ARA-290
EPO-derived neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory peptide — tissue protection without erythropoietic effects.
Research facts
| Half-life | ~2–4h |
|---|---|
| Route | SubQ |
| Typical dose | 4 mg/day |
| Frequency | Once daily SubQ |
| Solvent | Bacteriostatic water |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Stability | 30 days at +4°C |
Mechanism of action
ARA-290 is an 11-amino acid peptide derived from the helix B surface region of erythropoietin (EPO). It selectively activates the Innate Repair Receptor (IRR, also called β-common receptor complex) — a tissue protection receptor — without binding the classical erythropoietic EPO receptor (EPOR). This selective binding separates EPO's tissue-protective, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties from its red blood cell production effects. Phase II human trials in sarcoidosis-related small fibre neuropathy showed significant nerve fibre density improvement and pain reduction — the first RCT to demonstrate that a peptide can regenerate small nerve fibres in humans.
Documented effects (research-model)
- Small fibre neuropathy reversal (Phase II RCT data)
- Nerve fibre regeneration (intraepidermal nerve fibre density increase)
- Anti-inflammatory via IRR signalling
- Tissue protection without erythropoietic side effects
- Diabetic neuropathy research potential
- SARS-CoV-2 long COVID neuropathy application
Research protocols
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Cycle | Vial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 4 mg/day SubQ | Once daily | 28 days (Phase II protocol) | 10mg / 2.5mL BAC water |
Research context only. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before any protocol decision.
Synergies
- BPC-157 MODERATE
BPC-157 repairs connective tissue; ARA-290 regenerates nerve fibres. Combined tissue + neural repair.
Myths & misconceptions
Evidence gaps
- Phase III trials in sarcoidosis neuropathy not yet published.
- Evidence base is narrow — primarily sarcoidosis-related small fibre neuropathy.
- Application to other neuropathic conditions (diabetic peripheral neuropathy, long COVID) is extrapolated from limited trials.
Safety notes
Excellent safety profile in Phase II trials. No erythropoietic effects. No significant adverse events reported. Appears very safe based on available data.
Biomarkers to monitor
Primary-source citations
- PMID 27003093 — ARA 290, an erythropoietin-derived peptide, for the treatment of small fiber neuropathy (Mol Med. 2016)
Frequently asked
What is ARA-290?
ARA-290 (Cibinetide — Erythropoietin-Derived Tissue Protection Peptide) is a research compound classified in our library as Tier C — Limited human trials; effect size uncertain.. EPO-derived neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory peptide — tissue protection without erythropoietic effects.
What is the evidence tier for ARA-290?
We classify ARA-290 as Tier C: Limited human trials; effect size uncertain. See our full peptide evidence tiers explainer for how we assign S/A/B/C/D.
What is the research dose of ARA-290?
For ARA-290, typical research dose is 4 mg/day, route is SubQ, half-life is ~2–4h. Protocols vary by research goal — see the protocols section on this page for standard and advanced dosing schedules. Research use only, not medical advice.
Is ARA-290 safe?
Excellent safety profile in Phase II trials. No erythropoietic effects. Research context only — no compound on this site is approved for human therapeutic use unless explicitly noted.