Immune

VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)

Neuropeptide · 28 amino acids · Gut-derived sequence

FDA · APPROVED (AVIPTADIL — COVID)

Half-life

~2 minutes

Very short

minsdays

Route

SubQ injection

Evidence

Early human data

Risk

Standard

Overview

Known for

Neuropeptide with broad anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and immune-modulating effects. Used in CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) and mould illness protocols. Regulates circadian rhythm, protects neurons, and supports gut function.

Mechanism

Neuropeptide with broad effects: vasodilation, smooth muscle relaxation, immune regulation, gut motility, bronchodilation. Used in CIRS/mould illness protocols.

Key facts

Format
Lyophilized powder
Mechanism targets
Classification
Secondary
Supply & nature
Natural / Topping UpNatural
FDA category
Approved (Aviptadil — COVID)

Evidence & standing

Evidence base
Early human data
Risk level
Standard
Best studies
6 references
  • Said & Mutt (1970) Science 169:1217-8 — Original discovery
  • Morice et al. (1983) Lancet 2:1225-7 — Asthma/bronchodilation
  • Prasse et al. (2010) PLoS One 5:e11934 — Sarcoidosis pilot
  • Extensive basic science literature (>10,000 PubMed citations)
  • NOT FDA APPROVED as therapeutic
  • Very fragile peptide — rapid degradation

Dosage & protocol

Typical dose
50-200mcg
Research range
25–50 µg
Cycle
4 weeks on / 4 weeks off
Onset
10 days first effects
Full effect
56 days
Half-life
~1-2min
~1-2 minutes (extremely short — limits SubQ utility)
Protocol

50-200mcg intranasal or SubQ daily. Dr. Shoemaker's CIRS protocol: 50mcg nasal spray 4x daily.

Time to effects

EARLY: 1-2 weeks

FULL: 4-12 weeks

Week 1-2: If used for CIRS/mould illness — reduced brain fog, improved energy. Circadian rhythm normalising.

Week 2-4: Significant symptom improvement in CIRS patients. Reduced inflammation.

Week 4-12: Full symptom resolution in responsive patients.

Effects are most dramatic in CIRS patients where VIP deficiency is the issue. Healthy individuals may notice less dramatic improvements. Minimum commitment: 4 weeks.

Recommended vial

⚠️ 10mg (only size) — USE QUICKLY

At 200mcg/day = 50 days ⚠️. VIP is very fragile (2-4 wk shelf life). Use 400-500mcg/day to finish in 3 weeks, or accept significant potency loss.

Reference figures only

Dosing reflects published laboratory protocols and is not guidance for use in any living subject.

Safety

Reversibility
Fully Reversible
Side effects

Diarrhoea (vasodilation → gut hypermotility), flushing, hypotension (dose-dependent), nasal congestion

Interactions

Antihypertensives (additive hypotension), vasodilators (additive), bronchodilators (additive)

Handle with research caution

  • Caution with blood pressure medications (VIP is a vasodilator — may compound hypotension)

Storage & handling

Lyophilised
12–24 months
2–8°C
Reconstituted
2–4 weeks
2–8°C

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