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ARA-290

Research use

EPO derived peptide (cibinetide)

Last updated 29 October 2026

ARA-290, also called cibinetide, is a peptide based on part of the hormone EPO, designed to calm inflammation and protect tissue without raising red blood cells. It has been studied for nerve pain. It is investigational, with no UK marketing authorisation.

Key points

ARA-290 (cibinetide) is an 11 amino acid peptide derived from erythropoietin (EPO).
It is designed to keep EPO's tissue protective and anti inflammatory effects without stimulating red blood cell production.
It has been studied mainly for painful nerve damage, including in diabetes and sarcoidosis.
It is investigational, with no UK marketing authorisation, and is sold online for research use.

Quick facts

What it is: EPO derived peptide (cibinetide), 11 amino acids
Studied for: Painful nerve damage
UK status: Investigational; no UK marketing authorisation
Human evidence: Early; one mid stage trial

How it works

EPO is known for boosting red blood cells, but it also has a separate tissue protective action through a different receptor. ARA-290 is designed to trigger just that protective, anti inflammatory pathway, calming nerve inflammation without the blood effects. This is the basis for studying it in nerve pain.

What the evidence shows

A mid stage trial in painful diabetic nerve damage reported improvements in symptoms and in nerve fibre measures, with no serious side effects over the short study. The evidence is still early, and there are no completed late stage trials or approvals.

What it does not settle

There are no completed late stage trials or approvals.
Long term safety and the best dose are not established.
It has not been compared with standard nerve pain treatments.

Side effects

Common

In the trial reported, no serious side effects were attributed to the peptide over the short period studied.

Less common but serious

As an investigational peptide, its long term safety is not established.
Products sold online are unlicensed, and their dose and contents cannot be verified.

Report any suspected side effect through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

UK legal status and access

ARA-290 has no UK marketing authorisation, so it is not a licensed medicine and is not offered by registered clinics or pharmacies. It is investigational, studied in trials, and sold online for research use.

Common questions

What is ARA-290?

A peptide based on part of the hormone EPO, designed to calm inflammation and protect nerves without raising red blood cells. It is investigational.

Does it help nerve pain?

An early trial was encouraging, but the evidence is limited and there are no completed late stage trials or approvals.

The licensed route

Nerve pain has established, licensed treatments. A registered clinician can advise on proper assessment and options.

Factual reference only, not medical advice. We give no dosing for unlicensed compounds.

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