The present invention relates to a composition comprising essentially or consisting of: Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP), a sugar substitute, preferably sucralose, and tartaric acid, formulated as a powder or tablet for sublingual administration, wherein the VIP has not been chemically modified or conjugated, as well as to a method for manufacturing such a powder or tablet composition and use of the composition in the management of inflammatory diseases or conditions in a subject in need thereof by sublingual administration of the composition.