ARA-290 (Cibinetide)
Limited human dataAlso known as: Cibinetide · EPO helix-B surface peptide
An 11-amino-acid peptide engineered from a non-erythropoietic region of erythropoietin, designed to activate tissue-repair signaling without stimulating red blood cell production. Studied in phase 2 human trials for small-fiber neuropathy—one of the more clinically tested "tissue protective" peptides.
Mechanism (plain language)
Activates the "innate repair receptor" (a complex of the erythropoietin receptor and the beta-common receptor subunit) to reduce inflammation and support nerve-fiber regeneration, while deliberately avoiding the erythropoietin receptor pathway that drives red blood cell production.
What research suggests
A randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial in sarcoidosis-associated small-fiber neuropathy reported significant improvement in neuropathic symptoms and an objective increase in corneal nerve fiber density after 28 days of dosing; a separate exploratory trial reported improved metabolic markers in painful diabetic neuropathy.
Uncertainties & risks
Trials are small (dozens of patients) and in specific neuropathy populations, not general recovery or performance contexts. The company developing it (Araim Pharmaceuticals) closed before phase 3 trials were completed, so development has stalled and no approved product exists.
Primary sources
Secondary citations for verification. Prefer the STACKD summary above for context before opening these.
- ARA 290 Improves Symptoms in Patients with Sarcoidosis-Associated Small Nerve Fiber Loss and Increases Corneal Nerve Fiber Density
2013 · human
Blinded, placebo-controlled trial found improved neuropathic symptoms and increased corneal nerve fiber density after 28 days.