Peptide Schedule
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)28 residuesHSDAVFTDNYTRLRKQMAVKKYLNSILNEach bubble = one amino acid. Size = residue mass. Color = chemical class.VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
Benefits
About VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide produced throughout the body, with high concentrations in the gut, lungs, and brain. It acts as both a neurotransmitter and an immune modulator. In the context of CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) caused by mold and biotoxin exposure, VIP is used intranasally to reduce persistent inflammation, normalize dysregulated cytokines like TGF-beta and MMP-9, restore regulatory T-cell function, and improve grey matter volume in the brain. It is the final therapeutic step in Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker's published CIRS treatment protocol, used only after all preceding interventions have been completed.
Who Should Consider VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
- CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) patients who have completed Shoemaker protocol steps 1-10
- Individuals with confirmed mold/biotoxin illness and persistently elevated inflammatory markers
- Patients with elevated TGF-beta 1, C4a, MMP-9, or low VEGF after initial CIRS treatment
- Adults with CIRS-related cognitive impairment or grey matter atrophy on NeuroQuant MRI
- Patients with CIRS-associated pulmonary hypertension or exercise intolerance
How VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) Works
VIP binds to two G-protein-coupled receptors — VPAC1 and VPAC2 — distributed across immune cells, neurons, smooth muscle, and epithelial tissue. Receptor activation stimulates adenylyl cyclase, increasing intracellular cAMP, which triggers a downstream anti-inflammatory cascade. This inhibits NF-kB activation, suppresses production of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-12, and shifts T-helper balance away from Th1/Th17 dominance toward regulatory T-cell (Treg) expansion. In the vasculature, VIP relaxes smooth muscle causing vasodilation and reduced pulmonary artery pressure. In the brain, it protects neurons from oxidative damage. Intranasal delivery allows VIP to reach the CNS directly through olfactory and trigeminal nerve pathways, bypassing rapid plasma degradation.
What to Expect
Initial intranasal dosing begins. Some patients notice mild nasal irritation. No significant clinical changes expected yet.
Early improvements in energy, mental clarity, and exercise tolerance. Inflammatory markers may begin to trend downward.
Measurable reductions in TGF-beta 1, C4a, and MMP-9 in responding patients. VEGF levels begin to normalize. Improved sleep and reduced brain fog.
Significant normalization of inflammatory markers in most responders. NeuroQuant MRI may show grey matter improvements. Many patients reach treatment goals.
Maintenance phase or tapering based on lab results. Retreatment may be needed if re-exposure occurs.
Dosing Protocol
| Level | Dose / Injection | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 200mcg | Daily |
| Moderate | 200mcg | 2x Daily |
| Aggressive | 400mcg | 2x Daily |
Note: Intranasal administration only. Used as the final step (step 11) in the Shoemaker CIRS protocol. Must address prior steps (cholestyramine, MARCoNS eradication, etc.) before starting VIP. Each dose is 4 sprays at 50 mcg per spray (200 mcg total per dose). Do not start VIP if VCS test is still failing or MARCoNS is still present.
How to Inject VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
VIP is administered as a nasal spray. Standard protocol is 50 mcg per spray, 4 sprays per dose. Beginners start at 4 sprays daily (200 mcg total) and may increase to 4 sprays 2x daily (400 mcg total) under clinical guidance. Alternate nostrils with each spray. VIP must only be started after completing all prior steps of the Shoemaker CIRS protocol.
Cycling Protocol
In the Shoemaker protocol, VIP is often continued for 1-3 months until lab markers (TGF-beta, C4a, VEGF, MMP-9) normalize. Some patients use VIP intermittently for maintenance.
Pharmacokinetics
Source: Domschke et al. 1978 — ~1 min plasma half-life via IV; intranasal delivery bypasses rapid plasma degradation via direct CNS uptake
Loading the interactive decay curve.
Side Effects
Generally well-tolerated at standard intranasal doses. Mild nasal irritation or congestion may occur. Transient facial flushing and mild headache reported occasionally. Diarrhea and nausea are uncommon at intranasal doses. Significant hypotension is rare but possible.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active VIP-secreting tumors (VIPomas) or suspected VIPoma
- Severe hypotension or orthostatic intolerance
- Active MARCoNS infection (must eradicate before starting VIP per Shoemaker protocol)
- Failing Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS) test (indicates unresolved biotoxin burden)
- Known hypersensitivity to VIP or formulation excipients
Drug Interactions
- Antihypertensives — VIP causes vasodilation and may potentiate blood pressure lowering
- Anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin) — use caution due to VIP's vasodilatory effects
- Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants — overlapping immune-modulating effects may alter therapeutic response
- Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil) — additive vasodilation risk
Storage & Stability
Molecular Profile
Related Peptides
References
- Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) corrects chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) (Shoemaker et al., Health 2013)Review
- Vasoactive intestinal peptide in man: pharmacokinetics, metabolic and circulatory effects (Domschke et al., 1978)PubMed 730072
- Pharmacodynamics and toxicity of vasoactive intestinal peptide for intranasal administration (Dufes et al., 2013)PubMed 23444784
- Brain delivery of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) following nasal administration to rats (Dufes et al., 2003)PubMed 12672605