ARA-290
Cibinetide
Mechanism of Action
Selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR) — a heteromer of the EPO receptor and CD131 — rather than the classical homodimeric EPO receptor responsible for erythropoiesis. IRR activation downregulates local inflammatory signaling, promotes small-fiber nerve regeneration, and directly antagonizes TRPV1 channel activity on peripheral nociceptors.
Key Benefits
- Increased corneal and intraepidermal small nerve fiber density in randomized trials
- Reduced neuropathic pain and improved quality-of-life scores in sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy
- Anti-inflammatory, tissue-protective signaling without erythropoietic side effects
- Direct TRPV1 antagonism relevant to pain sensitization
Dosing Protocol
Clinical development (Araim Pharmaceuticals) focused on sarcoidosis-associated small-fiber neuropathy; multiple randomized, placebo-controlled trials showed measurable nerve fiber regeneration and symptom improvement over ~4-week courses before development was discontinued.
Ideal Candidates
Research interest in small-fiber neuropathy, neuroinflammatory pain, and tissue-protective signaling; not indicated for anemia or hematologic use.
Side Effects & Safety
No significant safety signals reported across published trials at studied doses; as a discontinued investigational compound, long-term human safety data outside trials is limited.
Regulatory Status
RestrictedInvestigational drug (Araim Pharmaceuticals) with discontinued clinical development; no 503A listing. Educational/research reference only.
Evidence & Citations
- Dahan A, Dunne A, Swartjes M, et al. ARA 290 improves symptoms in patients with sarcoidosis-associated small nerve fiber loss and increases corneal nerve fiber density. Mol Med. 2013;19(1):334-45.
- Heij L, Niesters M, Swartjes M, et al. Safety and efficacy of ARA 290 in sarcoidosis patients with symptoms of small fiber neuropathy: a randomized, double-blind pilot study. Mol Med. 2012;18(1):1430-6.
- Zhang W, Yu G, Zhang M. ARA 290 relieves pathophysiological pain by targeting TRPV1 channel: Integration between immune system and nociception. Peptides. 2016;76:73-9.
Frequently asked
What is ARA-290?+
ARA-290 (Cibinetide) is a peptide studied for tissue protection and neuropathic pain. Selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR) — a heteromer of the EPO receptor and CD131 — rather than the classical homodimeric EPO receptor responsible for erythropoiesis. IRR activation downregulates local inflammatory signaling, promotes small-fiber nerve regeneration, and directly antagonizes TRPV1 channel activity on peripheral nociceptors.
What is the dosing protocol for ARA-290?+
Literature commonly references 2 mg 2x/wk (low) to 4 mg 3x/wk (maintenance) via SubQ / IV, on a 4 weeks (per published trial protocols) cycle. Educational reference only — a licensed Stackhaus Health provider sets any personalized protocol.
What is the regulatory status of ARA-290?+
Investigational drug (Araim Pharmaceuticals) with discontinued clinical development; no 503A listing. Educational/research reference only.
Where can I access ARA-290?+
Research-grade ARA-290 is available through Stackhaus Research. For a personalized, provider-reviewed protocol, consult a licensed clinician through Stackhaus Health.