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VIP

An immune-rebalancing peptide for CIRS, mold illness, and neuroinflammation. VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide with broad immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and vasodilatory effects. Central to the Shoemaker protocol for CIRS/mold illness treatment. Also researched for pulmonary hypertension, circadian rhythm regulation, and neuroinflammation.

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🧬Key Characteristics
  • Length: 28 amino acids
    (Endogenous neuropeptide.)
  • Receptors: VPAC1 and VPAC2
    (G-protein coupled receptors.)
  • Administration: Intranasal
    (Nasal spray for CIRS protocol.)
  • Primary Use: CIRS / inflammation
    (Shoemaker protocol final step.)
Peptide sequence
His-Ser-Asp-Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-Ala-Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-Ile-Leu-Asn
VIP is released by nerve terminals throughout the body. Its dual action as both a vasodilator and immunoregulator makes it uniquely effective for conditions involving chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation.
Key takeaway: VIP is the final step in the Shoemaker CIRS protocol, used after other markers are corrected. It rebalances the immune system by shifting from pro-inflammatory (Th1/Th17) to regulatory (Treg) responses, while also reducing pulmonary artery pressure.

Overview

Core Benefits

Key Advantages
CIRS treatment
Central to the Shoemaker protocol — the gold standard for treating chronic inflammatory response syndrome.
Immune rebalancing
Shifts immune response from inflammatory (Th1/Th17) to regulatory (Treg) phenotype.
Vasodilation
Reduces pulmonary artery pressure and improves blood flow — studied for pulmonary hypertension.
Neuroprotection
Protects neurons from inflammatory damage and supports circadian rhythm regulation.
Nasal delivery
Primary route is nasal spray — non-invasive, targets respiratory and CNS tissues directly.
Inflammatory markers
Shown to reduce C4a, TGF-β1, MMP-9, and VEGF in CIRS patients.

These are educational summaries of commonly discussed effects in wellness/regenerative contexts, not guarantees.

VIP Results Timeline

Progression
1
Week 1–2
Physical Changes
Initial immune rebalancing, reduced inflammatory markers
Performance & Recovery
May notice reduced shortness of breath
Other Benefits
VCS (Visual Contrast Sensitivity) improvement beginning
2
Week 3–4
Physical Changes
C4a, TGF-β1 trending down, improved respiratory function
Performance & Recovery
Better energy, reduced brain fog
Other Benefits
CIRS symptom score improving
3
Month 2–3
Physical Changes
Significant CIRS symptom reduction, normalized markers
Performance & Recovery
Cognitive function and stamina improving substantially
Other Benefits
Pulmonary artery pressure normalizing
4
3+ Months
Physical Changes
Major quality of life improvement in CIRS patients
Performance & Recovery
Sustained immune regulation
Other Benefits
Many patients maintain on reduced frequency after initial course

Timeline is illustrative and non-guaranteed. Outcomes vary and are commonly discussed alongside training, nutrition, sleep, and cycling practices.

How It Works

Neuropeptide — Immunomodulator / Vasodilator

Receptor → Immune Rebalancing → Systemic Recovery → Outcomes

🎯
Target

VPAC1/VPAC2 Receptors (Immune Cells, Neurons, Vasculature)

VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) activates VPAC1 and VPAC2 G-protein coupled receptors distributed widely across immune cells, neurons, pulmonary vasculature, and the GI tract. This broad receptor distribution underlies VIP's diverse effects on immunity, inflammation, and vascular function.

Cellular Signal

cAMP/PKA → Anti-Inflammatory + Vasodilatory Cascade

VPAC receptor activation increases intracellular cAMP, which shifts immune cells from pro-inflammatory (Th1/Th17) toward regulatory (Treg) phenotypes. In vasculature, cAMP causes smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation. In neurons, it provides neuroprotective signaling.

🔄
Systemic Effect

Immune Rebalancing + Vasodilation + Neuroprotection

Shifts the immune system from inflammatory to regulatory mode — critical for CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) and mold illness. Reduces pulmonary artery pressure. Supports circadian rhythm regulation through SCN (suprachiasmatic nucleus) signaling. Protects neurons from inflammatory damage.

What You Notice

Reduced Inflammation → Breathing Improvement → Energy

In CIRS patients: reduced inflammatory markers (C4a, TGF-β1, MMP-9), improved breathing, and increased energy over weeks to months. Central to the Shoemaker protocol as the final step in CIRS treatment. Also used for pulmonary hypertension and neuroinflammatory conditions.

