In Celexir’s specialized immune toolkit, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is positioned as an investigational adjunct for immune balance in patients with chronic inflammation or post-illness immune drift. VIP is an endogenous neuropeptide with broad physiologic roles—vasodilation, bronchodilation, glandular secretion, circadian regulation—and, crucially for longevity care, immunomodulation that can help calm overactive inflammatory responses without blunt immunosuppression.
Mechanistically, VIP signals through VPAC1/VPAC2 receptors on immune cells to shift Th1/Th2 balance, dampen Th17, enhance Treg activity, and reduce NF-κB–driven cytokines—pathways linked to lower inflammatory tone in autoimmune and respiratory conditions. This receptor biology underpins reported benefits across models of arthritis and lung inflammation, and aligns with VIP’s neuromodulatory roles in metabolism and circadian coherence.
Evidence is mixed and context-dependent. Human and translational studies have explored inhaled or IV VIP/aviptadilfor inflammatory lung disorders and critical respiratory failure; signals include improved oxygenation and lower IL-6 in some settings, yet a randomized trial in COVID-19 failed its primary endpoint despite a survival signal—highlighting the need for larger, modern RCTs. Small clinical series report symptomatic and biomarker improvements in CIRS cohorts, but these are non-randomized and debated. Clinically, VIP should be framed as promising but unproven outside trials.
Regulatory note: Synthetic VIP (aviptadil) has had orphan designations, but U.S. FDA did not grant EUA for COVID-19 indications; there is no FDA approval for longevity or immune support. If considered in research-oriented protocols, use quality-verified sources, informed consent, and objective monitoring (symptoms, inflammatory markers, lung function), integrating VIP within comprehensive immune-health plans.