Description
ARA-290 (also called cibinetide) is a synthetic 11-amino-acid peptide derived from the helix B domain of the erythropoietin molecule (EPO). Structurally, ARA-290 corresponds to a short sequence within EPO characterized in research literature as responsible for the cytoprotective properties of EPO, without the hematopoietic activity.
The research mechanism lies in the activation of the innate repair receptor (IRR), a heteromer of EPO receptor and CD131 (the common beta chain of multiple cytokine receptors). In contrast to the classical EPO receptor homodimer mediating hematopoiesis, IRR activates cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory pathways without erythropoietic effects. This selectivity makes ARA-290 a mechanistically elegant research tool.
In preclinical studies, ARA-290 has been comprehensively characterized in models of neuropathic pain, diabetic neuropathy, wound healing and inflammation. The data show effects on tissue protection, reduced apoptosis after ischemia and modulation of inflammatory cascades. An important research aspect: ARA-290 shows the protective effects of EPO in animal models without the risk of hematocrit increases or thromboembolic events.
The compound database also includes clinical studies on sarcoidosis-induced small fiber neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy. Research maturity is substantial.
ARA-290 is available in 16mg vials as 10-vial packs.
This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical recommendations.
Risks & Safety
ARA-290 is considered well tolerated per study reports. A central point: through selective activation of the innate repair receptor, the compound shows the tissue-protective effects of EPO without its hematopoietic activity and thus without the EPO-typical thrombosis risk.
Observed in research and user reports:
- Injection site: mild redness, pressure or transient irritation at the injection site is among the most common observations.
- Circulation: isolated reports of brief warmth or mild fatigue shortly after application.
- Selectivity advantage: unlike EPO, ARA-290 does not raise hematocrit in animal models, which substantially reduces thromboembolic risks in the available data.
- Limited long-term data: clinical studies on neuropathy indications exist, but robust data on long-term non-clinical use is lacking. The profile rests on study data and animal models.
This classification does not replace medical advice. Risk and responsibility for any actual use lie entirely with the buyer.
Studies
- Nonerythropoietic, tissue-protective peptides derived from the tertiary structure of erythropoietin - PNAS 2008: Development paper: an 11-amino-acid peptide mimicking the aqueous face of helix B of EPO was tissue protective in animal models of stroke and renal ischemia without stimulating erythropoiesis.
- The receptor that tames the innate immune response - Molecular Medicine 2012: Review of the tissue-protective receptor composed of the EPO receptor and the beta common receptor (CD131), which is upregulated after injury and is distinct from the hematopoietic EPO receptor.
- Safety and efficacy of ARA 290 in sarcoidosis patients with symptoms of small fiber neuropathy: a randomized, double-blind pilot study - Molecular Medicine 2012: Double-blind pilot study in 22 sarcoidosis patients with small fiber neuropathy: after 4 weeks of intravenous dosing the symptom score improved more than with placebo. No safety concerns arose.
- Cibinetide Improves Corneal Nerve Fiber Abundance in Patients With Sarcoidosis-Associated Small Nerve Fiber Loss and Neuropathic Pain - Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 2017: Phase 2b trial in 64 participants over 28 days: corneal nerve fiber area increased significantly versus placebo in the 4 mg group, but not in the 1 mg and 8 mg groups.
