What Is ARA-290?
ARA-290 is a synthetic 11-amino-acid cyclic peptide designed to specifically activate the tissue-protective receptor (TPR) — a heterodimeric form of the erythropoietin receptor — without stimulating erythropoiesis. It was engineered to separate erythropoietin's pleiotropic tissue-protective properties from its hematopoietic effects.
The Tissue-Protective Erythropoietin Receptor
EPO also activates a distinct receptor complex — a heterodimer combining the EPO receptor with the common beta chain (βcR, CD131) — expressed on neurons, cardiac cells, kidney cells, and immune cells. This TPR mediates cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects distinct from erythropoiesis. ARA-290 was designed to activate this receptor selectively.
Neuropathic Pain Research
The most advanced research application for ARA-290 is small fiber neuropathy — a painful condition common in diabetes, sarcoidosis, and autoimmune conditions. Clinical trials have demonstrated statistically significant pain reduction in small fiber neuropathy patients, with concurrent evidence of small fiber nerve regeneration as measured by skin biopsy — one of the first compounds to show both symptomatic relief and evidence of actual nerve repair in this condition.
Quick Reference
Member reference tables summarize the compound's research parameters.
Research Indications
Research Protocols
As reported in cited literature and research-community logs (see Research Citations below), not a personal dosing recommendation.
This member section describes parameters reported in the research literature.
Peptide Interactions
This member section summarizes reported compound interactions and evidence limitations.
Reported Research Time Points
This member section summarizes reported research time points.
Safety Notes
Included for harm-reduction awareness only, in the event this compound is encountered outside its labeled research use. Inclusion here does not imply RUO Codes endorses, recommends, or instructs human use.
This member section discusses research safety considerations and uncertainties.
Quality Indicators
Research Citations
- Nonerythropoietic, tissue-protective peptides derived from the tertiary structure of erythropoietin
Brines, M., Patel, N.S., Villa, P., et al., 2008, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - ARA 290, a nonerythropoietic EPO analog, for treatment of patients with sarcoidosis and chronic neuropathic pain
Dahan, S., Andersen, A.S., Moeller, H.J., et al., 2013, Molecular Medicine - ARA 290, a nonerythropoietic peptide engineered from erythropoietin, improves metabolic control and neuropathic symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes
Brines, M., Dunne, A.N., van Velzen, M., et al., 2015, Molecular Medicine - Clinical efficacy of ARA 290 (cibinetide) in sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy
Culver, D.A., Dahan, S., Sharma, S., et al., 2017, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science - Cibinetide for the treatment of diabetic macular edema: A randomized controlled pilot study
Lois, N., McCarter, R.V., O'Neill, C., et al., 2020, Journal of Clinical Medicine - The erythropoietin-derived peptide ARA 290 reverses the effects of chronic stress on depressive-like behavior and neuroplasticity markers
Al-Onaizi, M., Parfitt, G.M., Kolisnyk, B., et al., 2022, Frontiers in Pharmacology - ARA 290 protects human isolated pancreatic islets against lipotoxicity via reducing ER stress
Yao, X., Panichpisal, K., Kurtzman, N., et al., 2021, Cell Transplantation - Flipping the molecular switch for innate protection and repair of tissues: Long-lasting effects of a non-erythropoietic small peptide engineered from erythropoietin
Collino, M., Thiemermann, C., Cerami, A., et al., 2015, Pharmacology & Therapeutics - ARA 290 in the treatment of pain and inflammation in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis
Brines, M., Swartjes, M., van Velzen, M., et al., 2013, Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases