BPC-157vsVIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)

Molecular Formula

C₆₂H₉₈N₁₆O₂₂

Molecular Weight

1419.53 g/mol

Half-Life

4-6 hours

Bioavailability

~100% (subcutaneous)

CAS Number

137525-51-0

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

Common

• Injection site redness
• Mild nausea
• Dizziness

Uncommon

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Hot/cold sensations

Serious

• Allergic reaction

Common

• Facial Flushing
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

Uncommon

• Hypotension
• Tachycardia
• Cardiovascular Effects

Serious

• Hypotension
• Severe Flushing and Facial Erythema

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. No FDA approval exists. Safety data comes primarily from rat and mouse studies, with only limited Phase 1-2 human data. Animal studies show no toxicity at therapeutic doses, but human data is insufficient for regulatory approval. The peptide is unregulated, and no standardized manufacturing or quality control requirements exist for research compounds. 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

• xPregnancy
• xBreastfeeding
• xActive cancer
• xHistory of cancer

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 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, indicating recognition of its therapeutic potential. Critical safety considerations: VIP is a potent vasodilator that causes dose-dependent hypotension and compensatory tachycardia—hemodynamic monitoring is essential during IV administration. Common side effects include facial flushing and diarrhea from its GI effects. Phase 2b/3 COVID-19 ARDS trials (196 patients) reported NO serious drug-related adverse events, 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. Inhaled VIP shows excellent local tolerability for pulmonary applications with minimal systemic absorption.

Contraindications

• xUncontrolled hypotension or hemodynamic instability
• xSevere cardiac decompensation
• xNot approved for clinical use outside of trials
• xInsufficient data for pregnancy and lactation safety