Aviptadil

Summary

Aviptadil is a synthetic vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) being investigated primarily for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and respiratory failure, including COVID-19-associated ARDS. It has demonstrated potential to reduce pulmonary inflammation, protect alveolar cells, and improve oxygenation. Originally studied for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension, its development has pivoted to critical respiratory conditions.

Mechanism of Action

Synthetic form of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) that binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, producing vasodilation, bronchodilation, and immunomodulatory effects; inhibits cytokine storm by reducing TNF-alpha, IL-6, and other pro-inflammatory mediators; protects alveolar type II cells from apoptosis and supports surfactant production

Routes of Administration

Goals & Uses

• Erectile dysfunctionSexual HealthLow
• Sarcoidosis-related respiratory failureRespiratoryLow
• COVID-19-associated respiratory failureInfectious Disease / RespiratoryModerate
• Cytokine storm suppressionImmunomodulationModerate
• Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)Cardiovascular / PulmonaryLow
• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)RespiratoryModerate

Contraindications

• PregnancyPopulationModeratePotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
• Hypersensitivity to VIP or aviptadilAllergyHigh
• Uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmiasCardiovascularModerate
• Severe hypotensionCardiovascularHigh

Adverse Effects

• Injection site reactionsLocalUncommon
• HypotensionCardiovascularCommonLow blood pressure
• FlushingVascularCommonWarmth and redness of the skin
• TachycardiaCardiovascularUncommonAbnormally fast heart rate
• NauseaGastrointestinalUncommonFeeling of sickness or urge to vomit
• DiarrheaGastrointestinalUncommonLoose or frequent stools

Drug Interactions

• Antihypertensive agentsModerate
• CorticosteroidsLow
• Vasopressors (e.g., norepinephrine)Low
• Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil)High

Population Constraints

• Renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
• Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
• Patients with pre-existing severe hypotensionCardiovascularRelative
• Pregnant womenReproductiveRelative
• Elderly patients (≥65 years)Age RelatedRelative

Regulatory Status

• European UnionInvestigationalOrphan drug designation for pulmonary arterial hypertension; Invicorp (VIP + phentolamine) approved in some EU countries for erectile dysfunction
• United StatesInvestigationalFDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for COVID-19-associated respiratory failure; not approved for any indication; studied under multiple IND applications
• United KingdomInvestigationalNo current UK approval; investigational status for respiratory indications

Received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for treatment of COVID-19-associated respiratory failure. Not currently FDA-approved for any indication. Studied under Emergency Use Authorization context during COVID-19 pandemic. Orphan drug designation in EU for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Evidence & Sources

No sources recorded yet.