Side-by-side · Research reference

PinealonvsVIP

Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.

AHuman-MechanisticAUTO-DRAFTED12/36 cited

BPhase 3HUMAN-REVIEWED9/42 cited

Pinealon

Pineal-derived · Neuroprotective

5–10 mgPer cycle doseKhavinson 2014

HumanMechanisticKhavinson 2014

HoursHalf-life (est)

SQ or IM · Daily for 10 days · 1-2×/year

VIP

Neuropeptide · VPAC1/VPAC2 Agonist · Emergency Use Authorization (COVID-19 ARDS)

IntravenousPrimary routeBrown 2023

ARDSLead indicationUdupa 2025

Phase 3Development stage

IV infusion · Inhaled (investigational)Brown 2023 Boesing 2022

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

Pinealon

VIP

Primary target

Antioxidant defense + neuronal gene expression (proposed)Khavinson 2014

VPAC1 and VPAC2 G-protein-coupled receptorsUdupa 2025

Pathway

Modulation of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase) + neurotrophic factor expressionKhavinson 2014

VIP → VPAC1/VPAC2 activation → cAMP elevation → Pulmonary vasodilation + epithelial protection

Downstream effect

Reduced oxidative stress in neurons; improved cognitive function in age-related declineKhavinson 2014

Anti-inflammatory cytokine modulation, alveolar-capillary membrane stabilization, pulmonary smooth muscle relaxation, reduced neutrophil infiltration

Feedback intact?

—

Yes — exogenous VIP acts as physiological agonist

Origin

Synthetic 4-AA peptide derived from pineal gland extractKhavinson 2014

Endogenous 28-amino-acid neuropeptide; synthetic analogue (aviptadil) identical to natural VIP

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

Pinealon

VIP

Standard dose

5–10 mg / day for 10 daysKhavinson 2014

—

Frequency

Once daily during cycle

—

Lower / starter dose

2.5 mg / day

—

Evidence basis

Russian clinical trials + in vitroKhavinson 2014

Phase 3 RCT (TESICO)Brown 2023

816-patient randomized controlled trial in COVID-19 ARDS.

Duration

10-day cycles, 1–2× per year

—

Reconstitution

Bacteriostatic water

Lyophilized powder reconstituted with sterile diluent per protocol

Timing

No specific time

—

Half-life

Hours

~2 minutes (plasma)

Rapid clearance necessitates continuous infusion.

Intravenous (ARDS protocol)

—

60–90 mcg/kg/day via continuous infusion

TESICO trial protocol for COVID-19 ARDS.

Infusion duration

—

12-hour continuous IV infusion dailyBrown 2023

Inhaled (investigational)

—

Variable dosing under clinical trial protocolsBoesing 2022

Delivered via nebulizer for direct pulmonary deposition.

Treatment duration

—

3–14 days (acute ARDS)

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

Pinealon

VIP

Injection site reaction

Mild irritation

—

Long-term safety

Limited Western data

—

Pregnancy / OB

Avoid

—

Hypotension

—

Transient vasodilation-related blood pressure drop

Tachycardia

—

Reflex tachycardia secondary to vasodilation

Infusion site reactions

—

Erythema, phlebitis (IV administration)

GI symptoms

—

Nausea, diarrhea (VIP is endogenous GI peptide)

Overall tolerability

—

Well-tolerated in Phase 3 trials; adverse event profile comparable to placebo

Absolute Contraindications

Pinealon

·Pregnancy / breastfeeding

VIP

·Known hypersensitivity to aviptadil or formulation components

Relative Contraindications

Pinealon

·Active malignancy (theoretical via gene expression modulation)

VIP

·Severe hypotension or shock states (monitor blood pressure)
·Pregnancy — insufficient safety data

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

Pinealon

VIP

1. Reconstitution

Add 1–2 mL bacteriostatic water to 10 mg vial.

Reconstitute lyophilized aviptadil powder with sterile diluent per manufacturer protocol. Inspect solution for particulates — should be clear and colorless.

2. Injection site

SQ — abdomen preferred.

Administer as continuous 12-hour intravenous infusion via central or peripheral line. Use infusion pump for precise dosing (60–90 mcg/kg/day divided over infusion duration).

3. Timing

Daily during cycle, any time.

Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygenation continuously during first infusion. Assess for hypotension and adjust infusion rate if needed.

4. Storage

Lyophilised: room temp. Reconstituted: refrigerate ≤30 days.

Deliver via jet or mesh nebulizer per clinical trial protocol. Patient seated upright, normal tidal breathing for 10–15 minutes.

5. Needle

29–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.

Store lyophilized powder at 2–8 °C, light-protected. Reconstituted solution: use immediately or within 24 hours if refrigerated.

06Stack Synergy

Pinealon

+ Epitalon

Moderate

View Epitalon →

Pinealon (neuroprotection) + Epitalon (telomerase activation) form the canonical Khavinson "longevity stack" — both pineal-derived bioregulators with complementary axes. Pinealon supports neuronal antioxidant defense; Epitalon supports telomere maintenance. Anecdotally cycled together 1–2× per year.

Pinealon: 5–10 mg SQ · daily × 10 days
Epitalon: 5–10 mg SQ · daily × 10 days (overlap or alternate)
Primary benefit: Neuroprotection + telomere preservation

Khavinson 2014 Khavinson 2003

VIP

— no documented stacks