OtherResearch profile

ARA-290

Cibinetide · Pyroglutamate helix B surface peptide

Think of it as a bodyguard for your nerves and tissues.

ARA-290 is like a specialized security detail for your body's nerves and tissues. It's derived from a part of a larger protein known for making more blood cells, but ARA-290 skips that task and focuses on protection instead. This peptide tells your body to calm inflammation and shield nerve endings and tissues from damage, especially when they're under stress.

Research has shown that ARA-290 might help with nerve pain and improve quality of life in certain cases, like when small nerve fibers are acting up. It's also been looked at for helping with nerve issues related to diabetes. While it's still in the research phase and not officially approved for medical use, early studies suggest it could be a promising ally for keeping your nerves and tissues in check without the side effects of its larger protein cousin.

Who it's for

People exploring options for nerve support
Those interested in cutting-edge research for tissue protection
Biohackers curious about investigational compounds

Probably not for you if…

Anyone seeking a clinically approved treatment
Individuals looking for a blood cell booster
People who prefer well-established therapies

Editorial summary for research context · Not medical advice

Mechanism of Action

ARA-290 is an 11-amino-acid linear peptide derived from the helix B domain of erythropoietin (EPO). It binds the innate repair receptor (a heterodimer of EPO receptor and beta common receptor, CD131) without activating the classic homodimeric EPOR that drives erythropoiesis. Preclinical and early clinical research suggests anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and neuroprotective effects on small-fiber nerves and ischemic tissue without the thrombotic or hematologic effects of full-length EPO. ARA-290 has been investigated in Phase 2 trials for sarcoidosis-associated small-fiber neuropathy but is not FDA-approved and remains an investigational research compound.

Researched Benefits

Small-fiber neuropathy (clinical investigation)

Phase 2 trials in sarcoidosis patients with small-fiber neuropathy reported improvements in pain scores, quality-of-life measures, and corneal nerve fiber density.

[Heij et al. 2012]
[Dahan et al. 2016]

Diabetic neuropathy (clinical investigation)

A Phase 2 trial in type 2 diabetes reported improvements in neuropathic symptom scores and metabolic parameters.

[Brines et al. 2015]

Tissue protection (preclinical)

Animal models of ischemia-reperfusion, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, and acute kidney injury demonstrate tissue-protective effects via innate repair receptor signaling.

[Brines & Cerami 2012]

Research Protocols

The following dosing ranges have appeared in published research protocols. Presented for informational purposes only — not a recommendation for human use.

Investigational (clinical trial doses)

Dosage: 4 mg
Frequency: once daily
Timing: subcutaneous
Cycle: 4 weeks

Phase 2 trials have used 2-4 mg SC daily for 4-28 days. ARA-290/cibinetide is investigational; this is not an approved drug and any human use outside an IRB-approved trial carries significant legal and safety uncertainty.

Reported Side Effects

Reported as well-tolerated in Phase 1-2 trials
Injection-site reactions
No significant hematologic changes (distinct from full-length EPO)
Long-term safety in humans beyond short trials is unknown

Contraindications

Pregnancy and lactation
Active malignancy (EPOR expression on some tumors — theoretical concern)
Uncontrolled hypertension
No established contraindications in humans due to limited clinical exposure

Stacking Partners

Peptides commonly paired with ARA-290 in published research and protocol write-ups.

healing

BPC-157

Soft-tissue repair

longevity

Thymosin Alpha-1

Immune function in immunocompromised settings

Vendor Pricing

74
Modern Research Peptides
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Size10mg
Total$37.99
/ mg$3.80/mg
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75
LA Peptides
Size16mg
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/ mg$4.37/mg
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73
Platinum Lion Peptides
Size15mg
Total$69.99
/ mg$4.67/mg
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72
Southern Aminos
Size10mg
Total$48.75
/ mg$4.88/mg
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72
Limitless Biotech
Size10mg
Total$50.99
/ mg$5.10/mg
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75
Swiss Chems
Size160mg
Total$855.95
/ mg$5.35/mg
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70
Certified Peptides
Size16mg
Total$92.00
/ mg$5.75/mg
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73
Royal Peptides
Size10mg
Total$65.00
/ mg$6.50/mg
In stock
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Gear + Companions

Reconstitution supplies and research-backed supplement companions for ARA-290. Editorial picks only — we earn a commission through Amazon on the click, no sponsorship.

Gear you'll need

· Reconstitution + storage essentials

Bacteriostatic Water 30mL (0.9% Benzyl Alcohol)
Empower Pharmacy / generic medical supply
Reconstitutes every lyophilized peptide. 28-day viability refrigerated.
View at Pantheon →
Insulin Syringes 31G × 5/16" × 0.5mL (100 count)
EasyTouch
31G × 0.5mL insulin syringes — the default size for sub-0.25mL peptide doses.
Buy on Amazon →
Alcohol Prep Pads (Sterile, 200 count)
Dynarex
Sterile 70% IPA prep pads — one per vial stopper + one per injection site.
Buy on Amazon →
1-Quart Sharps Disposal Container
BD / Becton Dickinson
FDA-cleared sharps container — pharmacies won't accept improvised disposal.
Buy on Amazon →

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Research Papers

Safety and efficacy of ARA 290 in sarcoidosis patients with symptoms of small fiber neuropathy
Dahan A, et al. · Molecular Medicine · 2013
PubMed 23508573 →
ARA 290, a nonerythropoietic peptide engineered from erythropoietin, improves metabolic control and neuropathic symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes
Brines M, et al. · Molecular Medicine · 2015
PubMed 26062020 →