What is ARA-290?
ARA-290 (cibinetide) is a small peptide derived from a part of the erythropoietin molecule, but deliberately without its blood-forming action. It activates the so-called innate repair receptor, which brakes inflammation and triggers tissue repair.
How it works
Via the innate repair receptor, ARA-290 acts anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective without raising red blood cells (unlike classic EPO). In research the focus is mainly on relieving nerve pain in small-fiber neuropathy.
What you need
- The ARA-290 vial (lyophilized powder).
- Bacteriostatic water, U-100 insulin syringes, alcohol swabs.
Reconstitution
Use the calculator above. A 4mg vial with 2ml water gives 2mg per ml, 2mg is then 100 units on the U-100 syringe. Just add the water to the vial and let it dissolve.
Dosing
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Injection
Subcutaneous into the subcutaneous fat. Disinfect the site, pinch a skin fold, rotate sites.
What the research shows
A randomized pilot study (Heij/Brines, 2012) gave sarcoidosis patients with small-fiber neuropathy 2mg ARA-290 three times a week and saw significant improvement in neuropathy symptoms and quality of life, with good tolerability. The data is promising but still at the pilot stage.
Side effects
- Well tolerated in the studies, unlike EPO without a rise in red blood cells.
- Local reactions at the injection site.
Storage
Before mixing the powder is robust, normal room temperature (around 20 to 25 degrees) is fine, ideally kept in the dark. After mixing, keep in the fridge (2 to 8 degrees), do not freeze. It stays good there for at least 8 to 10 weeks with barely any loss of potency, in practice considerably longer. Swirl or shake to mix, both are fine.