ARA-290
An EPO-derived peptide that protects tissue without raising red blood cells.
Overview
ARA-290 (cibinetide) is an 11-amino-acid peptide based on part of erythropoietin (EPO). It keeps EPO's tissue-protective effects without boosting red blood cells. Small Phase 2 trials in sarcoidosis nerve damage were encouraging, but no Phase 3 trial has been completed.
How it works
Activates the 'innate repair receptor' (EPO receptor paired with the beta-common receptor), which calms inflammation and protects nerves. It does not activate the receptor that makes red blood cells, so it does not thicken blood the way EPO does.
Evidence
3/5
Small human Phase 2 trials (sarcoidosis small-fiber neuropathy, type 2 diabetes neuropathy). No Phase 3.
Half-life
About 2 minutes in plasma; effects last much longer via receptor signaling
Known as
Cibinetide, Helix B surface peptide analog
Compound facts
- Type
- EPO-derived tissue-protective peptide
- CAS Number
- 1208243-50-8
- Molecular Weight
- ~1257 Da
- Amino Acids
- 11 (linear)
- Sequence
- pGlu-Glu-Gln-Leu-Glu-Arg-Ala-Leu-Asn-Ser-Ser
- Receptor
- Innate repair receptor (EPOR/βcR)
Reported benefits
Nerve fiber regrowth
In a 28-day Phase 2b trial (64 sarcoidosis patients), 4 mg/day increased corneal nerve fiber area vs placebo (Culver 2017). 1 mg and 8 mg did not reach significance.
Neuropathic pain
Small sarcoidosis and diabetes trials reported less neuropathic pain, though results varied by measure.
Tissue protection
Protected nerve, kidney and heart tissue from injury in animals.
“Anecdotal” means reported by users, not shown in controlled trials.
Community-reported regimens
Not recommendations. These are commonly cited ranges, shown so you can see what real-world use looks like.
| Plan | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community (trial-based) Mirrors the 4 mg/day dose that worked best in the sarcoidosis Phase 2b trial. | 4000 mcg | Once daily | 28 days | Subcutaneous |
| Community lower | 2000 mcg | Once daily | 4 weeks | Subcutaneous |
Reconstitution calculator
Set up for ARA-290. Switch peptide or vial size any time.
1Mix
Add 2 mL water for 5 mg/mL
2Draw
Draw to 80 units = 0.8 mL = 4 mg
Drag the plunger to set your dose.
3Inject
Next site
Right belly, upper
Tap a site after you inject to keep a rotation.
Pinch the skin, stay 2 in. from the navel, then into a sharps bin.
- Doses per vial
- 2.5
- Vial lasts
- 3 days
- Good once mixed
- ~28 days
- Syringe
- 100-unit, 1 mL
Math only: concentration (mg/mL) = vial mg ÷ mL of water; units = dose (mg) ÷ concentration × 100. Always double-check against your own vial label and a clinician. This tool does not recommend a dose.
Reconstitution
Diluent: Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) — allows multiple draws from one vial.
- Wipe both vial tops with an alcohol swab and let dry.
- Draw the diluent, then inject it slowly down the inside wall of the vial — never straight onto the powder.
- Swirl gently or let it sit; do not shake. Foam can damage peptides.
- Solution should be clear. Cloudy, stringy or discolored = discard.
- At 4 mg a day, one 10 mg vial lasts only 2.5 days.
- Common mix: 10 mg + 2 mL = 5 mg/mL (4 mg = 80 units).
Storage
Powder
Freezer / fridge
Keep sealed vial in the freezer (−20 °C) for long-term storage; fridge (2–8 °C) is fine for a few weeks. Keep dry and out of light.
After mixing
~28 days
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Never freeze after mixing. Keep upright, capped, and out of light.
Travel
Keep cool
Short trips at room temperature are generally fine for powder; keep mixed vials cold.
Side effects & cautions
Reported side effects
- Injection-site irritation
- Headache
- Mild nausea or tiredness
- Unknown long-term effects
Cautions
- Trials lasted about 28 days. Longer-term safety is unknown.
- Nerve pain has many causes. Get a diagnosis before self-treating.
- No data in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
FDA & international status
Not FDA-approved
Not an approved drug. It completed Phase 2 trials in sarcoidosis-related small-fiber neuropathy, but no Phase 3 was completed and development appears to have stalled. Sold online as a research chemical.
Regulations change often — verify with the FDA, EMA, MHRA, Health Canada, TGA and WADA before acting.
Where to buy
ARA-290 vials
Shop this product ↗| Size | Price | Per mg | Stock | Latest COA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mg | $49.99 | $5.00 | In stockBuy ↗ | 99.49% pure, lot ARA0001 ILS Labs, tested 2026-08-03 |
Amino Club list prices as of 2026-10-07, before promo codes. Multi-buy: 2+ units 5% off, 3+ units 7.5% off, 10+ units 40% off. Prices change; confirm on the product page. Mixing? Their bacteriostatic water is Amino H2O from $19.99.
ARA-290 at Amino Club
Check sizes, current price and the certificate of analysis (COA) on the product page. Sold for in-vitro research only.
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- Look for a batch-specific COA with HPLC purity (≥98%) and mass-spec identity.
- Typical vial sizes: 10 mg.
FAQ
Is this EPO doping?
No. It does not raise red blood cells. But it is unapproved, so it still risks a positive test under WADA's catch-all rule.
Why is the dose so much higher than other peptides?
The trials used 1–8 mg a day, with 4 mg working best. That is why a 10 mg vial goes fast.
How long until I'd notice anything?
The trials measured nerve changes at 28 days. Pain changes were less consistent than the nerve-fiber results.