VIP Peptide: A Provider's Guide to Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) Identity, Vial Format, and Access
Short answer: The VIP peptide is vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a 28-amino-acid peptide with an amidated C-terminus. Said and Mutt first isolated it from hog small intestine in 1970 (Said & Mutt, 1970). Its nonproprietary name is aviptadil (PubChem), and UniProt gives the human sequence as HSDAVFTDNYTRLRKQMAVKKYLNSILN (UniProt). FDA's current 503A nominations list puts "Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide" in category 1 (under evaluation) (FDA). For clinics, Biomed Peptides supplies VIP 10 mg as a lyophilized powder in a sealed vial, to verified licensed providers only.
This guide covers what the compound is, where it stands on FDA's compounding pages, how it's supplied and stored, and how provider access works. Clinical decisions stay with the prescribing clinician.
What is the VIP peptide?
Origin and name
Vasoactive intestinal peptide was first described in 1970. Said and Mutt reported a polypeptide isolated "from the small intestine of the hog" with "28 amino acid residues," chemically distinct from secretin and glucagon (Said & Mutt, 1970). The name "VIP" comes from that early work and has stuck.
You'll see a few names on documentation:
- Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), the scientific name used by FDA on its nominations list (FDA)
- Aviptadil, the USAN/INN name. PubChem lists aviptadil and "vasoactive intestinal octacosapeptide" as synonyms (PubChem)
- VIP peptide, the common shorthand
Sequence and structure
In humans, VIP is cut from a larger 170-residue precursor encoded by the VIP gene. UniProt lists the mature vasoactive intestinal peptide at positions 125–152 of that precursor, with an asparagine amide at the C-terminus (UniProt P01282). The one-letter sequence is:
HSDAVFTDNYTRLRKQMAVKKYLNSILN-NH2
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Common names | Vasoactive intestinal peptide, VIP |
| Nonproprietary name | Aviptadil |
| Length | 28 amino acids, C-terminal amide |
| PubChem formula / MW (free-acid record) | C147H237N43O43S / ≈3326.8 g/mol |
| CAS (as listed in PubChem) | 40077-57-4 |
| PubChem | CID 16132300 |
| UniProt (human precursor) | P01282 |
| Family (UniProt) | Glucagon family |
One detail matters for paperwork. PubChem's aviptadil record (CID 16132300) is drawn with a free C-terminal acid; its systematic name ends in "L-asparagine," and it lists C147H237N43O43S and ≈3326.8 g/mol. UniProt describes the native peptide with a C-terminal asparagine amide (PubChem; UniProt P01282). Those two forms have slightly different expected masses, so ask which form the certificate of analysis (COA) is based on and check that its mass spectrometry result matches that form.
The same precursor also yields a second peptide, PHM-27, which is one more reason to confirm that the COA names VIP and shows the 28-residue sequence above (UniProt P01282).
Regulatory context: FDA's 503A nominations list
Under section 503A, a bulk drug substance generally has to have a USP or NF monograph, be a component of an FDA-approved drug, or appear on FDA's 503A bulks list. FDA also requires a valid COA and an FDA-registered (section 510) manufacturing establishment (FDA).
Here's what FDA's pages currently show for VIP:
- FDA's list of substances nominated under 503A (updated May 14, 2026) names Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide in Category 1: Bulk Drug Substances Under Evaluation (FDA nominations list).
- FDA describes category 1 substances as ones that "may be eligible for inclusion on the 503A bulks list" and were "nominated with sufficient supporting information for FDA to evaluate them." FDA says it doesn't intend to take action against a compounder for using a category 1 substance "provided that the conditions described in the guidance document are met" (FDA).
Category 1 isn't the same as being on the final 503A bulks list, and these pages change. Confirm current status with your compounding pharmacy before you make any formulary decision. For background, see what a 503A pharmacy is.
How VIP is supplied to clinics
Lyophilized 10 mg vial
VIP ships as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in a sealed vial. Manufacturer guidance says peptides shouldn't be stored in solution because they "may slowly undergo chemical degradation," and recommends keeping them as a lyophilizate in a tightly closed container for longer storage (Bachem). The Biomed Peptides lyophilized catalog lists VIP 10 mg. Vial strength is the amount of peptide in the sealed vial. It doesn't change the molecule. Our lyophilized peptides guide explains the format and the clinic workflow.
