Synthetic 11-amino acid peptide derived from erythropoietin (EPO), researched for neuroprotection, tissue repair, and anti-inflammatory effects without erythropoiesis.
Last Updated: May 2026
ARA-290 (Cibinetide) is a synthetic 11-amino-acid peptide derived from the helix B region of erythropoietin (EPO), researched for neuroprotection, tissue repair, and anti-inflammatory effects without the erythropoiesis (red blood cell production) effect of full-length EPO. It is in development by Araim Pharmaceuticals for sarcoidosis-associated small fiber neuropathy and other neuropathic pain indications. ARA-290 is not currently FDA-approved and is sold as a research-use-only compound by third-party laboratories.
ARA-290 is a synthetic 11-amino-acid peptide derived from the helix B surface of erythropoietin, designed to retain EPO's tissue-protective effects (anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-apoptotic) while losing EPO's effect on red blood cell production. It binds an alternative EPO receptor heterodimer (containing the beta common receptor) that mediates tissue-protective effects separately from the classical erythropoietic EPO receptor. Evidence level: Phase 2 human trials (sarcoidosis small fiber neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy); preclinical extensive.
In Phase 2 trials for sarcoidosis-associated small fiber neuropathy, ARA-290 has shown improvements in neuropathic pain scores and quality of life measures. Phase 2 trials in diabetic neuropathy have shown similar tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory signals. The compound's distinguishing feature is achieving EPO-pathway tissue protection without raising hematocrit, sidestepping the cardiovascular risks of EPO administration. Evidence level: Phase 2 (multiple neuropathic indications); preclinical extensive.
ARA-290 occupies a unique mechanism niche — derived from EPO but selective for tissue protection without erythropoiesis — distinguishing it from EPO (full-length, both effects) and other tissue-repair peptides.
| Compound | Source | Erythropoiesis | Tissue protection | Clinical stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARA-290 | EPO helix B fragment (11 AA) | No | Yes (selective) | Phase 2 |
| EPO | Full glycoprotein hormone | Yes | Yes | FDA-approved (anemia) |
| VIP | Native neuropeptide | No | Yes (different mechanism) | Phase 2 |
| KPV | α-MSH fragment | No | Yes (anti-inflammatory) | Preclinical + early clinical |
ARA-290's safety profile in Phase 2 trials has been favorable — common side effects are mild injection-site reactions and occasional transient headache. The selective tissue-protective receptor mechanism appears to avoid the cardiovascular and thrombotic risks associated with full-length EPO administration. Hematocrit is not affected at researched doses. Evidence level: Phase 2 human safety; long-term unestablished.
ARA-290 (Cibinetide) is not currently FDA-approved but is in formal clinical development by Araim Pharmaceuticals. Phase 2 programs in sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy are advancing toward Phase 3. Current status in FDA peptide regulation 2025–2026 timeline.
ARA-290 has a relatively narrow research-grade market with limited vendor distribution, but quality variance still matters — and the structural distinction (specific 11-amino-acid fragment of EPO) requires mass spectrometry confirmation to verify the correct sequence. Independent HPLC purity testing is the standard quality signal. Guidance in how-to-test-peptides hub.
Peptigrity purchases ARA-290 vials anonymously at standard customer pricing, sends them to ISO-accredited third-party labs for HPLC and mass spectrometry analysis, and publishes the unedited certificate of analysis. Methodology in how we calculate trust scores.
ARA-290 binds an alternative EPO receptor complex to produce tissue-protective, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects without raising red blood cell production. Phase 2 trials in neuropathic indications have shown improvements in pain scores and quality of life.
No. ARA-290 is an 11-amino-acid synthetic peptide derived from a specific region (helix B) of the much larger EPO glycoprotein, engineered to retain tissue-protective effects while losing the erythropoiesis effect. They are not interchangeable; EPO is FDA-approved for anemia, while ARA-290 is in Phase 2 for neuropathy.
ARA-290 is legal to purchase as a research chemical for laboratory use in most jurisdictions, but it is not approved for human consumption. Country breakdown in peptide legal status guide.
ARA-290 itself is not explicitly listed on the WADA Prohibited List but EPO-related compounds receive scrutiny in competitive sport. Anti-doping testing methods for EPO-derived peptides are evolving. For drug-testing context, see do peptides show up on drug tests.
Independent third-party HPLC certificate of analysis from a lab the vendor does not own or pay, with mass spectrometry identity confirmation. COA interpretation in red flags in peptide certificates of analysis.
No. ARA-290 is not approved for human consumption and Peptigrity is an independent review platform, not a medical authority. Clinical trial dosing has varied by indication. Anyone considering use should consult a licensed physician.
This section is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. ARA-290 (Cibinetide) is not currently FDA-approved but is in Phase 2 clinical development. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any peptide or research compound. Peptigrity is an independent review platform and does not sell, endorse, or recommend specific products or vendors.
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