VIP

Other & EmergingResearch Only

Extensive animal research shows clear biological effects, but human clinical data remains surprisingly thin for such a well-characterized peptide. The evidence gap between laboratory findings and clinical applications is substantial.

Predominantly studied by gastroenterology researchers investigating inflammatory bowel conditions and neuroscientists examining stress-related brain changes.

FDA Status

Research Only

Since Feb 2026

Evidence

Limited data

Studies

30 total, 9 human

What is VIP?

Originally discovered in pig intestines in 1970, this 28-amino acid peptide functions as both a hormone and neurotransmitter throughout the body. Researchers study it primarily for its ability to coordinate responses between the digestive system, brain, and immune cells. Its discovery helped scientists understand how the gut-brain axis operates at a molecular level.

VIP activates two main receptor types (VPAC1 and VPAC2) found on cells throughout the body, triggering a cascade that increases cyclic AMP levels inside target cells. This process relaxes smooth muscle in blood vessels and airways, stimulates digestive secretions, and dampens inflammatory responses. Think of it as a master switch that tells multiple organ systems to shift into a more relaxed, repair-focused state.

What the Research Shows

Despite 30 total studies, only 9 involved human subjects and none were properly controlled trials, leaving significant questions about therapeutic applications.

The clinical evidence base for VIP consists of 25 human studies with no randomized controlled trials. Key findings indicate VIP and VPAC2-selective agonists show potential for type 2 diabetes treatment and immunosuppressive effects in inflammatory diseases, while mechanistic research demonstrates VIP's role in hippocampal neurogenesis and stress response modulation.