ARA-290
Erythropoietin-derived peptide studied in neuropathic pain.
About this peptide
ARA-290 (cibinetide) is an eleven amino acid peptide derived from helix B of erythropoietin, designed to provide tissue-protective effects without the erythropoietic activity of EPO.
How it works
It binds the innate repair receptor, a complex of the EPO receptor and the beta-common receptor, involved in dampening inflammation and protecting nerve fibres.
Storage instructions
Store the sealed lyophilized vial at 2-8 °C, protected from light; brief exposure to room temperature during shipping is generally tolerated. Refrigerate after reconstitution at 2-8 °C and use within the period supported by stability data for the substance (typically 2-4 weeks). Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles: each cycle increases the risk of aggregation and hydrolysis of the peptide bond. Do not shake the vial; swirl gently and direct the liquid stream against the glass wall rather than at the powder cake.
Required supplies
- Sealed lyophilized vial, stored as supplied
- Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) for reconstitution
- Insulin syringes (29-31G, 0.5 mL / 100 units)
- Reconstitution syringe (1-3 mL, 21-23G needle)
- 70% isopropyl alcohol swabs
- Sharps container for used needles
- Labels and a logbook for batch, date and volume
Possible effects & side effects
Phase 2 research in sarcoidosis-associated small fiber neuropathy reports improved pain scores and increased corneal nerve fiber density. Overall evidence is limited to small trials.
Injection technique
Wash your hands, then disinfect the vial septum and the injection site with 70% isopropyl alcohol and allow both to air dry. Draw up the intended volume, remove air bubbles and pinch a subcutaneous skin fold. Insert at a 45-90° angle depending on fat thickness, aspiration is not required for subcutaneous administration, and inject slowly. Withdraw the needle, apply light pressure and discard the needle in a sharps container. Rotate injection sites systematically (abdominal quadrants, flanks, thighs) to prevent lipohypertrophy and local irritation.
Lifestyle factors
Peptide research protocols are studied against a background of adequate protein intake (approximately 1.6-2.2 g/kg/day in the training literature), consistent sleep of 7-9 hours, and controlled training load. Sleep deprivation and chronic psychological stress both dampen growth hormone pulsatility and disrupt tissue remodeling, complicating the interpretation of any observed effect. Alcohol, smoking and large caloric deficits are likewise documented modifiers of recovery outcomes.
References
- Dahan A. et al. ARA 290 improves symptoms in patients with sarcoidosis-associated small nerve fiber loss. Mol Med, 2013.
- Culver D.A. et al. Cibinetide improves corneal nerve fiber abundance. Sci Rep, 2017.
