Overview
Ara-290, also known as cibinetide, is a short peptide engineered from the helix B region of erythropoietin. Erythropoietin has tissue-protective properties in addition to its role in red blood cell production, and Ara-290 was developed to selectively engage the tissue-protective signaling pathway while avoiding stimulation of erythropoiesis. It has progressed into clinical research, notably for neuropathic conditions, and is among the more clinically studied peptides in this set, though it remains investigational.
Mechanism of action
Ara-290 is reported to act on the innate repair receptor (IRR), a heteromeric receptor complex composed of the EPO receptor and the beta-common receptor (CD131). This pathway is associated with anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective signaling. Because Ara-290 does not effectively engage the homodimeric EPO receptor responsible for red blood cell production, it is reported to lack the erythropoietic and associated thrombotic effects of EPO.
Research findings
Designed to engage tissue-protective signaling via the innate repair receptor without stimulating red blood cell production.,Clinical research has examined effects in small-fiber neuropathy, including in sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy.,Studies report potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.,Reported to avoid the erythropoietic and pro-thrombotic effects associated with erythropoietin.,Has advanced further into clinical study than many research peptides, though evidence remains limited.
Research context
Ara-290 has a short plasma half-life reported in clinical pharmacology studies, consistent with a small peptide. It has been evaluated in controlled clinical research, but reported study designs and ranges vary and findings remain preliminary. Pharmacokinetic and efficacy parameters should be interpreted from the primary literature rather than generalized. This is a research reference only. Not approved for human use outside regulated settings; consult the primary literature.
Handling & storage
Lyophilized powder is typically stored frozen, protected from light and moisture, in a laboratory setting. Reconstituted peptide is generally handled cold and used within a defined window per laboratory protocol. Follow institutional handling guidance.
Reported safety signals
In clinical research Ara-290 has generally been reported as well tolerated, in part because it avoids the erythropoietic effects of EPO. As an investigational agent, its full safety profile is not established.
Studied alongside
Ara-290 is studied largely on its own in clinical research; in broader discussion it is sometimes considered alongside other tissue-protective peptides such as BPC-157 and TB-500.
At a glance
Research strengths
- Rational design to separate tissue protection from erythropoiesis
- Defined target (innate repair receptor / CD131 complex)
- Among the more clinically studied peptides in this set
- Generally reported as well tolerated in clinical research
Limitations & cautions
- Still investigational and not approved for general use
- Short plasma half-life
- Clinical evidence remains limited and condition-specific
- Full safety profile not established
