ARA 290 Research Information

Erythropoietin-Derived Peptide

For Neuroprotection & Tissue Repair Research

⚠️ Important: This information is for educational and research purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before use.

📑 Contents

🔬 What is ARA 290?

ARA 290 (also known as Cibinetide, PH-BSP, or Helix B Surface Peptide) is a synthetic 11-amino acid peptide derived from the structure of the B helix of erythropoietin (EPO) that has marked anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-protective effects [5][11]. It is designed to selectively bind to the innate repair receptor (IRR), recapitulating the beneficial effects of endogenous EPO without the hematopoietic side effects [10][11].

ARA 290 has a molecular weight of 1,257 Da and a short plasma half-life of approximately 20 minutes [10]. Despite its short half-life, ARA 290 triggers sustained biological effects when concentrations exceed the low nanomolar affinity of the IRR [10][11]. ARA 290 is available in pen and freeze-dried vial formulations for research purposes.

⚡ How ARA 290 Works

ARA 290 works through multiple mechanisms to provide tissue protection and anti-inflammatory effects:

ARA 290's tissue-protective effects are mediated through the β-common receptor (βCR/CD131), which forms a heterodimer with the EPO receptor that is rapidly upregulated following tissue injury [1][5]. ARA 290 reverses brain metabolic deviations in stroke by upregulating pathways involved in tyrosine metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and oxidative phosphorylation [1]. Unlike EPO, ARA 290 does not cause erythropoiesis, splenomegaly, or liver toxicity [1].

📋 Research Applications

📊 Clinical Studies

Ischemic Stroke – Preclinical (2024)

• In a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), ARA 290 (30 μg/kg, twice daily) significantly reduced brain infarction volume and improved neurological function [1]
• ARA 290 significantly reduced neuronal apoptosis and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) in brain tissue [1]
• ARA 290 reversed brain metabolic deviations in stroke by upregulating tyrosine metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and oxidative phosphorylation pathways [1]
• ARA 290 had no erythropoietic effects—no increase in red blood cells, hemoglobin, or spleen weight [1]
• No liver toxicity was observed (AST, ALT, LDH unchanged) [1]
• βCR siRNA significantly suppressed the neuroprotective effect, confirming β-common receptor is essential for ARA 290's action [1]

Type 2 Diabetes & Neuropathy – Phase 2 (2014)

• 49 patients with type 2 diabetes and painful neuropathy received 4 mg/day SC for 28 days [10]
• Significant improvement in HbA1c and lipid profiles throughout the 56-day observation period [10]
• Neuropathic symptoms improved significantly (PainDetect questionnaire) [10]
• Subjects with reduced corneal nerve fiber density showed a significant increase in CNFD [10]
• No safety issues were identified [10]

Sarcoidosis & Small Fiber Neuropathy – Phase 2 (2014)

• Dose-ranging study of 1, 4, or 8 mg/day SC for 28 days on corneal nerve fiber density [6][7]
• Primary endpoint: change in corneal nerve fiber density at day 28 vs baseline [6][7]
• Secondary endpoints: IENFD, pain scores (BPI, NPSI), QST, and 6-minute walk test [6]

TRPV1 Inhibition – Preclinical (2016)

• ARA 290 specifically inhibits TRPV1 channel activity [4]
• Relieves mechanical hypersensitivity induced by capsaicin [4]
• Functions as a novel antagonist for TRPV1 channel, integrating immune system and nociception [4]

Experimental Autoimmune Neuritis – Preclinical (2014)

• ARA 290 (30 mg/kg/day) effectively attenuated EAN disease severity [3]
• Reduced body weight loss and shortened EAN duration [3]

💉 Interactive Dosing Guide

Select your vial size and dose to see the corresponding volume, clicks, dosing frequency, and how many doses per vial:

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

ARA 290 has shown a favorable safety profile in clinical studies. Unlike EPO, it has no erythropoietic activity—no increase in red blood cells, hemoglobin, platelet count, hematocrit, or spleen weight [1]. No liver toxicity was observed [1].

• Injection site reactions: Mild redness or tenderness at injection site
• No erythropoietic effects: Does not increase red blood cells or hemoglobin [1]
• No liver toxicity: AST, ALT, and LDH unchanged [1]
• Well-tolerated: No safety issues identified in Phase 2 trials [10]

Important Safety Considerations:

• ARA 290 is not FDA-approved for any indication
• Short half-life (~20 minutes) minimizes exposure to high concentrations [10]
• Do not use if allergic to ARA 290 or any ingredients
• Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding

📚 References

• Erythropoietin‐derived peptide ARA290 mediates brain tissue protection through the β‐common receptor in mice with cerebral ischemic stroke. NIH. 2024. [1]
• ARA 290 relieves pathophysiological pain by targeting TRPV1 channel. ScienceDirect. 2016. [4]
• Cibinetide (ARA 290) Ligand Page. IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology. [5]
• Phase 2 Sarcoidosis Study. NTR. 2014. [6]
• Phase 2 Diabetes & Neuropathy Study. Springer. 2014. [10]
• Diabetic Macular Edema Phase II Trial. ICHGCP. 2024. [9]
• Cibinetide Overview. ChemicalBook. 2024. [11]

This information is for educational and research purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional.

Last updated: July 2026