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News: An old drug formulation RLF-100 or Aviptadil is being probed to treat Covid-19 patients after initial studies have shown that the drug is able to halt SARS-CoV-2 virus replication in lungs.
Facts:
- RLF-100 or Aviptadil: It is an old proprietary drug formulation of synthetic human Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide(VIP).
Additional Facts:
- Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP): It is released throughout the body but remains mostly concentrated in lungs.
- Significance of VIP:
- It is produced by immune cells and nerve endings and acts as a neurotransmitter.
- It helps improve muscle activity and blood flow in the gastrointestinal tract.
- It has anti-inflammatory and anti-cytokine activity properties that can help in alleviating respiratory distress in COVID19 patients.
