VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
What it is
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a naturally occurring 28-amino-acid neuropeptide that belongs to the secretin/glucagon peptide superfamily. Material sold for laboratory work is a synthetic version of that endogenous peptide, which the body produces across the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems, where it acts as both a signaling molecule and a local hormone.
Research context and categorization
VIP is most often grouped as an immune and gastrointestinal signaling peptide, and it is also referenced in neurological and circadian-rhythm contexts. In neutral research-framed terms, it is studied in the context of anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating activity, since laboratory work describes it lowering the output of pro-inflammatory signals from activated immune cells. It is also commonly discussed in relation to gastrointestinal function, where it is investigated for smooth-muscle relaxation, fluid and electrolyte secretion, and gut-barrier integrity, and in relation to respiratory smooth muscle. Its synthetic analog aviptadil has been investigated for respiratory failure. All of these uses are investigational research directions rather than confirmed or approved outcomes, and none should be read as an established benefit.
Status
- Regulatory status: Research-only / not FDA-approved. VIP is used in laboratory and clinical research settings and is investigational. Its synthetic analog aviptadil has received Fast Track Designation for critical COVID-19 with respiratory failure but has not received full FDA approval for that or any other indication.
- Sport status: Not specifically listed by name on the WADA Prohibited List. VIP is an endogenous peptide hormone, so athletes subject to testing should confirm current status with their governing body, since broad peptide-hormone categories can be interpreted to apply.
Reconstitution notes (general)
For lyophilized material, concentration equals the milligrams in the vial divided by the millilitres of bacteriostatic water added. For example, a 10 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water yields 5 mg/mL, while the same vial with 1 mL yields 10 mg/mL. A reconstitution calculator is available at our reconstitution and blend calculators.
Dilution and handling notes (compound-specific)
VIP ships as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder that is reconstituted before use. A common approach for a 10 mg vial is to add between 1 mL and 2 mL of bacteriostatic water, giving a stock in the 10 mg/mL to 5 mg/mL range. The volume chosen reflects the working concentration a protocol calls for rather than any solubility limit, since the powder generally goes into solution readily. Add the water slowly down the vial wall, then swirl gently or let it stand rather than shaking, and the result should be a clear, colorless solution.
Two practical points distinguish VIP handling. First, bacteriostatic water is generally preferred over plain saline, because references note that saline can encourage aggregation of the peptide. Second, VIP is comparatively fragile once dissolved. In solution it is subject to enzymatic (peptidase) cleavage, and at room temperature aqueous VIP can degrade within roughly 24 to 48 hours, which is why solutions are kept cold and not left out. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles are also cited as damaging, so single-use aliquots are commonly prepared to avoid cycling the whole vial. Like most peptides in solution, VIP should be protected from light, since UV and visible light can drive oxidation and photolytic degradation, so amber or foil-wrapped vials are a typical precaution. Watch for any cloudiness or particulate, which points to aggregation or degradation.
Handling and storage
Store reconstituted material refrigerated at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and keep it out of light. Wipe the stopper with an alcohol swab before each puncture, and label the vial with the mix date. Observe the general roughly 4-week refrigerated window as an outer bound, recognizing that VIP in particular is noted to lose integrity faster than more robust peptides. Discard anything that appears cloudy, discolored, or that contains floaters. Lyophilized powder is kept frozen for long-term storage.
Related reading
Tools and supplies
- Reconstitution & blend calculators
- Bacteriostatic Water 30 ml
- Gansulin Metal Reusable Pen
- 3 ml Glass Cartridges (10-pack)
- Complete Starter Kit
For laboratory and research reference only. Educational content, not medical, dosing, injection, or therapeutic guidance, and not intended for human or animal use. Any research uses described are investigational and not confirmed or approved benefits. Confirm anything involving health with a licensed professional. References linked above.