Storage on receipt
- Keep vials sealed, dry, and protected from light. Follow the product label first.
- For long-term holding, Bachem recommends storing peptide lyophilizates below −15 °C, with lower temperatures preferred. Refrigeration at 4 °C is acceptable for short-term use (Bachem).
- Peptides tend to be hygroscopic. Let a cold vial reach room temperature before you open it. Bachem notes that absorbed moisture "reduces the overall peptide content and may also decrease stability" (Bachem).
- Bachem says peptides containing Asn, Gln, Met, Cys, and/or Trp have limited shelf lives, and that Trp-, Met-, or Cys-containing peptides "require special care to avoid oxidation." VIP contains asparagine (N), glutamine (Q), and methionine (M), so follow the labeled expiration and storage conditions closely.
Our lyophilized peptides storage guide covers each step in detail. For the diluent, see bacteriostatic water for peptides.
Documentation to request
Ask for these with every VIP lot:
- Lot-specific COA with an identity result (typically mass spectrometry matching the expected mass for the stated C-terminal form), HPLC purity, and peptide content where reported
- Endotoxin results where applicable
- Manufacturer and site information, since 503A requires a section 510-registered establishment for bulk drug substances (FDA)
- Labeled storage conditions and expiration
Our peptide COA and third-party testing guide explains how to read each section and match it to the vial in hand.
Provider access to VIP
Biomed Peptides supplies physician-use product only to licensed healthcare providers. We don't sell to patients or consumers. Wholesale pricing is visible only to approved accounts. How access works:
- Submit the provider application.
- Our team verifies your credentials, usually within 24–48 hours.
- Approved accounts can view pricing, the full lyophilized catalog, and lot documentation.
- Order for office use or patient-specific fulfillment, with shipping to all 50 states.
Source VIP for your practice
Licensed practices and med spas can apply for provider access to view VIP 10 mg pricing and COAs, or browse the lyophilized catalog to plan their formulary.
FAQ
What is the VIP peptide?
VIP is vasoactive intestinal peptide, a 28-amino-acid peptide with an amidated C-terminus, first isolated from hog small intestine in 1970. UniProt lists the human sequence as HSDAVFTDNYTRLRKQMAVKKYLNSILN (P01282).
Is aviptadil the same as vasoactive intestinal peptide?
Yes. Aviptadil is the nonproprietary (USAN/INN) name for vasoactive intestinal peptide. PubChem lists them as synonyms.
What is VIP's status on FDA's 503A list?
FDA's 503A nominations list (updated May 14, 2026) names Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide in category 1, bulk drug substances under evaluation. That isn't the same as being on the final 503A bulks list. Confirm current status with your compounding pharmacy.
What vial size does Biomed Peptides carry?
The catalog lists VIP 10 mg as a lyophilized powder in a sealed vial.
How should VIP vials be stored?
Keep them sealed, dry, cold, and protected from light, following the product label. Bachem recommends below −15 °C for longer storage and allows 4 °C short term. Let a cold vial reach room temperature before opening.
Sources
- Said SI, Mutt V. Polypeptide with broad biological activity: isolation from small intestine. Science. 1970;169(3951):1217–1218. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.169.3951.1217
- PubChem. Aviptadil (CID 16132300). https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/16132300
- UniProt. P01282 · VIP_HUMAN (VIP peptides). https://www.uniprot.org/uniprotkb/P01282/entry
- FDA. Bulk Drug Substances Nominated for Use in Compounding Under Section 503A (updated May 14, 2026). https://www.fda.gov/media/94155/download
- FDA. Bulk Drug Substances Used in Compounding Under Section 503A of the FD&C Act. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/bulk-drug-substances-used-compounding-under-section-503a-fdc-act
- Bachem. Handling and Storage Guidelines for Peptides. https://www.bachem.com/knowledge-center/handling-and-storage-guidelines-for-peptides/
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