VialOwlLibrary / Repair and recovery
ARA-290
Also known as Cibinetide
Human trials
Synthetic peptide derived from erythropoietin that binds a tissue protective receptor without stimulating red blood cell production. Small randomised trials studied it for nerve damage related pain in sarcoidosis and diabetes.
Not an approved medicine. ARA-290 is not an approved medicine for this use in Australia or the United States. This page summarises published research for information only. It is not a recommendation to use ARA-290, and VialOwl does not sell or supply it.
Background
A synthetic 11 amino acid peptide (cibinetide) designed from part of the erythropoietin (EPO) molecule by Araim Pharmaceuticals in New York, founded by EPO researchers Michael Brines and Anthony Cerami. It was studied in phase 2 trials in the 2010s.
How it is thought to work
It activates the so called innate repair receptor (EPO receptor paired with the beta common receptor), which is thought to calm inflammation and protect tissue, without triggering red blood cell production like EPO does.
What is claimed, and the evidence
| Claim | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nerve regrowth and neuropathic pain in sarcoidosis small fibre neuropathy | Human trials | A 28 day phase 2b trial (n = 64) increased corneal nerve fibre area at 4 mg a day; pain improved in all groups including placebo. |
| Neuropathic symptoms and blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes | Human trials | A small phase 2 trial found improved HbA1c, lipids and neuropathic symptom scores over 56 days. Not confirmed in larger trials. |
| General tissue repair, anti inflammatory and recovery benefits | No published evidence | Marketed online for recovery and inflammation; no human evidence outside the trials above. |
Side effects
| Effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Side effects in trials | Frequency unknown | Small phase 2 trials reported no safety concerns, but they were short (about 28 days) and small, so uncommon or long term effects are unknown. |
Warnings
- Not approved anywhere; human evidence is limited to small, short phase 2 trials.
- The FDA has placed it in compounding category 3 (nominated without adequate support).
- Unapproved products bought online are not checked by any regulator for purity, sterility or strength; they may be contaminated, underdosed, overdosed or contain a different substance to the label.
Regulatory status
- Australia
- Not included on the ARTG (unapproved). Not specifically listed in the Poisons Standard (June 2026).
- United States
- Not FDA approved. In 503A Category 3 (nominated without adequate support).
Sources
- Culver et al. 2017, Cibinetide improves corneal nerve fibre abundance in sarcoidosis (PubMed)
- Brines et al. 2015, ARA 290 improves metabolic control and neuropathic symptoms in type 2 diabetes (PubMed)
- van Velzen et al. 2014, ARA 290 for small fibre neuropathy in sarcoidosis (PubMed)
- FDA: 503A bulk drug substance categories (updated 14 May 2026)
Also in Repair and recovery
From the VialOwl library, reviewed 26 September 2026. For education and general information. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation to use ARA-290.