate concern. Derived from clinical data volume, known risks and regulatory status.
6.2 Contraindications
Conditions and populations in which use is contraindicated:
- Pregnancy or lactation
- Severe cardiovascular disease
- Known hypersensitivity
6.3 Drug interactions
| Drug or class | Interaction | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Vasodilators / antihypertensives | Additive vasodilation and blood pressure effects. | Moderate |
| Immunosuppressants | May synergize with or oppose immunomodulatory actions. | Moderate |
6.4 Long-term risks
- Unknown chronic immunomodulatory effects
- Cardiovascular effects with systemic dosing
6.5 Research best practices
- Store lyophilized at −20 °C, desiccated
- Extremely protease-labile — use protease inhibitors or stable analogs in vitro
- Consider infusion or stable analog for in vivo studies
7 Frequently asked questions
- What is VIP known for?
- VIP is a neuropeptide with strong anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. It was first discovered as a vasodilator but is now studied for autoimmune disease, diabetes, and neuroprotection.
- Why is VIP hard to use as a drug?
- VIP is rapidly degraded in plasma (half-life of ~2 minutes) and acts on multiple receptor subtypes, so most drug development uses stable analogs or modified formulations. This is a major translational challenge.
- What conditions is VIP being studied for?
- Models and trials target type 2 diabetes (VPAC2), Sjögren’s syndrome, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and antiviral applications including SARS-CoV-2.
8 References
- Therapeutic potential of vasoactive intestinal peptide and its receptor VPAC2 in type 2 diabetes. PubMed (2022). Hou X, et al.. View source
- Vasoactive intestinal peptide: a potential target for antiviral therapy. PubMed (2022). He Y, et al.. View source
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