Immune & Anti-Inflammatory
VIP
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide · Aviptadil
What it is
VIP is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide originally found in the gut but produced throughout the body. It's a major anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory signal. In the biohacker / functional medicine world, it's most known as Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker's protocol for CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) — chronic illness from mold/biotoxin exposure. The IV form (Aviptadil) is FDA-approved for ARDS in some countries.
How it works
Activates VPAC1/VPAC2 receptors throughout the body. Reduces inflammatory cytokines, modulates the immune system toward a more balanced state, supports vascular function, and rebalances the HPA axis. In CIRS, it specifically helps re-regulate hormones disrupted by biotoxin illness.
Benefits
- Strong anti-inflammatory effects
- CIRS recovery (Shoemaker protocol)
- Vasodilation and improved circulation
- HPA axis normalization
- Some research in pulmonary hypertension and ARDS
- Potential cognitive support
Timeline
- Week 1–2
- Subtle anti-inflammatory effects.
- Month 1–3
- CIRS markers (TGF-β1, MMP-9, etc.) often improve in chronic illness patients.
- Month 3+
- Long-term symptom resolution in chronic inflammatory conditions.
Dosing & titration
Intranasal (CIRS)50 mcg per nostril, 4x daily (Shoemaker protocol)
Cycle length3–6 months minimum for CIRS recovery
When to titrate upStandardized in Shoemaker protocol; rarely modified.
Side effects & risks
- Mild nasal irritation
- Headache (rare)
- Possible blood pressure drop (vasodilation)
- Should NOT be used until biotoxin sources are removed (in CIRS context)
CIRS protocol-specific. Most users get VIP through a CIRS-trained practitioner. Self-administered without proper sequencing can produce strong reactions.
Typical price
$200–$400/moCompounded intranasal VIP from a 503A pharmacy.
Studies
- Shoemaker RC et al. Intranasal VIP safely restores volume to multiple grey matter nuclei in patients with CIRS — Foundational CIRS clinical study. PubMedTrends in Neuroscience and Education, 2017
- Search PubMed for VIP CIRS — PubMed searchLive PubMed search
Educational reference only. Not medical advice.