VIP peptide

Also called: vasoactive intestinal peptide

Clinical reviewer: Jacob Moore, MD · Last checked September 17, 2026

What is VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide)?

VIP peptide refers to vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide that acts as a neurotransmitter and helps regulate blood vessels, immune responses, and secretion of certain substances. FDA lists VIP as a Category 1 bulk drug substance under evaluation for the 503A compounding framework. Its synthetic form, aviptadil, has also been studied for COVID-19 respiratory failure.

What is VIP and what does it do in the body?

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is described as "a 28-amino acid neuropeptide/neurotransmitter" that is "widely distributed in both the central and peripheral nervous system" and "released by both neurons and immune cells," with "pleiotropic effects as a neurotransmitter, immune regulator, vasodilator and secretagogue" [1]. FDA's May 2026 list of bulk drug substances nominated for compounding places "Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide" in Category 1, the group the list titles bulk drug substances under evaluation [4]. Its clinical use is limited "because of its short half-life" [2].

Has aviptadil (synthetic VIP) been studied in humans?

Aviptadil, a synthetic form of VIP, was tested in TESICO, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of intravenous aviptadil in 471 people with COVID-19-related hypoxaemic respiratory failure across 28 US sites; the trial's data and safety monitoring board "recommended stopping the aviptadil trial on May 25, 2022, for futility" [3]. VIP remains Category 1 on FDA's compounding list, and a short half-life is one limitation on its clinical use [2][4].

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This entry is for education and is not medical advice. Talk with a licensed clinician about your own situation before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.