Aviptadil- class effect of a synthetic vasoactive intestinal peptide as a treatment option in COVID-19 patients with severe respiratory failure

The whole world has witnessed an unimaginable, unforgettable medical disaster in the last 1 and ½ years in form of the demise of innumerable people due to the current pandemic of SARS COV-2. Despite several efforts to develop strong evidence-based effective and safe treatment regimens, the options remain very limited, to date. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) discovered as a gut peptide hormone in earlier days was found to have diversified physiological action with specific features of lung protection-related activities. It has a unique feature of binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) receptor of Type II alveolar cell to which the COVID 19 virus also binds. Aviptadil as a synthetic VIP has already been proved to be an effective option in the treatment of severe respiratory failure due to sepsis and other related lung injuries. Interim analysis results of this drug use in respiratory failures caused by SARS COV-2 has evolved a new hope in regards to safety and efficacy. Final results from recently completed as well as currently, ongoing trials will clarify the class effect of this drug in the treatment of COVID 19 in the days to come.