ARA-290
ARA-290 (Cibinetide)
EPO-derived tissue protector without blood effects
ARA-290 (cibinetide) is a synthetic peptide derived from erythropoietin that retains tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory properties without stimulating red blood cell production.
Admin routes
Subcutaneous, Intravenous
Popularity
Niche
Side effects
Generally mild
AU vendors
0 rated
✓Key benefits
📈What to expect
Anti-inflammatory effects may begin
Corneal nerve improvement seen at this timepoint in trials
Based on community reports and published research. Individual results vary significantly.
💊Dosing protocols
Neuropathy (clinical trial dose)
4 mg
Daily (subcutaneous)
28 days in Phase 2 trials
Dosing information is sourced from published research and community protocols. This is not a recommendation. Consult a healthcare professional.
Research status|Phase 2 clinical trials completed for neuropathy
Overview
ARA-290 was engineered from the B-helix region of erythropoietin (EPO) to isolate EPO's tissue-protective effects from its blood-stimulating activity. It binds to a different receptor complex than traditional EPO, the innate repair receptor (IRR), which is a heterodimer of EPOR and beta common receptor. It reached Phase 2 clinical trials for sarcoidosis-related small fibre neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy, where it showed improvements in corneal nerve fibre density and neuropathic pain scores.
⚙️How it works
ARA-290 selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR), a heterodimer of the EPO receptor and the beta common receptor (CD131). This receptor is expressed on damaged tissues and immune cells but not on erythroid progenitors. Activation triggers anti-inflammatory signalling, reduces apoptosis in stressed cells, and promotes tissue repair through JAK2/STAT5 and PI3K/AKT pathways without stimulating erythropoiesis.
⚡Side effects
📅Research history
Brines et al. publish the design of ARA-290 from EPO's B-helix
Phase 2 sarcoidosis neuropathy trial results published
Why separate tissue protection from EPO?
EPO has well-documented tissue-protective effects beyond blood production. After heart attacks, strokes, and nerve injuries, EPO promotes cell survival and reduces inflammation. But using EPO for tissue protection carries serious risks: it thickens the blood by stimulating red blood cell production, increasing stroke and clot risk. ARA-290 solved this by targeting only the tissue repair receptor, leaving the erythropoietic receptor alone. This was validated in clinical trials showing no change in haematocrit or red blood cell counts.
References
- [1]Brines M, et al. 'ARA 290, a nonerythropoietic peptide engineered from erythropoietin.' Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2008.
- [2]Culver DA, et al. 'Cibinetide improves corneal nerve fiber abundance in patients with sarcoidosis-associated small nerve fiber loss.' American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2017.
Frequently asked questions
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Disclaimer: This guide is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. The dosing protocols listed are sourced from published research and community reports and do not constitute a recommendation. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide. Australian regulations classify many peptides as Schedule 4 (prescription-only) substances. Check current TGA guidelines before purchasing.