BPC-157 vs VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
The "Wolverine peptide" known for its remarkable healing properties across tendons, ligaments, muscles, and the gut.
Endogenous neuropeptide with vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties
Written by Michael Carroll — Owner, Director of Research · Reviewed by the Peptide Initiative Research Team · Editorial standards
Quick comparison
Dose range
BPC-157
250–500 mcg
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
50–50 mcg
Frequency
BPC-157
Once daily
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
Once daily
Administration
BPC-157
Subcutaneous injection
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
Intravenous infusion
Cycle length
BPC-157
4-6 weeks
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset speed
BPC-157
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence level
BPC-157
Strong preclinical (extensive animal studies)
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Benefit ratings
Primary Benefit
Secondary Benefit
Additional Benefit
Cardiovascular
Anti-Inflammatory
Neuroprotection
Compound specifications
BPC-157
Molecular formula
C62H98N16O22
Molecular weight
1419.53 g/mol
Half-life
4-6 hours
Bioavailability
~100% (subcutaneous)
CAS number
137525-51-0
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
Molecular formula
C147H237N43O43S
Molecular weight
3325.83 Da
Half-life
Approximately 1-2 minutes in plasma (rapid enzymatic degradation)
Bioavailability
IV: 100%; Inhaled: local pulmonary delivery; short systemic half-life
CAS number
37221-79-7
Dosing compared
BPC-157
Subcutaneous
250 mcg
Once daily · 1-2 weeks
A common starting amount in research practice, often injected near the injured area. BPC-157 has no human dose-finding trials, so doses come from animal studies and documented practice [1][2].
250-500 mcg
Twice daily · 4-6 weeks
Commonly used range for tissue and tendon recovery in research practice [1][3].
500 mcg
Twice daily · 6-8 weeks
Upper end used in practice for more demanding acute injuries [1][3].
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
Subcutaneous injection
50 mcg
Twice daily (morning and evening) · Ongoing per protocol
Common research/community practice dose for systemic/peripheral effects (approx., not from a controlled trial).
Inhaled
50 mcg per inhalation (200 mcg/day); 100 mcg single acute dose
Four inhalations daily · 12 weeks (chronic study)
Inhaled aviptadil in primary pulmonary hypertension: 4 inhalations/day; single 100 mcg dose used for acute vasoreactivity testing [7].
Intravenous infusion
50 → 100 → 150 pmol/kg/hr (ascending over 3 days)
12-hour infusion daily · 3 consecutive days
Aviptadil (ZYESAMI) dose-escalation regimen in critical COVID-19 respiratory failure trials [6]. Hospital/investigational only.
Best suited for
BPC-157
Tendon and ligament injuries
Sprains, strains, tears, tendinitis - BPC-157 accelerates collagen synthesis and tissue repair [1][7]
Gut healing
IBS, leaky gut, ulcers, inflammatory bowel conditions [1][11] - derived from gastric juice, it has a natural affinity for digestive tissue [3][5]
Muscle injuries
Strains, post-workout recovery, chronic muscle issues - promotes angiogenesis and growth factor expression [8]
Joint problems
Arthritis support, joint pain, cartilage issues - anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties [9][10]
Post-surgical recovery
Accelerating healing after procedures - works systemically to enhance the body's repair mechanisms [2]
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
Pulmonary arterial hypertension research
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on pulmonary arterial hypertension research. [2][19] Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
ARDS and respiratory failure investigation
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on ards and respiratory failure investigation. [1] Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Anti-inflammatory therapy development
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on anti-inflammatory therapy development. [13][18] Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Neuroprotection studies
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on neuroprotection studies. [15][16] Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Side effects
BPC-157
Common
- Injection site redness
- Mild nausea
- Dizziness
Uncommon
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Hot/cold sensations
Serious
- Allergic reaction
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
Common
- Facial Flushing
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
Uncommon
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia
- Cardiovascular Effects
Serious
- Hypotension
- Severe Flushing and Facial Erythema
Safety & evidence
BPC-157
Evidence level
Strong preclinical (extensive animal studies)
FDA status
Research compound
Safety overview
BPC-157 is a gastric pentadecapeptide with strong preclinical evidence from extensive animal studies spanning over 25 years of research. Critical limitation: BPC-157 has NOT completed Phase 3 human clinical trials. [5] No FDA approval exists. [4][6] Safety data comes primarily from rat and mouse studies, with only limited Phase 1-2 human data. [4][5] Animal studies show no toxicity at therapeutic doses, but human data is insufficient for regulatory approval. [2][4] The peptide is unregulated, and no standardized manufacturing or quality control requirements exist for research compounds. [6][7] Individual responses may vary significantly, and serious medical supervision is essential before use, particularly if you have gastrointestinal conditions, take medications, or have pre-existing medical conditions.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Active cancer
- History of cancer
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
Evidence level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA status
Research compound
Safety overview
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28-amino acid endogenous neuropeptide [8] with moderate evidence from Phase 1-2 human clinical trials. The synthetic pharmaceutical form (aviptadil/RLF-100) received FDA fast-track designation for COVID-19-associated ARDS, [24] indicating recognition of its therapeutic potential. Critical safety considerations: VIP is a potent vasodilator that causes dose-dependent hypotension and compensatory tachycardia [6][10][11]—hemodynamic monitoring is essential during IV administration. Common side effects include facial flushing and diarrhea from its GI effects. [6] Phase 2b/3 COVID-19 ARDS trials (196 patients) reported NO serious drug-related adverse events, [1] a favorable safety signal. However, individual responses to vasodilation vary significantly based on baseline cardiovascular status, medications, and underlying conditions. The peptide's short plasma half-life (1-2 minutes) limits systemic accumulation. [10] Inhaled VIP shows excellent local tolerability for pulmonary applications with minimal systemic absorption [18][19].
Contraindications
- Uncontrolled hypotension or hemodynamic instability
- Severe cardiac decompensation
- Not approved for clinical use outside of trials
- Insufficient data for pregnancy and lactation safety
Which is right for you?
Choose BPC-157 if...
- Injury recovery
- Post-surgery healing
- Chronic pain management
- Gut health
Choose VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) if...
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension research
- ARDS and respiratory failure investigation
- Anti-inflammatory therapy development
- Neuroprotection studies