The 28-amino-acid neuropeptide used in Ritchie Shoemaker’s CIRS protocols — powerful anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, and autonomic regulator for chronic inflammatory illness.
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28 amino acid neuropeptide naturally produced in the gut, brain, and peripheral nerves. It’s a member of the secretin/glucagon family and functions as a potent anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, and autonomic regulator.
In peptide therapy, VIP is most associated with Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker’s CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) protocol for mold illness, Lyme, and post-infectious chronic inflammation. It’s also used off-label for dysautonomia, POTS, mast cell activation, and autonomic dysfunction.
The synthetic full-length VIP molecule, aviptadil, has been in clinical development for pulmonary indications. Important context: the TESICO Phase 3 trial (PMID 37348524, Lancet Respir Med 2023, n=471) tested IV aviptadil in COVID-19 ARDS and was negative on every endpoint, stopped for futility — the only Phase 3 trial of the VIP molecule, and it failed. Earlier observational PAH signals (Petkov 2003 PMID 12727925, n=8 open-label; Leuchte 2008 PMID 18978135, n=20) also failed to replicate at multicenter scale. Off-label use for CIRS, dysautonomia, and similar indications rests on Shoemaker-group reports, not controlled-trial evidence.
Not FDA approved. Aviptadil + phentolamine (Invicorp) is approved in UK/Ireland/Denmark/NZ for organic ED. VIP itself is on FDA 503A Category 1 (under evaluation, no significant safety concerns) — meaningfully different from the Category 2 status of most research peptides. Not specifically listed on the WADA prohibited list. Available as research chemical in injectable and nasal spray formulations.
Strong inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12) while supporting anti-inflammatory IL-10. Shifts Th1/Th17 drive toward Th2/Treg regulatory tone.
Activates VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors throughout the nervous system. Helps normalize vasomotor tone and parasympathetic/sympathetic balance — directly relevant to POTS and dysautonomia.
Shoemaker’s CIRS research: VIP supplementation restores α-MSH levels and downstream hormonal cascade that becomes suppressed in chronic biotoxin exposure.
Significant vasodilator and bronchodilator. Has been investigated in pulmonary hypertension, asthma, and COPD contexts.
| Benefit | Evidence |
|---|---|
| CIRS / mold illness | Shoemaker program: symptom reduction and biomarker normalization in verified CIRS patients after Step 12 (VIP) of the protocol |
| Dysautonomia / POTS | User-reported improvements in orthostatic tolerance, heart rate regulation, and autonomic symptoms |
| Chronic inflammation | Broad anti-inflammatory via cytokine shift; useful adjunct in autoimmune protocols |
| Cognitive / brain fog | Improvement common as neuroinflammation resolves |
| Mast cell activation | Reduced mast cell reactivity; complementary to KPV |
Most compelling when used within a structured CIRS protocol under medical supervision rather than as a standalone "try it and see" peptide.
Build your protocol, log every dose, monitor your body's response, and get reminders so you never miss a dose.
Start Tracking FreeThis 50 mcg × 4/day regimen is derived from Shoemaker’s CIRS clinical protocol, not from peer-reviewed RCT data — no published clinical trial has validated intranasal VIP at this dose for CIRS or any other indication. The protocol also requires prior completion of Steps 1–11 (MARCoNS clearance, VCS testing, cholestyramine binder, etc.). Starting VIP on an unstabilized patient can worsen symptoms.
Less common than intranasal; used when nasal route is not feasible. Note: there is no peer-reviewed literature establishing subcutaneous VIP dosing — this range is clinician-protocol experience only. Specialist oversight is strongly recommended.
VIP can cause intense symptoms if started at full dose in inflammatory conditions. Begin with 25 mcg (half-spray) 1×/day and titrate up over 2 weeks to assess tolerance. If symptoms worsen, reduce or pause.
