ARA-290
Also known as Cibinetide
A small piece of EPO (the hormone that makes red blood cells) that protects nerves without raising blood counts.
Quick facts
- Status
- Investigational — not approved yet
- Evidence
- Investigational (phase 2 trials)
- Taken as
- Injection under the skin
- Common sizes
- 16 mg
- Category
- Tissue-protective peptide (investigational)
How it works
It switches on a "repair" receptor that calms inflammation and protects damaged nerves.
What people use it for
- Nerve pain (in trials)
- Inflammation
What the research shows
- Small phase 2 trials in nerve pain from sarcoidosis and diabetes.
- Not approved.
Side effects & risks
- Seemed well tolerated in small trials
- Long-term safety unknown
Is it legal?
Not an approved medicine in the EU, UK or US. In most countries it is illegal to sell it for use in people. Products labelled "research use only" are not checked for quality or purity. Studied in phase 2 trials for nerve pain in sarcoidosis and diabetes.
Storage & safe handling
- Mix with bacteriostatic water: let it run slowly down the inside of the vial and swirl gently — never shake.
- Store the mixed vial in the fridge and follow the use-by period on the label.
- Wipe the vial top with alcohol and use a new sterile needle and syringe every time.
- Rotate injection sites so the same spot is not used again and again.
- Put used needles in a sharps container, not the household bin.
- Get medical help for redness that spreads, fever, swelling or trouble breathing.
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Sources: Phase 2 trials of cibinetide (ARA 290) in sarcoidosis-associated small fibre neuropathy.
Last updated 12 October 2026. Information — not medical advice. PepTimer does not replace a doctor. Many peptides are not approved medicines in the EU, UK or US. Talk to a qualified healthcare provider before starting, changing or stopping any treatment.
Last updated 12 October 2026. Information — not medical advice. PepTimer does not replace a doctor. Many peptides are not approved medicines in the EU, UK or US. Talk to a qualified healthcare provider before starting, changing or stopping any treatment.