--- title: "Ara-290 | PepTracker Pro" description: "A non-erythropoietic EPO analog studied for nerve repair and neuropathic pain conditions." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "PepTracker Pro", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com", "logo": "https://peptrackerpro.com/favicon.png", "description": "Evidence-based educational resource dedicated to improving peptide research literacy.", "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "email": "hello@peptrackerpro.com", "contactType": "customer support" }, "sameAs": [] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "MedicalWebPage", "name": "Ara-290", "description": "A non-erythropoietic EPO analog studied for nerve repair and neuropathic pain conditions.", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/ara-290", "lastReviewed": "2026-07-01", "reviewedBy": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "PepTracker Pro Research Team", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com" }, "isPartOf": { "@type": "WebSite", "name": "PepTracker Pro", "url": "https://peptrackerpro.com" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Peptides", "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Ara-290", "item": "https://peptrackerpro.com/peptides/ara-290" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "People researching neuropathy treatments?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Ara-290 is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. A non-erythropoietic EPO analog studied for nerve repair and neuropathic pain conditions." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Those interested in EPO-derived peptides without hematopoietic effects?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Ara-290 is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. A non-erythropoietic EPO analog studied for nerve repair and neuropathic pain conditions." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Individuals following nerve repair research?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Ara-290 is a research peptide studied in preclinical models. A non-erythropoietic EPO analog studied for nerve repair and neuropathic pain conditions." } } ] } ] --- [Skip to main content](#main) **Educational information only.** This site does not provide medical advice. [Read full disclaimer](/disclaimer) [PepTracker Pro](/) [Home](/)[Peptides](/peptides)[Compare](/compare)[Glossary](/glossary)[Blog](/blog)[Calculators](/calculators)[Start Here](/start) [Open the App](https://app.peptrackerpro.com) [Peptides](/peptides)/ Ara-290 **Research-only content.** This page is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. [Read full disclaimer →](/research-disclaimer) # Ara-290 Medium Evidence A non-erythropoietic EPO analog studied for nerve repair and neuropathic pain conditions. Aliases Cibinetide +1 more Evidence Medium Evidence Last Updated 2026-07-01 Reading Time 2 min ## Table of Contents 1. [What It Is](#what-it-is) 2. [Why Researchers Study It](#why-researchers-study) 3. [Proposed Mechanisms](#proposed-mechanisms) 4. [Evidence Snapshot](#evidence-snapshot) 5. [Commonly Discussed Benefits](#benefits) 6. [Safety & Cautions](#safety) 7. [Comparisons](#comparisons) 8. [Calculator Tools](#calculator) 9. [Citations](#citations) ## What It Is Ara-290 (cibinetide) is an 11-amino acid synthetic peptide derived from the structure of erythropoietin (EPO) that selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR), a heterodimer of the EPO receptor and the beta common receptor (βcR). Unlike EPO, Ara-290 does not stimulate erythropoiesis or increase red blood cell production, avoiding the thrombotic and cardiovascular risks associated with EPO therapy. Instead, it targets tissue repair, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective pathways. Clinical trials have been conducted in type 2 diabetes-related neuropathy, sarcoidosis, and chronic pain. A Phase II trial in patients with type 2 diabetic neuropathy demonstrated improvements in corneal nerve fiber density and small nerve fiber function. A separate Phase II study in sarcoidosis showed improvements in quality of life measures and reductions in fatigue. Ara-290's mechanism through the innate repair receptor is mechanistically distinct from all other neuroprotective peptides, targeting a non-hematopoietic EPO signaling pathway that promotes tissue repair without erythropoietic side effects. As of 2026, development has slowed and no Phase III trials have been initiated, though the compound remains of research interest for its novel mechanism of action. Ara-290 is not FDA-approved