ARA-290
ARA-290 (Cibinetide)
EPO's repair signal, without the blood effects
An 11-amino-acid peptide derived from erythropoietin (EPO) that activates the innate repair receptor — the tissue-protective arm of EPO signaling — without raising red blood cell count. ARA-290 is studied mainly for neuropathic pain and inflammation, working by switching cells from an inflammatory state toward repair.
- Half-life
- ~2–4 min (signal outlasts)
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Typical dose
- Research-dependent
- Availability
- Research-only
Key Benefits
Activates EPO's tissue-protective pathway without raising red blood cells
Studied for neuropathic and small-fiber nerve pain
Shifts cells from inflammation toward repair
Neuroprotective signaling
Does not increase hematocrit
Mechanism of Action
How ARA-290 works
ARA-290 engages the tissue-protective branch of EPO signaling:
- Innate repair receptor activation — binds the EPO-receptor/β-common-receptor (CD131) heterocomplex that mediates tissue protection, distinct from the classic EPO receptor that drives red blood cell production.
- Anti-inflammatory shift — dampens pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling and promotes a pro-resolution, repair-oriented cellular state.
- Neuroprotective signaling — supports small-nerve-fiber repair, the basis for its study in neuropathic pain and small-fiber neuropathy.
- No erythropoiesis — because it avoids the classic EPO receptor, it doesn't raise hematocrit, separating tissue protection from the blood-thickening risk of EPO.
Your Genetics & ARA-290
Genetic variants that affect your response
These SNPs determine how effectively ARA-290 works for you specifically. A genetic peptide report identifies your variants before you start.
The −308 G/A promoter variant sets baseline TNF-alpha output. Since ARA-290 works largely by calming inflammatory signaling, your TNF tone influences how much benefit there is to gain.
The −174 G/C variant shapes IL-6 expression. High-inflammatory genotypes may respond more noticeably to ARA-290's pro-resolution, anti-inflammatory action.
The Ala16Val variant affects how efficiently mitochondrial superoxide is neutralized. Oxidative-stress genetics shape the tissue background on which ARA-290's repair signaling acts.
The Glu298Asp variant influences endothelial nitric-oxide production and microvascular function, relevant to the nerve and tissue repair ARA-290 supports.
Which variants do you carry?
Upload your DNA data or order a kit to find out.
Evidence & Research
15+
Published studies
Animal studies and in vitro data with promising but limited clinical validation
Sourcing & access
Where to buy ARA-290
ARA-290 is sold as a research compound, not a licensed medicine, so quality and legal status vary widely by country and vendor. If you're sourcing it, treat independent purity testing as non-negotiable.
- Insist on a recent third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) for the exact batch — labs like Janoshik verify purity and identity.
- Check the legal status where you live before ordering — it differs from country to country.
- Reconstitute correctly with bacteriostatic water and start at a conservative dose.
Swiss Chems is a US research-chemical supplier that publishes third-party Certificates of Analysis. Sold for research use only — check your local laws.
Before you buy: see whether your DNA actually responds to ARA-290, and at what dose. Analyze my DNA — $99 →
Educational information only, not medical advice. Some outbound links are affiliate links (disclosed, at no extra cost to you), and providers we partner with are listed first. Most peptides are not FDA-approved — consult a qualified professional and check your local laws before purchasing.
Common Stacks
ARA-290 is commonly combined with:
BPC-157
Nerve & Tissue Repair StackModerate EvidenceBody Protection Compound 157
A 15-amino-acid peptide derived from human gastric juice. The most-researched peptide for tissue repair, gut healing, and injury recovery. Works through nitric oxide signaling, angiogenesis, and collagen stimulation.
4
Gene variants
100+
Studies
Frequently Asked Questions
How is ARA-290 related to EPO without affecting blood?
EPO signals through two routes: the classic receptor that makes red blood cells, and a separate tissue-protective 'innate repair receptor.' ARA-290 is engineered to activate only the repair route, so it delivers EPO's anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects without raising hematocrit or thickening the blood.
What is ARA-290 mainly studied for?
Its primary research focus is neuropathic and small-fiber nerve pain, along with inflammatory conditions. It works by shifting cells from an inflammatory state toward repair, which is why people with higher baseline inflammation may notice more from it.
Does genetics affect ARA-290 response?
Yes. Inflammatory genotypes (TNF −308, IL6 −174) set how much inflammation there is to resolve, while SOD2 and NOS3 shape the oxidative and microvascular background for tissue repair. A genetic peptide report profiles these for you.
Learn More About ARA-290
Your next move
Two ways forward with ARA-290.
Not sure it's for you?
Will ARA-290 work for your genes — and at what dose?
Your report scores ARA-290 against your receptor, CYP and pathway variants — likely responder, non-responder, and a sensible starting dose — in minutes.
Analyze my DNA — $99Already decided?
Get ARA-290 from Swiss Chems.
A US research-chemical supplier with third-party Certificates of Analysis. Sold for research use only — check your local laws before ordering.
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