What is VIP 10 mg

VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide, also known as aviptadil ) is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide studied in research for its ability to activate G protein – coupled receptors and modulate vascular tone, insulin secretion, and immune responses. It is intended exclusively for research use.

Regarding its chemical identity, VIP has a molecular formula of C147H237N43O43S and a molecular weight of 3326.8 g/mol , values confirmed in PubChem (CID 53314964). Its reported canonical sequence is 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 (HSDAVFTDNYTLRKQMAVKKYLNSILN), with an amidated C-terminus. This sequence is well-documented as that of human VIP, although it has not been directly verified in an open primary database. A confirmed CAS number is not available in open primary reference sources and is therefore omitted.

Its synonyms include vasoactive intestinal peptide, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, aviptadil, and VIP.

Product for research use.

Mechanism of action of VIP

VIP acts as an agonist of two class B G protein-coupled receptors: VPAC1 and VPAC2 . Activation of these receptors raises cAMP levels , which in laboratory models is associated with smooth muscle relaxation (vasodilation), positive inotropic and chronotropic effects, as well as immune and neuromodulatory effects.

The distribution of these receptors helps to explain the wide spectrum of effects studied: VPAC1 is widely expressed (CNS, liver, lung, intestine, T lymphocytes), while VPAC2 appears in the CNS, pancreas, skeletal muscle, heart, kidney, adipose tissue, and stomach. In the pancreas, VIP binding to VPAC2 has been investigated as a stimulus for glucose-dependent insulin secretion (PMID 36204104).

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of VIP

The pharmacokinetic behavior of VIP is dominated by a very short plasma half-life , attributed to rapid enzymatic degradation; this characteristic consistently limits the inhaled and systemic routes and has motivated the development of modified administration strategies (PMID 23094831).

Some secondary sources mention a half-life on the order of one minute, but this value was not confirmed with an exact figure in the available primary material, so it is described here only qualitatively as extremely short. This short duration has driven the use of biodegradable dentures and long-lived analogues, such as elastin-like polypeptide fusions (e.g., PB1046).

Scientific evidence on VIPs

The available evidence on VIP/aviptadil is preliminary and largely inconclusive , and should be interpreted with caution. The literature describes it as having been investigated for multiple indications, with several discontinued programs. Inhaled/nebulized and systemic formulations have been studied.

One of the best-characterized research avenues is the development of selective VPAC2 agonists for type 2 diabetes , with the hypothesis of stimulating glucose-induced insulin secretion without causing hypoglycemia (PMID 36204104, review). However, cross-sectional evidence indicates that clinical utility is limited by the peptide’s short half-life and wide distribution (PMID 23094831).

Certain catalog claims—such as trials in pulmonary arterial hypertension and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis reported as discontinued around 2011, or specific phases in COVID-19/ARDS—were not verified in primary registries and should be treated as unconfirmed .

VIP applications in research

Ideal for (research context): – In vitro and preclinical studies of VPAC1/VPAC2 receptor signaling and the cAMP pathway. – Investigation of vasodilation and smooth muscle effects in laboratory models. – Studies of glucose-dependent insulin secretion mediated by VPAC2. – Comparative work with long-lived analogues and related peptides (e.g., PACAP).

Not applicable for: – clinical, diagnostic or therapeutic use. – Any administration to humans or animals outside of an authorized research protocol.

Product for research use.

VIP protocols in preclinical studies

The literature consulted does not include numerical doses from studies that can be cited for VIP/aviptadil, so no trial schemes or quantities are specified.

The presentations of this product ( 5 mg and 10 mg ) refer only to the amount of lyophilized peptide per vial and do not constitute a dosage recommendation. The design of any protocol, including concentrations and working volumes, is the responsibility of the researcher, based on their experimental objectives and the relevant primary literature.

Information provided exclusively for research purposes.

Reconstitution and manipulation of VIPs

As a general guideline for laboratory handling, lyophilized peptides such as VIP are usually reconstituted with bacteriostatic water (sterile water with approximately 0.9% benzyl alcohol).

Add the solvent slowly down the side of the vial, letting it run over the lyophilized powder; avoid injecting the stream directly onto the powder.
Do not shake: gently rotate the vial until completely dissolved.
Adjust the solvent volume according to the desired working concentration, considering the 5 mg or 10 mg contents of the vial.

These guidelines are for general technique and do not replace the internal procedures of each laboratory.

VIP Stability and Storage

As a standard laboratory handling procedure for peptides:

Freeze-dried (unreconstituted): This is the most stable form. It is best preserved by freezing and protecting it from moisture and light for long-term storage.
Reconstituted: once in solution, the peptide is less stable and must be kept refrigerated, being used within a short period; for extended storage, freezing in aliquots is usually preferred.
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as they can degrade the peptide.

Given that the molecule is characterized by rapid enzymatic degradation in biological media, careful cold chain management is especially relevant.

Documented VIP security profile

The documented safety information in open sources for VIPs is limited and should be interpreted with caution, also considering that it is research material and not for clinical use.

Activation of VPAC1 has been associated with gastrointestinal effects , which is why research has focused on selective VPAC2 agonists (PMID 36204104). Due to its vasodilatory and inotropic/chronotropic action, cardiovascular effects (e.g., hypotension, tachycardia, or flushing) might be expected; however, these were not confirmed in detail in the open primary sources and are noted as unverified .

Formal contraindications and adverse event rates are not available in the consulted literature, so no figures are reported.

VIP in a comparative context

VIP belongs to the secretin/glucagon superfamily and shares receptor homology and overlap with PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide). Unlike VIP, which activates VPAC1 and VPAC2, PACAP also activates the PAC1 receptor.

Compared to native VIP, selective VPAC2 analogs —for example, PB1046 (Vasomera)—have been designed with two objectives: to avoid the gastrointestinal effects associated with VPAC1 activation and to prolong the half-life, one of the main limitations of the native peptide. These differences summarize the developmental logic within this class: moving from a short-lived dual agonist to more selective, long-acting agonists.

History and development of VIPs

VIP is described as a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide of the secretin/glucagon superfamily, whose pharmaceutical form is known as aviptadil . Throughout its development, it has been investigated for multiple indications using inhaled/nebulized and systemic formulations, with largely inconclusive results or discontinued programs.

According to catalog sources not verified in primary registries, previous trials in pulmonary arterial hypertension and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were discontinued around 2011. The recurring limitation of its short half-life prompted modified delivery strategies and the development of long-acting analogs, such as PB1046, based on fusion with an elastin-like polypeptide. In parallel, the selective VPAC2 agonist pathway has been explored for type 2 diabetes (PMID 36204104).