Definition

A synthetic form of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), with potential anti-cytokine, anti-inflammatory, and immune-regulatory activities. Upon administration, aviptadil mimics endogenous VIP. In the lungs, aviptadil may prevent N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA)-induced caspase-3 activation, inhibits the production of certain pro-inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor-necrosis factor-alpha (TNFa), and may protect the lungs against a cytokine storm and inflammation. As cytokines cause the air sacs of the lungs to fill with water, making the sacs impermeable to oxygen, aviptadil may protect against pulmonary edema, and restores the barrier function at the endothelial/alveolar interface. This may improve blood oxygenation, respiratory distress, and prevent lung injury. VIP is a naturally synthesized peptide hormone that is highly concentrated in the lungs.