≥99% HPLC Purity MS Confirmed Janoshik COA 5-Region Domestic Shipping
What is ARA-290 (Cibinetide)?
ARA-290 (also known as Cibinetide) is a synthetic 11-amino acid peptide derived from the helix B surface peptide of erythropoietin (EPO). Unlike EPO itself, ARA-290 is engineered to selectively activate the Innate Repair Receptor (IRR) — a heteromeric receptor complex distinct from the classic EPO haematopoietic receptor — without triggering red blood cell production.
This receptor selectivity is the defining characteristic of ARA-290 as a research tool: all of EPO’s cytoprotective, neuroprotective, and metabolic repair signals, with none of the haematological effects that make EPO itself unsuitable for neuropathy or metabolic research models.
Mechanism of Action
IRR Activation (Primary)
ARA-290 binds the Innate Repair Receptor (EpoR/βcR heteromer) expressed on neural, metabolic, and immune cells. IRR activation triggers Akt phosphorylation, eNOS activation, and anti-inflammatory cytokine modulation — producing cytoprotection without haematopoietic signalling.
Neuroprotection & Nerve Regeneration
IRR is expressed on peripheral sensory neurons and Schwann cells. ARA-290 activates neurotrophic and neuroprotective cascades — increases intraepidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD) in small fibre neuropathy models, reduces neuropathic pain signalling, and promotes nerve fibre regeneration.
Metabolic & Insulin Regulation
IRR activation in pancreatic beta cells improves insulin secretion and glucose tolerance in DIO rodent models. ARA-290 also reduces proinflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-6) in adipose tissue, linking cytoprotective signalling to metabolic improvement.
Anti-Inflammatory Signalling
ARA-290 downregulates NF-κB-mediated inflammation via IRR-dependent suppression of macrophage activation. Reduced TNF-α and IL-1β in models of sarcoidosis-associated inflammation, sepsis, and metabolic inflammation.
Research Applications
Small Fibre Neuropathy (Phase 2 Clinical Data)
ARA-290 has Phase 2 data from sarcoidosis-associated small fibre neuropathy trials showing increased IENFD and improved pain scores. IENFD (intraepidermal nerve fibre density via skin punch biopsy) is the primary readout for small fibre neuropathy progression.
Diabetic Neuropathy Models
Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rodent models: ARA-290 improves corneal nerve density and thermal pain thresholds — two validated endpoints for diabetic peripheral neuropathy research.
Metabolic Disease & Insulin Secretion
ARA-290 improves beta cell function and insulin secretion via IRR activation. DIO mouse studies show improved glucose tolerance alongside reduced adipose inflammation — mechanism distinct from GLP-1R agonism.
Sarcoidosis & Systemic Inflammation
ARA-290 reduces sarcoidosis-associated inflammation, fatigue, and neuropathic symptoms via IRR-mediated NF-κB suppression. Basis of the Phase 2 clinical trial program (Heemskerk et al., Amsterdam UMC).
Key Research
Heemskerk S, et al. (2018)
Phase 2 RCT — ARA-290 in sarcoidosis-associated small fibre neuropathy. Results: significantly increased IENFD vs placebo, improved pain and fatigue scores. ERJ Open Research.
Brines M, et al. (2008)
Identification of the Innate Repair Receptor as the target of EPO-derived cytoprotective peptides. Established ARA-290 mechanism of action and receptor selectivity. PNAS.
Swartjes M, et al. (2011)
ARA-290 in diabetic neuropathy rodent models — corneal nerve density restoration and pain threshold improvement without haematological effects. Molecular Medicine.
Specifications
Compound
ARA-290 (Cibinetide)
Sequence
Gln-Glu-Gln-Leu-Glu-Arg-Ala-Leu-Asn-Ser-Ser (11 AA, helix B EPO surface)
CAS
697239-31-9
Target
Innate Repair Receptor (IRR / EpoR-βcR heteromer)
Format
Lyophilised powder, 10-vial kit
Purity
≥99% HPLC, MS confirmed, Janoshik COA
Storage
−20°C lyophilised; 4°C reconstituted, use within 7 days
Certificate of Analysis
Independent third-party COA from Janoshik Analytical — View ARA-290 COA →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ARA-290?
ARA-290 (Cibinetide) is a synthetic EPO-derived 11-amino acid peptide that selectively activates the Innate Repair Receptor (IRR). It provides cytoprotection, neuroprotection, and anti-inflammatory effects without EPO’s haematological activity. Phase 2 clinical data exists for sarcoidosis-associated small fibre neuropathy.
How does ARA-290 differ from EPO?
Erythropoietin activates both EpoR (raises red blood cells) and IRR (cytoprotective). ARA-290 activates IRR only — all the tissue protection, none of the haematopoiesis. This makes it a viable research tool for neuroprotection and metabolic studies where EPO’s haematological effects are a confound.
What clinical research has been done on ARA-290?
Phase 2 RCT in sarcoidosis-associated small fibre neuropathy (Heemskerk et al., 2018) showed significant IENFD improvement vs placebo. Additional Phase 2 work in sarcoidosis fatigue and metabolic complications. Preclinical data covers diabetic neuropathy, corneal nerve regeneration, insulin secretion, and metabolic syndrome.
What is the standard research dose and reconstitution protocol?
Preclinical protocols typically use 30–100 μg/kg in rodent models. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, store at 4°C, use within 7 days. The Phase 2 clinical trials used 4mg subcutaneous daily dosing — for reference context only.
Research Use Only: ARA-290 is sold strictly for in vitro laboratory research. Not for human or veterinary use.
