Immune

ARA-290 (cibinetide)

An erythropoietin-derived peptide that targets tissue repair rather than red blood cells; small trials, mixed results, no approval.

Limited evidenceInvestigationalAdd to compare

What it is

ARA-290, generic name cibinetide, is an 11-amino-acid peptide derived from erythropoietin but stripped of its effect on red blood cells. The idea is to keep erythropoietin's tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory signalling without the blood-thickening risk. It has been through phase 1 and small phase 2 trials in nerve pain and inflammatory conditions, and is not approved.

How it works

1
Binds the innate repair receptor, a complex formed by the erythropoietin receptor and its partner CD131.
2
That receptor is involved in tissue-protective signalling rather than red-blood-cell production, so it does not raise haematocrit like erythropoietin.
3
Reduces inflammatory cytokine signalling in laboratory models.
4
Protects nerve tissue in animal models of neuropathy.
5
Clinical trials in people have not translated these findings into consistent benefit.

What it's studied for

Sarcoidosis-associated small-fibre neuropathy

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Inflammatory and tissue-protective pathways

Type 2 diabetes complications (early trials)

Reported and studied effects

Improved small-nerve function measures in early trials
Reduced inflammatory markers in some studies
Reported reduced pain from user accounts
No confirmed effect on wound healing in humans

Research protocol notes

Research context only

Research context only — no approved protocol exists. Trials used daily subcutaneous doses in the 2–4 mg range for 4–12 weeks in sarcoidosis-associated small-fibre neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy. Outcomes were mixed and the compound has not progressed to approval; self-administered regimens sold online have no evidence base.

These figures are described so you can understand what researchers did. They are not a dose, a schedule, or a suggestion — and they are not a substitute for a doctor.

Possible side effects and contraindications

Safety profile

Possible side effects

Injection-site reactions
Headache
Transient increases in inflammatory markers in some patients
Long-term safety unknown

Contraindications and cautions

Not established
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and childhood
Active cancer
Competitive athletes should check anti-doping rules

A side-effect list is never complete, and these are not the only situations that warrant caution. Anything unexpected, or anything you are unsure about, should be discussed with a doctor before use.

Evidence assessment

Limited evidenceSmall human studies or animal data only

Small human studies or animal data only

Phase 1 and small phase 2 trials exist in sarcoidosis and diabetic nerve pain with mixed results; nothing is approved and larger trials have not confirmed benefit.

References

References link to published literature, regulator pages or literature indexes. Where a link points to a search, it collects the peer-reviewed work on that molecule rather than a single study.

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