ARA-290 / Cibinetide

ARA-290 is a synthetic peptide derived from the helix B surface of erythropoietin (EPO). It retains the tissue-protective effects of EPO without stimulating red blood cell production. It binds to the beta-common receptor and has shown promise in clinical trials for neuropathy and inflammation.

PubMed results: 12 · Human studies: 6 · Animal studies: 9

Ranges reflect protocols studied in published research and animal-model extrapolation. Presented for research purposes only, not a recommendation or instruction for human use.

• Subcutaneous — standard range 4-8 mg, 3 times per week

~20 minutes (moderate confidence)

• Tissue-protective EPO signaling without erythropoiesis (Moderate clinical): ARA-290 (cibinetide) is derived from the helix-B surface of erythropoietin and engages the innate repair receptor (EPOR/CD131) while avoiding stimulation of red blood cell production in clinical research.
• Neuropathy symptom research (including sarcoidosis) (Moderate clinical): Clinical studies have explored ARA-290 for small-fiber neuropathy endpoints, including neuropathy associated with sarcoidosis, reporting improvements in neuropathic symptom measures in select trials.
• Anti-inflammatory and metabolic research endpoints (Limited): Investigational programs have examined ARA-290 in inflammatory and metabolic contexts (e.g., diabetes-related and neuropathy-adjacent indications), with mixed but promising signals rather than broad approved claims.
• Diabetic macular edema and related ocular research (Limited): Research interest includes diabetic macular oedema and microvascular inflammatory pathways, grounded in non-hematopoietic tissue-protective EPO biology.

• Injection-site reactions — Mild, Common. Clinical trial experience with subcutaneous ARA-290 commonly notes mild local injection-site findings.
• Generally favorable systemic tolerability in trials — Mild, Not established. Published trial summaries often describe ARA-290 as well tolerated without erythropoietic side effects typical of full-length EPO, though long-term real-world safety remains investigational.

• Known hypersensitivity to ARA-290 or related EPO-derived peptides (Theoretical / Preclinical): Standard investigational-peptide caution where prior hypersensitivity reactions to the compound class are documented.
• Pregnancy (Theoretical / Preclinical): Limited reproductive toxicology and pregnancy exposure data for cibinetide support theoretical exclusion until more evidence is available.

Lyophilized (powder): Refrigerated (2-8°C), Up to 24 months. Light sensitive: yes, store dark

Reconstituted (solution): Refrigerated (2-8°C), 4-6 weeks. Solvent: Bacteriostatic water

• NCT01933529 — ARA290 in T2D (Effects of ARA 290, an Erythropoietin Analogue) in Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes) (PHASE2), status: UNKNOWN. Indications: Diabetes Type 2, Impaired Glucose Tolerance, Impaired Fasting Glucose
• NCT02070783 — Cognitive and Neural Effects of ARA290 (PHASE1 / PHASE2), status: COMPLETED. Indications: Depression
• NCT02039687 — Study of Efficacy of ARA 290 on Corneal Nerve Fiber Density and Neuropathic Symptoms of Subjects With Sarcoidosis (PHASE2), status: COMPLETED. Indications: Neuropathy of Sarcoidosis
• NCT06626971 — The Use of ARA290 for the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Oedema (PHASE2), status: TERMINATED. Indications: Diabetic Macular Oedema