Ara 290
Tissue-Protective Peptide | Innate Repair Receptor Agonist
Ara 290 (Cibinetide) is an engineered 11-amino acid peptide derived from erythropoietin that activates the Innate Repair Receptor (IRR) to provide tissue-protective effects without stimulating red blood cell production. It has completed multiple Phase 2 clinical trials and holds FDA Orphan Drug status for several indications.
Daily dose
4 mg daily
Frequency
Once daily
Cycle length
28 days
Storage
2-8°C
Key benefits
Proven tissue protection, nerve regeneration, anti-inflammatory effects, excellent safety profile in clinical trials
How it works
Activates Innate Repair Receptor (IRR) through EPOR/β-common receptor complex, triggering tissue-protective signaling without erythropoietic effects
Dosage protocols
Goal
Neuropathy Treatment
Dose
4 mg daily · Once daily
Route
Subcutaneous
Goal
Tissue Protection
Dose
1-8 mg daily · Once daily
Route
Subcutaneous
Goal
Acute Intervention
Dose
2 mg · 3x weekly
Route
Intravenous
Goal
Research Protocol
Dose
4 mg daily · Once daily for 28 days
Route
Subcutaneous
Research indications
neuroprotection
anti Inflammatory
tissue Repair
autoimmune
Administration
Interactions
Safety notes
Excellent safety profile in clinical trials with no serious drug-related adverse events
No anti-drug antibodies detected in human studies
No hematopoietic effects or risk of polycythemia unlike erythropoietin
Contraindicated with recent anti-TNF therapy (within 6 months) or EPO use (within 2 months)
Monitor for injection site reactions and rotate injection sites
Not recommended during pregnancy or in patients with BMI >34 kg/m²
Research studies
Pancreatic Islet Protection Study (2021)
Human islets | 100 nM | 48 hours | Improved viability and function
In vitro study of human pancreatic islets showing Ara 290 protection against inflammatory damage, supporting its potential in diabetes treatment and transplantation.
View study →Diabetic Macular Edema Pilot Study (2020)
Human | 4 mg SC daily | 12 weeks | Improved quality of life, variable visual outcomes
Open-label pilot study in 9 patients examining Ara 290 effects on diabetic macular edema, showing good safety profile and improved patient-reported outcomes.
View study →Sarcoidosis Neuropathy Phase 2b Trial (2017)
Human | 1-8 mg SC daily | 28 days | 23% increase in corneal nerve fiber area at 4 mg dose
Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 64 patients with sarcoidosis-associated small fiber neuropathy. The 4 mg dose showed significant nerve regeneration and pain reduction in moderate-severe cases.
View study →Type 2 Diabetes Neuropathy Phase 2 (2015)
Human | 4 mg SC daily | 28 days | Sustained HbA1c improvement and nerve regeneration
Randomized controlled trial in 48 patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy demonstrating sustained metabolic improvements and comparable nerve regeneration to sarcoidosis studies.
View study →Rheumatoid Arthritis Phase II Trial (2013)
Human | 2mg IV | 1-3x/week for 4 weeks | 15 patients with active RA
Open-label Phase II trial in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis showed significant pain reduction (VAS pain decreased 27-29mm, p=0.03) and good safety profile. One patient achieved good EULAR response, one moderate response. Presented at EULAR 2013.
View study →Myocardial Infarction Protection Study (2012)
Mouse | 24 μg/kg IV | Single dose | Reduced infarct size and improved survival
Preclinical study demonstrating cardioprotective effects of Ara 290 in acute myocardial infarction model with significant reduction in cardiac damage.
View study →Stroke Neuroprotection Research (2011)
Rat | 300 μg/kg IV | Single dose | Reduced stroke volume and improved outcomes
Comprehensive study showing Ara 290 crosses blood-brain barrier and provides significant neuroprotection in stroke models through IRR activation.
View study →