Family · repair
ARA-290
Cibinetide; helix-B surface peptide (a non-erythropoietic erythropoietin derivative)
ARA-290 (cibinetide) is an 11-amino-acid peptide engineered from the helix-B external surface of erythropoietin (EPO). It was designed to reproduce EPO's tissue-protective signalling while avoiding its erythropoietic and pro-thrombotic effects: instead of the classical homodimeric EPO receptor, it selectively engages the 'innate repair receptor', a heteromeric complex of the EPO receptor and the beta-common receptor (CD131). Activating this receptor triggers anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and tissue-protective signalling (JAK2/STAT and PI3K/Akt pathways) in injured tissue and supports small-fibre nerve regeneration, without stimulating red-blood-cell production.
Unlike most gray-market peptides, ARA-290/cibinetide has reached controlled human trials. Small phase 2 studies in sarcoidosis-associated small-fibre neuropathy reported improved neuropathic symptoms and increased corneal nerve fibre density (van Velzen 2014; Culver 2017), and a randomised trial in type 2 diabetes reported improved neuropathic symptoms and metabolic measures (Brines 2015). Samples are small, durations short and the evidence is preliminary; as of 2026 cibinetide remains an investigational agent, not approved for marketing by the FDA or EMA.
- Investigated in sarcoidosis-associated small-fibre neuropathy (phase 2)
- Studied for neuropathic pain and small-fibre nerve regeneration
- Explored in diabetic neuropathy and metabolic-control research
- Tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory signalling research
Educational overview only — no dosing instructions in the public hub.
Long-term human safety is not established; trial exposure has been short and in small cohorts. In studies the peptide was generally reported as well tolerated, but rare or long-term effects cannot be excluded, and its immunomodulatory action means interactions and contraindications are not fully characterised. Because it is investigational, any use outside a supervised trial is off the evidence base; gray-market 'research' material adds the usual identity, purity, endotoxin and sterility risks, without medical supervision.
Cibinetide/ARA-290 sold outside clinical trials is unregulated material of unverified composition. A third-party Certificate of Analysis covering identity, purity (HPLC), quantification (to detect underfill) and mass spectrometry is the minimum verification; sterility, endotoxin and stability are usually undocumented. The content here reflects investigational-trial findings, not a quality-assured or approved medicine.
Investigational / research-use-only; not approved for human use in the EU, UK or US. Cibinetide has been evaluated in clinical trials but holds no marketing authorisation, and is not authorised as a dietary supplement or food ingredient.
Frequently asked questions
- What is ARA-290 used for?
- Investigated in sarcoidosis-associated small-fibre neuropathy (phase 2). Studied for neuropathic pain and small-fibre nerve regeneration. Explored in diabetic neuropathy and metabolic-control research. Tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory signalling research. Unlike most gray-market peptides, ARA-290/cibinetide has reached controlled human trials. Small phase 2 studies in sarcoidosis-associated small-fibre neuropathy reported improved neuropathic symptoms and increased corneal nerve fibre density (van Velzen 2014; Culver 2017), and a randomised trial in type 2 diabetes reported improved neuropathic symptoms and metabolic measures (Brines 2015). Samples are small, durations short and the evidence is preliminary; as of 2026 cibinetide remains an investigational agent, not approved for marketing by the FDA or EMA.
- Is ARA-290 legal in Europe?
- Investigational / research-use-only; not approved for human use in the EU, UK or US. Cibinetide has been evaluated in clinical trials but holds no marketing authorisation, and is not authorised as a dietary supplement or food ingredient.
- What are the risks and side effects of ARA-290?
- Long-term human safety is not established; trial exposure has been short and in small cohorts. In studies the peptide was generally reported as well tolerated, but rare or long-term effects cannot be excluded, and its immunomodulatory action means interactions and contraindications are not fully characterised. Because it is investigational, any use outside a supervised trial is off the evidence base; gray-market 'research' material adds the usual identity, purity, endotoxin and sterility risks, without medical supervision.
- How is the quality of ARA-290 assessed?
- Cibinetide/ARA-290 sold outside clinical trials is unregulated material of unverified composition. A third-party Certificate of Analysis covering identity, purity (HPLC), quantification (to detect underfill) and mass spectrometry is the minimum verification; sterility, endotoxin and stability are usually undocumented. The content here reflects investigational-trial findings, not a quality-assured or approved medicine.