VIP
Also known as: Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide, PHM-27
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide | Neuropeptide
Overview
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide belonging to the glucagon/secretin superfamily. It is produced in many tissues including the gut, pancreas, and brain. VIP has potent vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. It binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, triggering cAMP-mediated signaling cascades. Research shows therapeutic potential for pulmonary hypertension, diabetes, neurological disorders, and autoimmune conditions.
Key benefits
- Potent vasodilation and blood pressure reduction
- Strong anti-inflammatory effects
- Immunomodulation (Th1-Th2 balance)
- Neuroprotective effects
- Bronchodilation
- Cardioprotective (positive inotropic effects)
- Insulin secretion enhancement (glucose-dependent)
- Gut barrier and permeability regulation
Mechanism of action
VIP binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 G protein-coupled receptors, activating adenylyl cyclase and increasing intracellular cAMP and PKA activity. This triggers phosphorylation of CREB and other transcription factors. VIP causes vasodilation through NO-dependent and independent mechanisms, stimulates intestinal secretion, relaxes smooth muscle, inhibits gastric acid secretion, and has positive inotropic/chronotropic cardiac effects.
Molecular data
- Type
- Neuropeptide
- Half-life
- 1-2 minutes
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
Indications
What the research community uses this compound for, with self-reported effectiveness.
Cardiovascular
Pulmonary Hypertension
Most effectiveVIP inhalation shows striking efficacy with increased mixed venous oxygen saturation and exercise capacity.
Vasodilation
Most effectiveDilates peripheral blood vessels through NO-dependent mechanisms above 100 pmol doses.
Cardiac Support
EffectiveCoronary vasodilation with positive inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart.
Neurological
Neuroprotection
ModeratePromising therapeutic target for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurological disorders.
Autism Spectrum Disorders
EmergingPotential therapeutic target being researched for ASD.
Circadian Rhythm
ModerateProduced in suprachiasmatic nuclei; involved in circadian regulation.
Metabolic & Immune
Diabetes Support
ModeratePromotes insulin secretion in glucose-dependent manner via VPAC2; low hypoglycemia risk.
Anti-Inflammatory
EffectivePotent anti-inflammatory effects useful in IBD and autoimmune conditions.
Sarcoidosis
ModerateTherapeutic potential for pulmonary and systemic sarcoidosis.
Dosing protocols
Common protocols by delivery method. Adjust the curve below to model accumulation in your own cycle.
Injectable
VIP has a very short half-life of approximately 2 minutes in blood, requiring careful dosing strategies. Subcutaneous or intravenous administration. Rapid degradation limits bioavailability; analogs like stearyl-Nle17-VIP (SNV) are 100-fold more potent.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General use | 50-100 mcg | 1-2x daily | SubQ or IV |
| Research protocols | 100-200 mcg | As directed | SubQ or IV |
Preparation
You will need
- Bacteriostatic water (BAC)
- Insulin syringes
- Alcohol swabs
- Peptide vial
- Sterile work surface
Steps
- Clean work area and hands thoroughly
- Calculate required BAC water volume
- Draw BAC water into syringe
- Inject slowly down vial side
- Gently swirl until dissolved (never shake)
- Use promptly due to short stability
Work out the water volume and syringe units in the reconstitution calculator →
Nasal
Inhalation route researched for pulmonary hypertension. Safety demonstrated in healthy and asthmatic subjects at 100 μM concentrations.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pulmonary hypertension | 100-200 mcg/day | Daily (inhaled) | Inhalation |
Interactions
Pairwise interactions with other compounds you might be cycling — the same data behind the cycle builder's safety check.
Timeline
Typical week-by-week effects reported in clinical and observational data.
- Minutes
Rapid vasodilation and hemodynamic effects
- Hours
Anti-inflammatory signaling activated
- Days-Weeks
Cumulative effects on inflammation and immune balance
- Ongoing
Sustained benefits with regular administration
Safety
Reported adverse effects, contraindications, and what to monitor on cycle.
Common side effects
- Vasodilation (flushing, warmth)
- Hypotension
- Increased heart rate
- Gastrointestinal effects (diarrhea possible)
- Headache
Rare side effects
- Allergic reactions
- Excessive GI stimulation
Stop signs — stop and seek advice
- Severe hypotension
- Allergic reaction symptoms
- Severe diarrhea
- Cardiac arrhythmias
Contraindications
- Severe hypotension
- VIPoma or related tumors
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Severe cardiac conditions
Quality checks
What a legitimate product looks like, what should give pause, and what should make you stop.
Good signs
- White lyophilized powder
- Clear solution after reconstitution
- Intact vacuum seal
Warning signs
- Use quickly after reconstitution (unstable)
Stop signs — don't use
- Discolored powder
- Cloudy solution
- Particulates visible
References
Primary literature and clinical-trial data informing this entry.
VIP as New Drug for Treatment of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
Journal of Clinical Investigation · 2003
VIP inhalation showed striking efficacy with increased mixed venous oxygen saturation and exercise capacity.
Therapeutic Potential of VIP and VPAC2 in Type 2 Diabetes
Frontiers in Endocrinology · 2022
VIP promotes glucose-dependent insulin secretion via VPAC2, reducing hypoglycemia risk.
Therapeutic Potential of VIP in Neurological Disorders
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics · 2010
VIP and receptors are promising therapeutic targets for AD, PD, and autism spectrum disorders.
VIP Structure and Function for Therapeutic Applications
Pharmacology & Therapeutics · 2011
Comprehensive review of VIP receptor signaling and therapeutic applications.
Last updated . How this page was sourced is described in the methodology.