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ARA-290
Last reviewed: June 3, 2026 by The Peptide Catalog Team
An EPO-derived peptide studied for neuropathic pain, nerve repair, and anti-inflammatory tissue protection. EPO-derived innate repair receptor agonist studied for neuropathic pain and tissue protection.
Overview
Core Benefits
Key AdvantagesThese are educational summaries of commonly discussed effects in wellness/regenerative contexts, not guarantees.
ARA-290 Results Timeline
ProgressionTimeline is illustrative and non-guaranteed. Outcomes vary and are commonly discussed alongside training, nutrition, sleep, and cycling practices.
How It WorksInnate Repair Receptor Agonist — EPO-Derived Tissue-Protective Peptide
Target → Signal → Effect → Outcomes
Innate Repair Receptor (EPOR / Beta-Common Heterocomplex)
ARA-290 (cibinetide) is an 11-amino-acid peptide corresponding to the helix-B face of erythropoietin. It selectively binds the innate repair receptor — a heterocomplex of the EPO receptor and the beta-common receptor (CD131) — which is upregulated in injured and inflamed tissue. It does not activate the classic homodimeric EPO receptor that drives red blood cell production.
Anti-Inflammatory + Anti-Apoptotic Signaling
Innate repair receptor activation triggers tissue-protective signaling cascades that dampen local inflammation, reduce cell death (apoptosis), and support repair processes. In neuropathic models, published research describes reduced spinal microglial activation and inflammatory signaling.
Nerve Fiber Repair + Inflammation Resolution
Phase 2 trials documented regrowth of small nerve fibers (measured by corneal confocal microscopy and skin biopsy) and reductions in neuropathic pain. A type 2 diabetes trial also reported improvements in HbA1c and lipid markers, all without raising hematocrit.
Reduced Neuropathic Pain → Improved Function
Trial subjects reported reduced neuropathic pain and improved physical functioning over 28-day courses, with some effects sustained through 16 weeks of follow-up. This reports what trials documented, not what should be expected for any individual.
What Makes This Peptide Different
ARA-290 was engineered by Brines and Cerami to separate erythropoietin's tissue-protective signaling from its red-blood-cell-stimulating and clotting effects. Standard EPO carries thrombotic and hypertensive risk; ARA-290 activates only the innate repair receptor, so published trials reported no significant change in hematocrit. It holds FDA Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations for sarcoidosis-associated neuropathic pain.
Top ARA-290 Vendors
Dosing ProtocolNeuropathic Pain / Nerve Repair / Anti-Inflammatory
Educational reference only. Individual responses vary. Consult healthcare provider before use.
Why This Dosing Protocol
Why 28-day courses? The published trials administered ARA 290 daily for 28 days, with measured nerve and symptom changes assessed over that window and follow-up. These are documented trial protocols, not dosing recommendations.
Reconstitution Calculator
Dilution math and unit conversions. Prefilled using a common vial size for this peptide.
Open calculatorStorage & Handling
Storage at a glance
Proper storage temperatures, shelf life, reconstitution best practices, and travel tips for lyophilized and reconstituted peptides.
Handling specifics
Educational overview on storage, labeling, and traceability considerations for lab environments. Consult primary literature and vendor documentation for specifics.
- Freezer (-20°C): 1+ year
- Refrigerator (2-8°C): 1-3 months
- Room temperature: 2-3 weeks (emergency only)
- MUST refrigerate at 2-8°C
- 4-week maximum shelf life
- NEVER freeze after reconstitution
- Use bacteriostatic water for multi-dose
FAQ
What is ARA-290?
ARA-290 (cibinetide) is an 11-amino-acid peptide derived from the helix-B domain of erythropoietin (EPO). It selectively activates the innate repair receptor — a heterocomplex of the EPO receptor and the beta-common receptor (CD131) — to trigger anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective signaling without stimulating red blood cell production. It has been studied in Phase 2 trials for sarcoidosis-associated small fiber neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy.
What doses did ARA-290 trials use?
Phase 2 trials in sarcoidosis and type 2 diabetes administered 4 mg subcutaneously once daily for 28 days. A dose-ranging sarcoidosis study compared 1 mg, 4 mg, and 8 mg daily and reported the 4 mg dose produced the strongest increase in corneal nerve fiber area. These are documented trial protocols, not dosing recommendations.
What did ARA-290 trials report for neuropathic pain?
A 2013 Molecular Medicine trial (Dahan et al.) reported that 28 days of daily ARA 290 reduced neuropathic symptoms and increased corneal small nerve fiber density in sarcoidosis patients, with improvement sustained through 16 weeks of follow-up. A 2017 dose-ranging study (Culver et al.) reported clinically meaningful pain reductions in subjects with moderate-to-severe baseline pain, strongest in the 4 mg group.
Does ARA-290 raise red blood cell count like EPO?
No. ARA-290 was engineered to separate EPO's tissue-protective signaling from its erythropoietic (red-blood-cell-stimulating) and thrombotic effects. Published trials reported no significant change in hematocrit and an excellent safety profile across the doses studied.
What adverse events did ARA-290 trials report?
Across the Phase 2 sarcoidosis and diabetes trials, investigators reported no significant safety issues for any treatment group. The most commonly noted events were mild injection-site reactions. ARA-290 holds FDA Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations for sarcoidosis-associated neuropathic pain but is not an approved medication.
How long does reconstituted peptide last?
Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, peptides remain stable for up to 4 weeks when refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F). Unopened powder can last 1+ year in the freezer. Get our complete Storage & Travel Guide.
Is this peptide legal to purchase?
Peptides sold "for research purposes only" are legal to purchase in the US, but are not FDA-approved for human use outside of specific medical applications. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.
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ARA-290 Research Articles
ARA-290 Dosage: 4mg/Day Trial Protocol
Phase 2 trials used 4mg subcutaneous daily for 28 days. Full reconstitution math, syringe units, and how the dose-ranging data landed on 4mg.
resultsARA-290 Results: Week-by-Week Timeline
Trials ran 28-day courses but measured nerve regrowth out to 16 weeks. What the published ARA-290 data documented at each stage.
guidesARA-290 Reconstitution: 10mg + 1mL Chart
At 10mg/mL the 4mg trial dose is exactly 40 units. Most mixing errors happen at the syringe math. Dilution chart, storage, and steps.
guidesBuy ARA-290: Compare 4 Vendors, From $48
Compare 4 ARA-290 vendors side by side: from $48 a vial, best value $4.69/mg. Codes save up to 50%. Vial sizes, COA status, real cost per week.
Disclosure: we may earn affiliate commission from qualifying purchases. Educational information only — not medical advice.