VIP: what the research shows
A natural messenger peptide that relaxes blood vessels and calms inflammation, studied in lung disease.
Also known as Vasoactive intestinal peptide, aviptadil
At a glance
Tested in human trials (as aviptadil), but not approved in the US.
What is VIP?
VIP is a peptide of 28 building blocks found in the gut, lungs, brain and nerves. Aviptadil is the lab-made version.
How does VIP work?
It relaxes smooth muscle, widens blood vessels and dampens inflammation, especially in the lungs.
What does the research show?
- Aviptadil was tested in people with severe breathing failure, including from COVID-19. A 2025 review asks whether it is “promise or mirage”: results so far are mixed.
- Injected together with another medicine, phentolamine, it has been used for erectile problems that didn’t respond to other treatments.
Known risks and side effects
- Flushing and low blood pressure can occur, because it widens blood vessels.
Is VIP approved?
Tested in people, but not approved as a medicine.
Tested in human trials (as aviptadil), but not approved in the US.
From the community
Watch: VIP and related science
We have not selected a reliable dedicated VIP video. These lessons cover the relevant biology and research methods; the compound-specific evidence is in the sources below.
Khan Academy
Phagocytes and innate immunity
How part of the immune system responds to threats and contributes to inflammation.
Immune-system biology education
Related biology
Background on immune cells and inflammation for understanding VIP. It does not demonstrate benefits of this compound or formulation.
National Institute of Mental Health
Different types of clinical research
An introduction to the different questions and designs used in studies involving people.
NIMH · US National Institutes of Health
Research skills
Helps you judge the study design or uncertainty in VIP research; it is not a trial of the compound.
Sources and references
- Aviptadil in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Promise or Mirage?Chanchalani et al. · Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine · 2025
- Intracavernosal injection of aviptadil and phentolamine for refractory erectile dysfunctionAl-Mitwalli et al. · Journal of Sexual Medicine · 2025
VETUD Learn explains published research in plain language. It is general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or changing any treatment.
In the research shop
Check the catalog for related laboratory research materials. These products are separate from the approved medicines and clinical trial formulations discussed here.
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