VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide); Aviptadil (synthetic VIP); ZYESAMI; RLF-100
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP); Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide; Aviptadil (INN for synthetic VIP)
Clinical trials showed mixed results. Benefits were seen on some measures but not others.
A natural peptide that relaxes blood vessels, reduces inflammation, and protects nerve cells throughout the body and brain. A synthetic version was tested in a large clinical trial for severe respiratory failure but did not meet its main treatment goal. Research into other potential uses continues.
This entry is a cited research summary, not an established treatment reference. Dosing language is included as source context, not as medical instruction.
Safety Summary
The safety profile of VIP/aviptadil is generally benign in available clinical data. No dose-limiting toxicities were identified in Phase I studies or the 60-day RCT (PMC9555831; NCT00004494). The TESICO trial reported no excess SAEs vs placebo (PMC10278994; PMID 37348524). Flushing, hypotension, and headache are the most commonly reported effects. No established drug-drug interactions are documented (Drugs.com aviptadil entry, DrugBank DB18634). No CYP-mediated metabolism (proteolytic clearance). No tolerance, tachyphylaxis, or withdrawal effects documented in studies up to 60 days (PMC9555831; IJCCM systematic review; FDA NDA multidisciplinary review). Animal chronic toxicity at supratherapeutic doses: mild dose-dependent histologic findings (renal interstitial inflammation, hepatic vacuolization, cardiac muscle fiber changes) generally absent at therapeutic exposures (PMC6982157; Frontiers Pharmacol 2021 doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.638128). No cancer signal in FAERS or WHO VigiBase surveillance. Long-term human safety data are limited. Note: PLUVICTO (lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) is completely unrelated to VIP therapy despite sharing the acronym.
Clinical check-in
If real-world use or exposure is being considered, review potential interactions, contraindications, and monitoring needs with a licensed clinician rather than relying on summary copy alone.
Sources: [1-12]