What Is VIP? Benefits, Research & Safety
A neuropeptide with vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, researched for various therapeutic applications.
UK summary: Endogenous vasoactive peptide. The analogue aviptadil has been investigated for pulmonary indications (including COVID-19 acute respiratory distress) but is not currently a routinely used UK medicine.
Quick Facts
Overview
VIP — evidence and risk at a glance
Twenty standard modules scored against the Peptide Authority evidence grading methodology. Missing modules indicate the field has not yet been characterised editorially — treat absences as uncertainty rather than reassurance.
01Evidence snapshot
Endogenous vasoactive peptide. The analogue aviptadil has been investigated for pulmonary indications (including COVID-19 acute respiratory distress) but is not currently a routinely used UK medicine.
02Human evidence grade
03Preclinical evidence grade
04Regulatory status
- UK: Not licensed for general use. May be available in research settings.
- EU: Not approved for standard therapeutic use.
- Notes: VIP (aviptadil) has been granted Emergency Use Authorization in some jurisdictions for specific indications. It is not widely approved. Clinical trials continue for pulmonary hypertension, ARDS, and other conditions.
05Approved medical uses
None in the UK or EU as a finished medicine. (Or: not yet documented; treat as absence rather than approval.)
06Unapproved / promotional claims
- Treats CIRS / chronic inflammatory response syndrome.
- Cures 'mould illness'.
- Reverses long COVID.
07Common internet claims
- Marketed by some private 'functional medicine' clinics for chronic inflammation.
08Claim vs evidence
| Claim | Evidence | Human evidence? | Regulatory concern | Safer wording |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| “Treats chronic inflammation / mould illness” | D | No | High | Mechanistic interest exists for several inflammatory conditions; not a UK-licensed treatment for any wellness-grade indication. |
09Safety uncertainty score
Safety profile partly characterised; some signals from observational or preclinical data.
10Known adverse signals
- Cardiovascular effects (BP, vasodilation).
- Injection-site reactions.
- Long-term effects of nasal / injectable VIP not characterised.
11Drug-interaction uncertainty
Some interaction data published; check with a prescriber for your specific medicines.
12Anti-doping status
13UK legal position
Not licensed for general use. May be available in research settings.
14EU legal position
Not approved for standard therapeutic use.
15What this page cannot tell you
- Whether grey-market VIP products contain the labelled compound.
- Whether off-label CIRS / long-COVID use produces benefit.
16Last reviewed
17Citation quality score
18Research gaps
- No Phase 3 trials for CIRS, mould illness, or long-COVID in the UK regulatory environment.
19Safer alternatives / established care pathways
- NHS long-COVID clinic referral via GP.
- Specialist immunology assessment for chronic inflammatory concerns.
20Doctor discussion prompts
Questions to ask a qualified clinician
These are starter questions you can adapt for a GP, specialist, pharmacist, or anti-doping advisor. The aim is to help you have a better-informed conversation — not to replace one.
- What licensed UK options exist for the inflammatory condition I'm researching?
Discovery & History
Mechanism of Action
Researched Benefits
Based on preclinical and clinical research findings:
- 1Potent vasodilation, particularly in pulmonary circulation
- 2Anti-inflammatory effects in various models
- 3Bronchodilation and airway protection
- 4Immunomodulation in autoimmune disease research
- 5Neuroprotective properties
- 6Potential in ARDS and respiratory failure (under investigation)
Claim vs Evidence
How popular claims about VIP stack up against the current research, graded using our public evidence grading methodology.
| Claim | Evidence | Human evidence? | Regulatory concern | Safer wording |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| “Treats chronic inflammation / mould illness” | D | No | High | Mechanistic interest exists for several inflammatory conditions; not a UK-licensed treatment for any wellness-grade indication. |
Theoretical Dosing & Protocols
| Theoretical Dosage | Variable depending on indication and delivery method |
| Frequency | Variable |
| Duration | Variable |
| Notes | VIP/aviptadil is under clinical investigation for various conditions. It is not widely approved for therapeutic use. Short half-life requires consideration of delivery method. Research and clinical use should be under specialist supervision. |
Administration Routes
Routes studied in research settings (educational only):
- Intravenous (clinical trials)
- Inhaled (pulmonary applications)
- Intranasal (some research)
| Half-Life | Stability |
|---|---|
| Very short; approximately 1-2 minutes in plasma | Requires careful handling; subject to enzymatic degradation |
Safety Profile & Known Risks
Commonly Reported Side Effects
- Hypotension (due to vasodilation)
- Flushing
- Tachycardia
- Gastrointestinal effects
- Headache
Rare Risks & Concerns
- Severe hypotension
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Unknown long-term effects
Contraindications
- Hypotension
- Cardiogenic shock
- Certain cardiac conditions
- Pregnancy (limited data)
UK & EU Regulatory Context
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Not licensed for general use. May be available in research settings.
🇪🇺 European Union
Not approved for standard therapeutic use.
Clinical Studies Summary
VIP for COVID-19 Respiratory Failure
Clinical trials evaluating inhaled aviptadil for COVID-19-related respiratory failure.
VIP in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Research investigating VIP for pulmonary hypertension treatment.
Looking for VIP?
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View at SupplierFrequently Asked Questions
Questions to ask a qualified clinician about VIP
These are starter questions you can adapt for a GP, specialist, pharmacist, or anti-doping advisor. The aim is to help you have a better-informed conversation — not to replace one.
- What licensed UK options exist for the inflammatory condition I'm researching?
UK regulatory & safety context
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