for any indication. Also known as: Cibinetide, ARA 290 ## Why Researchers Study It Ara-290 represents a novel pharmacological approach — isolating the tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory properties of EPO signaling from its hematopoietic effects. Its selective activation of the innate repair receptor opens a unique therapeutic window for neuropathy, chronic inflammatory conditions, and tissue repair without the cardiovascular risks of EPO. ## Proposed Mechanisms - Selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR), a heterodimer of EPO receptor and beta common receptor - Does not stimulate erythropoiesis or increase red blood cell count - Promotes Schwann cell survival and nerve fiber regeneration - Anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of macrophage phenotype - Cytoprotective signaling in metabolically stressed tissues ## Evidence Snapshot Medium Evidence Low Medium High Study Type Model Outcome Link Phase II RCT (human) Type 2 diabetic neuropathy Improvements in corneal nerve fiber density and small nerve fiber function [Source](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) Phase II (human) Sarcoidosis — quality of life Improvements in quality of life measures and fatigue reduction [Source](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) ## Commonly Discussed Benefits [Nerve Repair](/benefits/nerve-repair)[Pain Relief](/benefits/pain-relief)[Inflammation](/benefits/inflammation)[Recovery](/benefits/recovery) Researching Ara-290 ? Track it, set reminders, and keep notes in the free app. [Track in App](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=ara-290) ## Safety & Cautions - Clinical trials conducted but drug not yet approved - Mechanism is distinct from erythropoietin — does not affect red blood cells - Limited availability outside clinical trial settings - Requires medical supervision ## Comparisons See how Ara-290 compares to related peptides: [Ara-290 vs BPC-157](/compare/ara-290-vs-bpc-157) [Ara-290 vs Efzofitimod](/compare/ara-290-vs-efzofitimod) [Ara-290 vs VIP](/compare/ara-290-vs-vip) [Ara-290 vs Zilucoplan](/compare/ara-290-vs-zilucoplan) ## Calculator Tools Use our research tools to explore dosing and reconstitution data: [Reconstitution Calculator](/calculators) ## Citations 1. \[1\] Brines M. et al. — ARA 290, a non-erythropoietic peptide. Mol Med. 2015 [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) ### Keep researching in the app - Log Ara-290 to your private tracker - Set a dosing reminder - Compare it side-by-side with your stack [Open PepTracker Pro Free](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=ara-290) [Browse more peptides](/peptides) ## Related Peptides ### BPC-157 Medium Evidence A pentadecapeptide derived from human gastric juice, studied for tissue repair and gut-protective properties. [Recovery](/benefits/recovery)[Gut Health](/benefits/gut-health)[Wound Healing](/benefits/wound-healing)[Joint Health](/benefits/joint-health)+2 more [View Details](/peptides/bpc-157) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=bpc-157)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=bpc-157) ### Efzofitimod Medium Evidence A first-in-class, intravenous immunomodulatory fusion peptide derived from histidyl-tRNA synthetase that selectively binds neuropilin-2 (NRP2) to dampen inflammation in the lung; in Phase 3 development for pulmonary sarcoidosis, an interstitial lung disease. [Inflammation](/benefits/inflammation)[Immune Support](/benefits/immune-support) [View Details](/peptides/efzofitimod) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=efzofitimod)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=efzofitimod) ### VIP Medium Evidence A neuropeptide with broad neuroimmune functions, studied for inflammatory conditions and nerve repair. [Nerve Repair](/benefits/nerve-repair)[Inflammation](/benefits/inflammation)[Immune Support](/benefits/immune-support)[Neuroprotection](/benefits/neuroprotection) [View Details](/peptides/vip) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=vip)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=vip) ### Zilucoplan High Evidence A self-administered, once-daily subcutaneous macrocyclic peptide that inhibits complement component 5 (C5), FDA- and EMA-approved for anti-AChR-positive generalized myasthenia gravis. [autoimmune disease]()[neuromuscular function]() [View Details](/peptides/zilucoplan) [\+ Compare](/compare?select=zilucoplan)[](https://app.peptrackerpro.com/?add=zilucoplan) [PepTracker Pro](/) Educational peptide information and research tracking tools. 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