01 / RESEARCH SUMMARY
ARA-290 Research Summary
ARA-290 (cibinetide) is an 11-amino-acid peptide derived from erythropoietin (EPO). It activates the innate repair receptor, which drives EPO's tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory effects, without stimulating red blood cell production. Phase 2 human trials in sarcoidosis-related small fiber neuropathy and type 2 diabetes showed improvements in neuropathic pain and regrowth of small corneal nerve fibers.
Read the full guide →02 / WHY RESEARCHERS STUDY IT
Why ARA-290 draws research interest
These are the areas researchers and the peptide community explore ARA-290 for most often. They describe what is being studied — not proven benefits, approved uses, or promised results.
Neuropathic pain
Reduced neuropathy symptoms in phase 2 human trials.
Nerve regrowth
Increased small corneal nerve fibers in sarcoidosis patients.
Tissue protection
Activates EPO's repair pathway without raising red blood cells.
Evidence ranges from early lab work to large clinical trials depending on the use — see the sections below for the data and sources.
03 / DOSING & RECONSTITUTION
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
A single practical dilution with accurate dosing, step by step
Standard Approach (1 mL = 10 mg/mL)
- Reconstitute: Add 1 mL bacteriostatic water to one 10 mg vial → final concentration 10 mg/mL (10,000 mcg/mL).
- Typical range: 1–4 mg 1x daily · 5 on 2 off or daily.
- Easy measuring: At 10 mg/mL, 1 unit ≈ 100 mcg on a U-100 syringe, so doses read at 10–40 units.
- Storage: Lyophilized: store at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and do not freeze the mixed solution.
| Protocol | Dose range | Frequency | Cycle | Half-life | Fasted | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Injectable · Subq | 1–4 mg | 1x daily · 5 on 2 off or daily | ~2 min (plasma) | No | Subq | |
| Sarcoidosis · Phase 2b (2017) | 1 / 4 / 8 mg | Once daily | 28 days | Subcutaneous (study formulation) | ||
| Type 2 diabetes neuropathy (2014) | 4 mg | Once daily | 28 days | Subcutaneous (study formulation) |
04 / RECONSTITUTION CALCULATOR
Mix & measure ARA-290 · 10 mg
Pre-filled with this protocol's recommended BAC water and starting dose — edit any field to run your own numbers.
- CONCENTRATION
- 10.00 mg/mL
- DRAW VOLUME
- 0.100 mL
- ON THE SYRINGE
- 10.0 units
- DOSES / VIAL
- 10
Reconstitution math only. U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1 mL.
Reconstitution GuideFull calculator →05 / STORAGE
Storage Instructions
Lyophilized (powder)
Store in the freezer at −20 °C (−4 °F) for long-term storage, or refrigerated at 2–8 °C for shorter periods. Keep dry, sealed and away from light. Let a frozen vial reach room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.
Reconstituted
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within about 28 days. Do not freeze. Keep away from heat and direct light, and avoid repeated temperature swings. Swirl gently — never shake.
Reconstitution steps
- Wipe the vial stopper with an alcohol swab.
- Draw the BAC water and release it slowly down the inside wall of the vial.
- Swirl or roll gently until fully dissolved — don't shake.
- Label with the date and concentration and refrigerate.
06 / RESEARCH FINDINGS
What Research Shows
Human research
- Small-fiber neuropathy symptoms and tissue-protective signaling have been studied.
- Early human work has examined neuropathy-related outcomes, including in sarcoidosis.
Research context
Small, condition-specific studies do not establish general nerve regeneration or a self-treatment regimen.
07 / MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Mechanism of Action
Investigational mechanism
Proposed tissue-protective receptor signaling
Cibinetide is an erythropoietin-derived peptide designed to investigate tissue-protective signaling without the erythropoietic activity of full-length erythropoietin. Proposed receptor biology and clinical outcomes are distinct evidence questions.
Adamantane & the blood–brain barrier
Chemically attaching an adamantane group to a peptide can increase its lipid (fat) solubility. Researchers hypothesize that this modification may help certain compounds cross the tightly regulated blood–brain barrier. The effect depends on the specific modified molecule; greater lipid solubility alone does not establish brain delivery or clinical benefit. This does not apply automatically to the unmodified peptide and is not a reconstitution additive.
08 / LIFESTYLE FACTORS
Lifestyle Factors
- Load gradually: healing tissue still needs controlled, progressive loading — don't rush back to max effort.
- Sleep: most tissue repair happens during deep sleep.
- Nutrition: protein, vitamin C and collagen-supporting foods help connective tissue rebuild.
- Limit alcohol and smoking, which slow healing.
- Rotate injection sites; some inject near (not into) the injured area.
09 / BENEFITS & SIDE EFFECTS
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Faster recovery from soft tissue injuries (tendons, ligaments, muscle)
- Reduced inflammation and joint discomfort
- Gut lining support (BPC-157 and KPV)
- Improved skin quality and wound healing (GHK-Cu blends)
Side Effects
- Injection-site redness, itching or mild swelling
- Temporary fatigue or lightheadedness
- Headache or mild nausea
- Copper-peptide blends can sting at the injection site
10 / STUDIES
Studies & references
11 / SAFETY
Safety considerations
- Verify the active identity, lot number, and matching certificate of analysis. Testing does not by itself establish sterility or suitability for human use.
- Follow documented product-specific storage and preparation requirements; stability and diluent compatibility depend on the formulation.
- Research powders are not interchangeable with prescription formulations. Do not infer an injection or nasal protocol from a concentration calculation.
- For medical care, pregnancy, existing conditions, or medication interactions, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
12 / RECOMMENDED SOURCE
Recommended Source
For research peptides, we point researchers to Orbitrex Peptides for ARA-290.
Why Orbitrex?
- Family-owned & independently tested: Multiple laboratories verify quality, with batch-specific testing in every COA.
- Everyday value: Buy 4, Get 1 Free on eligible products.
- Loyalty credit: 5% back in loyalty credit for future purchases.
- VerifyPass discount: 20% off for qualifying groups — stacks with affiliate codes.
- Free 2nd Day shipping: Free UPS 2nd Day Air on orders $200+, applied automatically at checkout.
All products are for research use only. Availability and offers subject to change.