Healing & injury · Immune & gut
ARA-290, simplified.
Also called Cibinetide
Human studiesA small peptide based on EPO, the red blood cell hormone. It keeps EPO’s tissue-protecting effect without raising red blood cells. Studied for nerve pain.
- Size
- 11 amino acids
- How it is taken
- Injection
- Status
- Investigational
- Available sizes
- Vials: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg
What is it?
EPO protects tissues from damage, but it also thickens the blood. ARA-290 copies only the part that switches on a "repair receptor", so it aims to calm inflammation and protect nerves without the blood effects.
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What studies show
- In peopleIn small trials of people with sarcoidosis-related nerve damage, it eased pain and helped small nerve fibers in the eye regrow.
- In peopleA small trial in type 2 diabetes reported improved nerve symptoms and blood sugar markers.
What we don’t know yet
- Results from larger, longer trials.
- Whether it helps nerve pain from other causes.
Side effects and cautions
- Appeared well tolerated in small trials.
- Research-grade products are not quality-controlled.
Is it legal?
Not FDA-approved. Has orphan drug status for sarcoidosis-related nerve pain.
Dosage & schedule evidence
How to read published schedules
Third-party protocol charts are not established clinical dosing standards. The evidence for safe and effective human dose, frequency, and duration may be limited or absent.
| Measurement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 mg | 1,000 mcg (mass) |
| 100 U-100 units | 1 mL (volume, not dose) |
Read third-party published protocols ↗ for context. North Star does not validate these schedules.
Consult your doctor before considering any peptide for personal use. Educational only, not administration guidance.
Common questions
What is ARA-290?
A small peptide based on EPO, the red blood cell hormone. It keeps EPO’s tissue-protecting effect without raising red blood cells. Studied for nerve pain. EPO protects tissues from damage, but it also thickens the blood. ARA-290 copies only the part that switches on a "repair receptor", so it aims to calm inflammation and protect nerves without the blood effects.
What does the research say about ARA-290?
In small trials of people with sarcoidosis-related nerve damage, it eased pain and helped small nerve fibers in the eye regrow. A small trial in type 2 diabetes reported improved nerve symptoms and blood sugar markers.
Is ARA-290 FDA approved?
Not FDA-approved. Has orphan drug status for sarcoidosis-related nerve pain.
What are the side effects of ARA-290?
Appeared well tolerated in small trials. Research-grade products are not quality-controlled.
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This page explains published research in plain language. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything, and it does not give dosing. Most peptides here are not FDA-approved, and products sold online vary widely in purity. Rules around peptides are changing, so check the current status and talk with a licensed clinician before starting anything. Last reviewed 2026-10-19.