VIP — EU research guide.
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide produced throughout the gut, lungs and CNS. It is a potent vasodilator, immunomodulator and circadian rhythm regulator with broad physiological roles.
What is VIP?
VIP binds VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors (formerly known as VIP1R and VIP2R), which are widely distributed in smooth muscle, immune cells and the CNS. It causes smooth muscle relaxation (vasodilation, bronchodilation), stimulates exocrine secretion, modulates T-cell differentiation toward regulatory phenotypes and entrains circadian clocks in the suprachiasmatic nucleus.
What does the research show?
Preclinical data is extensive: VIP shows anti-inflammatory efficacy in models of rheumatoid arthritis, IBD, sepsis and autoimmune neurodegeneration. A small Phase 2 trial in pulmonary arterial hypertension showed functional improvements with inhaled VIP. Research in SARS-CoV-2 lung pathology and long-COVID immune dysregulation has reinvigorated interest.
EU legal status
VIP has no approved drug status in the EU or US (the PAH inhaler trial did not reach approval). Available from EU research vendors for laboratory mechanistic research only.
Molecular information
Pharmacokinetics
VIP across EU suppliers
COA-verified EU vendors · Updated monthly
Frequently asked questions
What is VIP? ▾
VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) binds VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, widely distributed in smooth muscle, immune cells and the CNS. It relaxes smooth muscle, stimulates exocrine secretion, modulates T-cells toward regulatory phenotypes and entrains circadian clocks.
What does the research show? ▾
Preclinical data are extensive, showing anti-inflammatory efficacy in models of rheumatoid arthritis, IBD, sepsis and autoimmune neurodegeneration, and a small Phase 2 trial in pulmonary arterial hypertension showed functional improvements with inhaled VIP.
Why has interest in VIP grown recently? ▾
Research into SARS-CoV-2 lung pathology and long-COVID immune dysregulation has reinvigorated interest in VIP.
What does VIP do in the body? ▾
It relaxes smooth muscle (vasodilation and bronchodilation), stimulates exocrine secretion, shifts T-cell differentiation toward regulatory phenotypes and helps entrain circadian rhythm in the suprachiasmatic nucleus.
Is VIP legal in the EU? ▾
It has no approved drug status and is sold as a research compound for laboratory use only.
Is VIP banned in sport? ▾
It is not currently on the WADA prohibited list.