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VIP / vasoactive intestinal peptide
The burned-in captions and transcript carry the scientific claims and their limitations. The visuals are conceptual illustrations, not validated molecular models or experimental images. The video has no voice or audio. The full explanation is visible on screen; optional accessible captions are available in the player.
Read every result in its study context. A cell experiment, animal model, exploratory analysis and controlled human trial answer different questions.
Prepared 05 November 2026. Regulatory status is jurisdiction- and date-specific. No claim of specialist review or exhaustive evidence coverage.
Transcript
VIP and lung research
Vasoactive intestinal peptide, or VIP, has attracted interest for its biological effects in the lungs. Aviptadil is the synthetic VIP studied in clinical research. [1] [2]
TESICO | phase 3 human trial
The TESICO randomized trial tested intravenous aviptadil in people hospitalized with severe COVID-19 respiratory failure. Its primary outcome assessed recovery status through day 90. [1] [2]
No significant clinical improvement
Aviptadil did not significantly improve that outcome compared with placebo. The trial was stopped for futility. Low blood pressure, flushing, and diarrhea were important safety observations. [1] [2]
Keep indication and route specific
This result applies to the tested illness, route, and setting. It illustrates why laboratory mechanisms need clinical testing, without settling every research question about VIP. [1] [2]
Sources and context
These linked sources support the evidence distinctions in this short overview. This is not a systematic review, endorsement or treatment recommendation.
- TESICO investigators (2023): Intravenous aviptadil and remdesivir for COVID-19-associated hypoxaemic respiratory failure, TESICO →Aviptadil identity, studied setting, day-90 outcome, lack of significant benefit, futility stopping, and safety findings.
- TESICO investigators (2023): Full trial report →Hypotension, diarrhea, and flushing and the limits of mechanism-based extrapolation.

