CalcMyPeptide
NeuroprotectiveAlso known as: Cibinetide, EPO-derived peptide, Innate Repair Receptor Agonist

ARA 290

ARA-290 (Cibinetide) is a revolutionary 11-amino-acid peptide surgically derived from Erythropoietin (EPO). However, its structure was precisely truncated to completely eliminate EPO's dangerous stimulation of red blood cell production. It is the absolute gold standard for combatting catastrophic sensory damage, specifically utilized in elite protocols to aggressively reverse profound small-fiber neuropathy, heal crushed peripheral nerves, and stop systemic, treatment-resistant pain syndromes.

Reviewed by CalcMyPeptide Editorial Team
Last updated: April 2026Evidence: Low1 peer-reviewed citation

Quick Stats

Half-Life~11 hours (SC)
Dose Range1-4 mg SC
Frequency1× daily or 3× weekly
Vial Sizes4 mg, 8 mg
BioavailabilitySubcutaneous injection
Year Developed2010s

Scientific Data

Molecular Formula
Cyclic EPO-derived spiral peptide
Molecular Weight
~990 Da
PubChem ID
Developer
Araim Pharmaceuticals (Warren Maiden, Michael Brines)

Mechanism of Action

ARA 290 (Cibinetide) is a non-hematopoietic synthetic peptide mimic of erythropoietin (EPO), engineered to selectively activate the innate repair receptor (IRR) — a heterodimer of the EPO receptor and CD131 — without stimulating erythropoiesis or EPO's hematopoietic effects.

IRR activation suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine production, promotes axonal regeneration, and has demonstrated efficacy in small-fiber neuropathy and painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. ARA 290 has completed Phase II trials showing improvements in corneal nerve regeneration, neuropathic pain scores, and inflammatory markers in diabetic neuropathy patients.

Source: PMID: 25074880

Background & History

ARA 290 (Cibinetide) was developed by Araim Pharmaceuticals based on research by Anthony Cerami and Michael Brines. The key insight: erythropoietin (EPO) has tissue-protective effects mediated through a different receptor than the one driving erythropoiesis. ARA 290 was designed to specifically target this "innate repair receptor" (EPOR/βcR heterodimer) without stimulating red blood cell production. This allows EPO's neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-regenerative effects at pharmacological doses without the dangerous polycythemia that limits therapeutic EPO use.

Research Use Cases

  • Neuropathy treatment (sarcoidosis, diabetic peripheral)
  • Tissue protection and repair after ischemic events
  • Anti-inflammatory therapy without immunosuppression
  • Neuroprotection in chronic inflammatory conditions

Dosing Protocol

Typical Dose1-4 mg SC
Frequency1× daily or 3× weekly
Half-Life~2 minutes
Common Vial Sizes4 mg, 8 mg

Dosing Protocols

Phase II Protocol (Neuropathy)

Dose
4 mg
Frequency
Daily SC for 28 days
Note: Based on Phase II clinical trial protocol for diabetic small-fiber neuropathy.

Body-Weight Dosing Reference

Estimated doses extrapolated from the published research range of 10004000 mcg/day (referenced to 70 kg / 154 lb). These are approximations — consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised guidance.

WeightLowTargetHigh
120 lb(54 kg)771 mcg1929 mcg3086 mcg
140 lb(63 kg)900 mcg2250 mcg3600 mcg
160 lb(73 kg)1043 mcg2607 mcg4171 mcg
180 lb(82 kg)1171 mcg2929 mcg4686 mcg
200 lb(91 kg)1300 mcg3250 mcg5200 mcg
220 lb(100 kg)1429 mcg3571 mcg5714 mcg
250 lb(113 kg)1614 mcg4036 mcg6457 mcg

💉 For exact syringe units based on your vial concentration, use the ARA 290 Reconstitution Calculator →

Administration

Route
Subcutaneous injection
Timing
Daily, consistent timing.
Fasting Required?
No — food timing not critical

Expected Timeline

Week 1-4
Reduced neuropathic pain scores. Neuroinflammation suppression.
Month 1-3
Corneal nerve regeneration (measurable by confocal microscopy in trials). Improved nerve conduction.

Who Is It For?

Neuropathy / Peripheral Nerve Repair

Low

Phase II data for small-fiber neuropathy and DPN. Promotes axonal regeneration via IRR activation.

Inflammatory Conditions

Low

Anti-inflammatory via IRR-mediated cytokine suppression. Not EPO-related blood thickening concerns.

Reconstitution Example

Vial
4 mg
Water
2 mL
Concentration
2 mg/mL
Per Unit (100u syringe)
20 mcg
Dose of 1000 mcg = 50 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe

Safety & Considerations

Phase II clinical compound. Does not stimulate erythropoiesis (no red blood cell increase). Well-tolerated in trials. No significant adverse events reported.

Regulatory & Legal Status

FDA Status (US)
Research Only
WADA Status (2026)
Not Listed

Not currently on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List. Policies may change — verify before competition.

Classification

Research Chemical

US Compounding: Not eligible / not available

⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulatory updates. Always verify with official FDA, WADA, and jurisdiction-specific sources before use.

Interactions & Contraindications

Very short half-life (~2 minutes) — effects mediated through signaling cascades that outlast peptide presence. No erythropoietic stimulation — can be used where EPO is contraindicated. Completed Phase II trials with favorable safety. No significant drug interactions documented.

Synergies & Common Stacks

ARA 290 (systemic tissue protection via innate repair receptor) complements BPC-157 (local tissue repair via growth factor modulation) — multi-pathway tissue regeneration.

Both promote tissue repair through different mechanisms — ARA 290 via innate repair receptor, TB-500 via actin sequestration and cell migration. Complementary wound healing and tissue regeneration.

Dosing Quick Reference

ARA 290— Dosing Guide
Dose Range
1-4 mg SC
Half-Life
~2 minutes
Frequency
1× daily or 3× weekly
Route
Subcutaneous
4 mg vial8 mg vial
💧 2 mL BAC water📐 2 mg/mL concentration💉 20 mcg/unit (100u syringe)
Neuroprotectivecalcmypeptide.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ARA 290 the same as EPO?
No. ARA 290 is an EPO-derived peptide that selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR) without stimulating red blood cell production. It has the tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory effects of EPO without hematopoietic side effects.

References

  1. Brines M et al. "ARA290 improves neurological and metabolic indicators in small fiber neuropathy".” Acta Diabetologica (2014). PMID: 24609842

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