Neuro/Cognitive Peptides

ARA-290 (Cibinetide)

Commonly used for
Nerve PainNeuropathy SupportInflammation
What is it?
ARA-290 (Cibinetide) is a synthetic peptide derived from the structure of erythropoietin (EPO), engineered to retain tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory effects without EPO's blood-cell-stimulating activity. It acts on the innate repair receptor (IRR) and has been studied in clinical trials for neuropathic pain and small fiber neuropathy.
Mechanism of action: Innate repair receptor (IRR) agonist; Anti-inflammatory signaling; Tissue-protective effects without erythropoietic (blood-cell-stimulating) activity
What do people use it for?
Proposed indications: Small fiber neuropathy; Neuropathic pain; Sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy
How is it used? / Dosing
Typical clinical dosing schedule: No standardized dosing established; clinical trials have used varying regimens depending on the condition studied.
Administration: Subcutaneous injection (clinical trial settings) — No standardized regimen — varies by clinical trial protocol
How does it compare?
Compare with:
How well does it work? / Evidence
~ Moderate evidence
Evidence rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ — Phase 2 clinical trials have investigated ARA-290 for small fiber neuropathy and related conditions, with promising but not yet definitive results.
Landmark trials: Heij L, Niesters M, Swartjes M, et al. (2012) — Randomized, double-blind pilot study of ARA-290 safety and efficacy in sarcoidosis patients with symptoms of small fiber neuropathy.
Safety & side effects
Common side effects: Injection-site reactions, Headache
Serious risks: Long-term safety data remain limited given its investigational status.
Legal & regulatory status
Legal status: Investigational. Not FDA-approved and not available by prescription — currently accessible only through enrollment in a clinical trial.
Regulatory status: Investigational • Not FDA Approved
Who should avoid it?
Contraindications: No established contraindications; investigational use only.
Research & references
Heij L, Niesters M, Swartjes M, et al. (2012). Safety and efficacy of ARA 290 in sarcoidosis patients with symptoms of small fiber neuropathy: a randomized, double-blind pilot study. Molecular Medicine. https://doi.org/10.2119/molmed.2012.00332 Dahan A, Brines M, Niesters M, Cerami A, et al. (2016). Targeting the innate repair receptor to treat neuropathy. Pain Reports.