ARA 290
Cibinetide · EPO-derived peptide · Innate Repair Receptor Agonist
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.
Use-case scores
0–10 against the evidence we have, not a gym ranking. Hidden domains do not apply here.
- Injury & tissue4/10
Small human neuropathy / sarcoidosis-pain programs. Not an EPO doping drug and not approved. Small-human: 4.
Compound card
- Class
- Helix-B surface peptide / cibinetide (EPO-derived, non-erythropoietic)
- Formula
- Cyclic EPO-derived spiral peptide
- Status
- Not FDA-approved · research use
How it works
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
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase II Protocol (Neuropathy) | 4 mg | Daily SC for 28 days | Based on Phase II clinical trial protocol for diabetic small-fiber neuropathy. |
Administration
Timeline
Who it is for
Neuropathy / Peripheral Nerve Repair
LowPhase II data for small-fiber neuropathy and DPN. Promotes axonal regeneration via IRR activation.
Inflammatory Conditions
LowAnti-inflammatory via IRR-mediated cytokine suppression. Not EPO-related blood thickening concerns.
Reconstitution
| Vial | Water | Concentration | Example dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 mg lyophilized | 2 mL BAC | 2 mg/mL | Research mcg. Not an EPO IU conversion. |
Change vial size or water volume? Open the reconstitution calculator.
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
Not currently on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List. Policies may change - verify before competition.
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.
Limits of current evidence
- Not a US approval.
- This site will not treat small-fiber neuropathy as if this were a labeled drug.
Verdict
ARA-290 (cibinetide) is an EPO-helix-B peptide designed to keep tissue signaling without raising hematocrit. It is not EPO. It is not a recovery stack mascot.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ARA 290 the same as EPO?▼
References
- Brines M et al. “"ARA290 improves neurological and metabolic indicators in small fiber neuropathy".” Acta Diabetologica (2014). PMID: 24609842
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