5 mg vial + 5 mL BAC water = 1 mg/mL. Standard nasal pump delivers ~50 µL per spray = 50 mcg per spray at this concentration.
For 50 mcg: 1 spray. For 100 mcg: 2 sprays (1 per nostril). Alternating nostrils is gentler than repeat sprays on one side.
Pre-filled with a typical VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) setup. Edit any field — the draw updates live.
Insulin syringe — 100 units = 1 mL
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The "avoid with active cancer" warning is not a boilerplate caveat. VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors (VIP’s primary targets) are overexpressed on breast, lung, prostate, CNS, and neuroblastoma tumor cell lines (PMID 26702849, and broader oncology literature). Exogenous VIP may promote tumor proliferation and survival signaling in those tissues. Do not use VIP if you have any active malignancy or recent cancer history without oncologist sign-off.
VIP is a specialty protocol peptide, not a general-purpose anti-inflammatory. Best used under the guidance of a practitioner trained in CIRS or integrative medicine.
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Build your protocol, log every dose, monitor your body's response, and get reminders so you never miss a dose.
Start Tracking FreeVIP is a 28 amino acid neuropeptide naturally produced in the gut, brain, and peripheral nerves. It is a member of the secretin/glucagon family and functions as a potent anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, and autonomic regulator. It works through VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors and shifts cytokine balance away from pro-inflammatory TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-12 toward IL-10.
VIP itself is not FDA approved. The synthetic full-length analog aviptadil plus phentolamine (Invicorp) is approved in the UK, Ireland, Denmark, and New Zealand for organic erectile dysfunction. Notably, VIP is on FDA 503A Category 1 (under evaluation, no significant safety concerns) which is meaningfully different from the Category 2 status of most research peptides. The only Phase 3 trial of the molecule, TESICO in COVID-19 ARDS (PMID 37348524), was stopped for futility.
VIP is most associated with the Ritchie Shoemaker CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) protocol for mold illness, Lyme, and post-infectious chronic inflammation. It is positioned as Step 12, used only after Steps 1 through 11 (MARCoNS clearance, VCS testing, cholestyramine binder, and so on). Starting VIP on an unstabilized patient with ongoing biotoxin exposure can worsen symptoms.
The Shoemaker protocol delivers VIP intranasally as 50 mcg per spray, one spray 4 times daily, for a total of 200 mcg per day. Intranasal delivery bypasses first-pass metabolism and reaches CNS targets relevant to autonomic and cytokine regulation. A subcutaneous option exists at 100 to 200 mcg daily, but there is no peer-reviewed literature establishing SubQ dosing and specialist oversight is recommended.
VIP can cause intense symptoms if started at full dose in inflammatory conditions. The typical starter is 25 mcg (half-spray) once daily, titrated up over 2 weeks. Full Shoemaker dosing is 50 mcg per spray, 4 times daily (200 mcg/day total), continued until biomarker normalization, typically 3 to 12 months.
Mild side effects include facial flushing, initial headache, nasal irritation, and lightheadedness. VIP also drives WDHA/VIPoma syndrome in pathological states (PMID 28730220), so monitor for diarrhea, loose stools, and electrolytes with prolonged use. The cancer contraindication is serious: VPAC1 and VPAC2 are overexpressed on breast, lung, prostate, CNS, and neuroblastoma tumor cell lines, so do not use VIP with any active malignancy without oncologist sign-off.
VIP reduces mast cell reactivity and is considered complementary to KPV in mast cell activation contexts. That said, VIP is a specialty protocol peptide, not a general-purpose anti-inflammatory, and is best used under guidance from a practitioner trained in CIRS or integrative medicine rather than as a standalone "try it and see" peptide.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The compounds discussed are not FDA approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or peptide protocol. StackTrax does not sell peptides or supplements directly — purchase links go to third-party vendors. StackTrax is not responsible for the products, quality, or business practices of any third-party vendor. This page contains affiliate links — StackTrax may earn a commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
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