VIP 5mg (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide in the secretin/glucagon family. It is found throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and acts through the VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors. Contexx Research supplies VIP in Canada as a 5 mg lyophilized research peptide for GPCR, neuroscience and immunology research.

VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) specifications

Research overview

VIP was first isolated from porcine intestine by Said and Mutt and is closely related to pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP). Both peptides act through class B G protein-coupled receptors. VPAC1 and VPAC2 bind VIP and PACAP with similar affinity, while PAC1 strongly prefers PACAP. The IUPHAR review by Harmar and colleagues is the standard reference on the pharmacology of these receptors, their signalling (mainly Gαs/cAMP) and the selective ligands available [1].

VIP is studied in many systems, including neuronal signalling, smooth-muscle relaxation, epithelial secretion and immune-cell regulation. A 2019 review summarises recent advances in VIP physiology, with a focus on the gastrointestinal system and the receptor-level mechanisms involved [2].

In the laboratory, VIP is used as a reference agonist in VPAC receptor binding and cAMP assays, in neuronal and immune-cell culture experiments and as a standard for immunoassay and LC-MS method development.

Selected references

1. Harmar AJ et al. Br J Pharmacol. 2012. PubMed 22289055
2. Iwasaki M et al. F1000Res. 2019. PubMed 31559013

Storage and handling

VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) ships as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder. Dry material is far more stable than material in solution, so keep it in its dry, sealed state until you need it.

• Store unopened vials of VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) at −20 °C, dry and protected from light. Let the vial reach room temperature before opening to limit condensation.
• Prepare stock solutions in a solvent suited to your assay, label them with concentration and date, and keep them at 2–8 °C for short-term use.
• For longer storage of solutions, divide them into single-use aliquots and freeze them; avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
• Handle with gloves and eye protection, following your laboratory’s standard chemical-hygiene practice.

See our guide to storing lyophilized peptides in the lab for more detail.

Quality and testing

Contexx Research independently tests every batch it releases. A lot-specific COA for VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) isn’t linked on this page yet. For questions about testing, contact info@contexxresearch.ca.

We don’t list purity figures in this description; the lot COA is the reference for identity and purity. Researchers should confirm identity and concentration with their own analytical methods where their protocol requires it.

Frequently asked questions

What’s included when I order VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) 5 mg?

One sealed vial containing 5 mg of VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) as a lyophilized powder. Reconstitution solution is sold separately.

Does VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) come with a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?

Every batch Contexx Research releases is independently tested. A lot-specific COA isn’t linked on this page yet; for testing questions, contact info@contexxresearch.ca.

How fast is shipping in Canada?

Orders are processed Monday to Friday, and most orders ship within 24 hours from Mississauga, Ontario, in secure, tamper-evident packaging. Orders placed on Friday afternoon (after the 12:00 PM ET cut-off) ship on Monday, when Canada Post resumes pickup, or on the next business day if Monday is a statutory holiday. Once your order ships, delivery typically takes 1–3 business days in Ontario and Quebec and 2–6 business days in the rest of Canada, and a tracking number is emailed to you. Orders over $250 CAD shipped within Canada qualify for free standard shipping. See our Shipping Policy for details.

How should VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) be stored?

Store unopened vials at −20 °C, dry and protected from light. After reconstitution, keep solutions at 2–8 °C for short-term use, or freeze single-use aliquots and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.

What does “research use only” mean?

“Research use only” means VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is sold only as a reference material for in-vitro laboratory and analytical research by qualified professionals. It is not for use in humans or animals, not for diagnostic use, and not a drug, natural health product, food, supplement or cosmetic.

Research use only

VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is sold by Contexx Research Inc. strictly as a reference material for in-vitro laboratory research and analytical use by qualified professionals. It is not a drug, natural health product, food, dietary supplement or cosmetic. It is not intended for use in humans or animals, for diagnostic purposes, or for ingestion or any other form of administration to a living organism. Nothing on this page describes or implies any effect in humans or animals. Purchasers are responsible for handling, storage and disposal in line with applicable laws and their institution’s policies. By ordering, you confirm that you are purchasing for legitimate laboratory research and agree to our Terms and Conditions.