ARA-290.
ARA-290 (cibinetide) is a synthetic 11-amino acid peptide derived from the helix B surface of erythropoietin, engineered to activate the innate repair receptor and deliver tissue-protective effects without triggering red blood cell production.
- Key Signals
- Neuroprotection · SFN · Tissue Repair
- Origin
- Synthetic (helix B EPO fragment)
- Investigator
- Brines et al. (Araim Pharmaceuticals)
- Class
- EPO-derived tissue-protective undecapeptide
- Status (UAE)
- Research compound (off-label)
EPO's Repair Signal, Isolated and Refined
ARA-290 is synthesised from the helix B surface of erythropoietin to activate tissue-protective receptors without stimulating red blood cell production.
Phase 2 trials in sarcoidosis-associated small fibre neuropathy show significant improvements in pain and intraepidermal nerve fibre density.
The EMA grants orphan drug designation for the sarcoidosis indication — acknowledging unmet need while the compound remains without marketing approval.
Eleven residues, repair without red cells.
Gln-Glu-Gln-Leu-Glu-Arg-Ala-Leu-Asn-Ser-Ser
C₅₁H₈₇N₁₇O₂₁ · MW 1274.4 Da
ARA-290 maps to the helix B surface of erythropoietin — the domain responsible for tissue-protective receptor binding — with no structural overlap with the erythropoietic sites of the parent protein.
Rare Phase 2 data, no approved indication.
Controlled Phase 2 human trial data exists; orphan designation granted but no regulatory approval in any jurisdiction.
- IRR activation confirmed
- Neuroprotection in rodent models
- Anti-inflammatory (cytokine reduction)
- Ischaemia-reperfusion protection
- Macrophage M2 polarisation shown
- Pain scores reduced (SFN cohort)
- IENFD increased post-treatment
- Sarcoidosis symptoms improved
- EU orphan designation granted
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
- Cardiac and renal protection
- Generalised neuroinflammation
- Post-COVID nerve injury (early signals)
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Orphan Designation, Not Approval
In the UAE, research-grade peptides occupy a defined regulatory category distinct from licensed medicines. Compounds sold under this classification — including those offered by Dubai Peptides — are intended exclusively for qualified research applications, not for human administration.
ARA-290 holds EMA orphan drug designation for sarcoidosis-associated small fibre neuropathy — a recognition of unmet need, not approval. No drug approval has been granted in any jurisdiction, including the UAE. Phase 2 trials in the Netherlands have been completed and published; no Phase 3 programme is currently registered. In the UAE, ARA-290 circulates as a research-grade peptide.
Brines and Cerami characterise helix B of EPO as the tissue-protective signalling domain, establishing the molecular rationale for ARA-290's design.
Phase 2 trials in the Netherlands confirm significant improvements in pain and nerve fibre density in sarcoidosis-associated SFN patients.
The EMA grants ARA-290 orphan drug designation for sarcoidosis-associated small fibre neuropathy, acknowledging unmet medical need.