What Makes This Peptide Different

VIP is uniquely positioned at the intersection of immune, vascular, and neural systems. While Thymosin Alpha-1 enhances adaptive immunity and KPV targets inflammation, VIP rebalances the entire immune response while also addressing vascular and neurological components. The Shoemaker protocol established it as the gold-standard final treatment for CIRS/mold illness.

Dosing Protocol

CIRS Treatment / Immune Regulation

Educational reference only. Individual responses vary. Consult healthcare provider before use.

Vial Size
Nasal spray formulation
Reconstitution
Compounded nasal spray — no reconstitution needed
Dose
50 mcg per spray, 4 sprays daily
Timing
Spread throughout the day
Frequency
4x daily
Duration
30-90 days (Shoemaker protocol)
Protocol Notes
Vasoactive intestinal peptide — final step in the Shoemaker CIRS protocol. Only start after C4a, TGF-β1, MMP-9, and VEGF are corrected. Reduces pulmonary artery pressure. Intranasal delivery targets respiratory and CNS tissues. Monitor inflammatory markers during treatment.
Read the full dosing guide — protocols, reconstitution, clinical context & more

Why This Dosing Protocol

Why nasal spray? VIP nasal spray provides direct access to nasal and pulmonary mucosa — key target tissues in CIRS. Also provides some CNS access for neuroprotective effects.

Why the Shoemaker sequence? VIP is the final step in CIRS treatment because it requires prior steps (binder therapy, MARCoNS treatment) to be completed first. Using VIP before clearing biotoxins can worsen symptoms.

Why 30-day minimum? Immune rebalancing is a gradual process. VIP needs consistent exposure over weeks to shift immune cell phenotypes from inflammatory to regulatory.

VIP Pricing

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Reconstitution calculator

Dilution math and unit conversions. Prefilled using a common vial size for this peptide.

Open calculator

Handling

Educational overview on storage, labeling, and traceability considerations for lab environments. Consult primary literature and vendor documentation for specifics.

Powder Storage (Very Stable)
  • Freezer (-20°C): 1+ year ✓
  • Refrigerator (2-8°C): 1-3 months ✓
  • Room temperature: 2-3 weeks (emergency only)
Reconstituted Storage (Fragile)
  • MUST refrigerate at 2-8°C
  • 4-week maximum shelf life
  • NEVER freeze after reconstitution
  • Use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose

Storage & Handling Guide

Learn proper storage temperatures, shelf life timelines, reconstitution best practices, and travel tips for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.

Powder: Freezer
1+ year at -20°C
Reconstituted: Fridge
4 weeks max at 2-8°C
View Complete Storage Guide

FAQ

What is CIRS and how does VIP treat it?

CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) is a multi-system illness triggered by biotoxin exposure — most commonly from water-damaged buildings (mold). VIP is the final step in the Shoemaker protocol, used after other inflammatory markers (C4a, TGF-β1, MMP-9, VEGF) have been corrected. It rebalances the immune system from pro-inflammatory (Th1/Th17) to regulatory (Treg) responses.

Why is VIP administered as a nasal spray?

Intranasal delivery targets both the respiratory tract (relevant for CIRS lung inflammation and pulmonary hypertension) and the CNS via the olfactory pathway. It avoids first-pass liver metabolism and provides rapid local effects. The standard formulation is 50 mcg per spray, typically dosed 4 times daily.

What lab markers should be monitored during VIP therapy?

Key markers include: C4a (complement activation), TGF-β1 (fibrosis/immune dysregulation), MMP-9 (tissue remodeling), VEGF (vascular growth), MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone), and VIP levels themselves. Pulmonary artery pressure should also be monitored via echocardiogram. VIP should only be started after these markers are trending toward normal from earlier protocol steps.

Can VIP be used for conditions other than CIRS?

Research has explored VIP for pulmonary arterial hypertension, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and neurodegenerative conditions. Its role as a neuropeptide means it also regulates circadian rhythms (via the suprachiasmatic nucleus) and protects neurons from inflammatory damage. However, CIRS treatment remains its most established clinical application.

What are the side effects of VIP?

VIP is generally well-tolerated at therapeutic doses. Some patients report mild nasal irritation, transient flushing, or loose stools (VIP stimulates intestinal secretion — it's called "vasoactive intestinal peptide" for a reason). Rarely, excessive doses can cause hypotension due to vasodilation. Monitoring by a CIRS-literate physician is recommended.

How long does reconstituted peptide last?

Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, peptides remain stable for up to 4 weeks when refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Unopened powder can last 1+ year in the freezer. Get our complete Storage & Travel Guide.

Is this peptide legal to purchase?

Peptides sold "for research purposes only" are legal to purchase in the US, but are not FDA-approved for human use outside of specific medical applications. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.

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