ARA-290
Cibinetide. Erythropoietin-derived peptide for nerve repair, neuropathic pain, and systemic anti-inflammation.
Last updated: May 2026
Category
Healing & Recovery
Frequency
Daily
Research
Phase 2 Clinical TrialsWhat is ARA-290?
ARA-290 (also known as Cibinetide) is a cyclic peptide derived from the innate repair receptor-binding region of erythropoietin (EPO). It is designed to activate the tissue-protective receptor (innate repair receptor) without the erythropoiesis (red blood cell production) effects of full EPO, capturing EPO's protective benefits without the risk of blood thickening. Browse the full peptide library for related healing compounds.
ARA-290 was developed specifically for neuropathic pain and peripheral nerve repair. For general tissue healing, consider combining with BPC-157. Phase 2 clinical trials in patients with sarcoidosis-related neuropathy demonstrated significant reductions in neuropathic pain and improvements in nerve fiber density, meaning it actually regenerated damaged nerve fibers.
This makes ARA-290 unique, it is one of the only compounds with clinical evidence for actual peripheral nerve regeneration, not just pain management. It's used by users with diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, nerve injuries, and chronic neuropathic pain conditions.
How It Works
Innate Repair Receptor Activation: ARA-290 binds to the tissue-protective (innate repair) receptor, which is separate from the EPO receptor responsible for red blood cell production. This activates repair and anti-inflammatory pathways in neurons and other tissues.
Neurotrophic Factor Upregulation: ARA-290 increases expression of BDNF, NGF, and other neurotrophic factors that support nerve survival and regeneration.
Anti-Apoptotic Signaling: ARA-290 activates JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/Akt pathways, which protect neurons from programmed cell death.
Benefits
- Peripheral nerve regeneration (clinical evidence)
- Significant neuropathic pain reduction
- Diabetic neuropathy treatment
- Systemic anti-inflammatory effects
- Organ protection (heart, kidney)
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Metabolic benefits in diabetic models
Dosing Protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neuropathy Protocol | 4mg | Once daily SC | 4–8 weeks |
| Pain Management | 2–4mg | Once daily | Ongoing as needed |
Always start at the lowest effective dose and titrate up gradually.
Side Effects
Common
- ⚠Injection site reactions
- ⚠Mild headache
- ⚠Fatigue in first week
Rare
- •Dizziness
- •Elevated blood pressure (monitor)
Who Should NOT Use ARA-290
- ✕Active cancer
- ✕History of thromboembolic disease (consult physician)
- ✕Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- ✕Severe hypertension
What to Expect
Some users report early pain reduction. Nerve regeneration begins but is not yet felt.
Significant pain reduction in most users. Tingling and burning sensations decrease.
Clinical trials showed maximum nerve fiber density improvements at 8 weeks. Sustained pain relief.
Long-term maintenance dosing may be needed for chronic conditions. Nerve regeneration continues.
Notes from Ho Chi Minh City
ARA-290 is the peptide I have only run once and only because a Vietnamese friend in Phu My Hung with established Type 2 diabetes was looking at small-fiber neuropathy in his feet that had not responded to gabapentin. The 4mg subcutaneous daily protocol over 6 weeks produced what he described as a clear reduction in burning sensation by week 3, which lined up with the Phase 2 sarcoidosis-neuropathy trial timeline. The Phase 2 nerve fiber density data is what makes this peptide worth the cost; the case for actual nerve regeneration rather than pure analgesia is the differentiator versus generic anti-inflammatories. Research-grade ARA-290 in Vietnam runs 3.5 to 5 million VND per 50mg vial through cold-chain importers, on the expensive end of the recovery peptide category.
Sourcing in Vietnam
ARA-290 (Cibinetide) has no FDA approval and no DAV-registered pharmaceutical brand in Vietnam. It is not stocked at Long Châu, Pharmacity, FV Hospital, or Vinmec. Sourcing is research-grade only through cold-chain importers (3.5 to 5 million VND per 50mg vial). The 4mg daily dosing makes a single vial last roughly 12 days, so a full neuropathy protocol typically requires 3 vials. See the supplier list and COA guide before purchasing.
FAQ
Q: Is ARA-290 the same as EPO (erythropoietin)?
A: No. ARA-290 is derived from a small region of the EPO molecule and specifically activates only the tissue-protective receptor. It does NOT stimulate red blood cell production or carry EPO's blood-thickening risks.
Q: Can ARA-290 help with diabetic neuropathy?
A: Yes, this is one of its primary studied applications. Phase 2 trials showed significant improvements in both small fiber neuropathy symptoms and actual nerve fiber density in diabetic patients. Source from the community-verified supplier list.
Where to Get ARA-290 in Vietnam
See our community-verified supplier list with COA verification and cold-chain shipping to Vietnam.
Related Peptides
Research & Sources
- ARA290, a peptide derived from the tertiary structure of erythropoietin · Brines M, Patel NS, Villa P, et al. · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2008) PMID: 18525040
Original paper describing the design of ARA-290 to activate the innate repair receptor without erythropoiesis.
- ARA290, an innate repair peptide, in patients with sarcoidosis and small fiber neuropathy · Heij L, Niesters M, Swartjes M, et al. · Molecular Medicine (2012) PMID: 23296426
Phase 2 trial in sarcoidosis-related small fiber neuropathy demonstrating both pain reduction and nerve fiber density improvement.
- Cibinetide attenuates pain in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and small nerve fiber damage · Dahan A, Brines M, Niesters M, et al. · PLoS One (2013) PMID: 23818936
Clinical evidence for cibinetide in diabetic small fiber neuropathy supporting metabolic indications.
- Erythropoietin and tissue protection: a tale of two receptors · Brines M, Cerami A · Molecular Medicine (2008) PMID: 18475317
Mechanistic review distinguishing the EPO receptor from the innate repair receptor that ARA-290 selectively activates.
Important Disclaimer
Educational content only. Not medical advice. Peptides discussed on this page are not approved by Vietnam’s Ministry of Health (Bộ Y Tế) or the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) for the indications described. Research peptides are not stocked at Long Châu, Pharmacity, or any retail pharmacy in Vietnam. Consult a licensed physician before any use.