ARA-290
Also: Cibinetide · EPO-derived peptide
EPO-derived peptide for small-fiber neuropathy and inflammatory nerve pain.
Evidence
emerging
Legal status
research only
Half-life
~2 minutes (active signaling persists longer)
Routes
subq
What it is
ARA-290 (cibinetide) was engineered to retain EPO's tissue-protective signaling while removing its red-blood-cell-stimulating effects. Phase II data in sarcoidosis-related small-fiber neuropathy showed meaningful improvements in pain and corneal nerve fiber density. Development by Araim Pharmaceuticals has been intermittent.
Mechanism
11-amino-acid peptide derived from erythropoietin. Activates the innate-repair receptor (IRR) without erythropoietic effects — anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective.
Outcomes it's matched to
- STRENGTH75%
- STRENGTH60%
Safety
Well tolerated in trials, including no measurable change to hematocrit at therapeutic doses.
- Active malignancy (theoretical)
Legal context
Investigational. Not currently approved anywhere.