ARA-290

Cibinetide · Innate Repair Receptor agonist

Rank#999
Tissue RepairNot ApprovedPhase IIResearchSubQIV

Popular for:Neuropathic pain, diabetic neuropathy, tissue repair without erythropoiesis

22

Total Studies

14

Human Studies

Phase II

Evidence Level

Not Approved

FDA Status

Overview

ARA-290 (Cibinetide) is a synthetic 11-amino acid peptide derived from the structure of erythropoietin (EPO) but engineered to activate only the tissue-protective receptor (Innate Repair Receptor) without stimulating red blood cell production. This solves a major problem with EPO — it provides the healing and neuroprotective benefits without the dangerous blood thickening side effects.

Developed by Araim Pharmaceuticals, ARA-290 has been through Phase II clinical trials for diabetic neuropathy, sarcoidosis-associated neuropathic pain, and chronic kidney disease. Results showed significant improvements in small nerve fiber density and neuropathic pain scores.

Mechanism of Action

ARA-290 selectively activates the Innate Repair Receptor (IRR), a heterodimer of EPO receptor and beta common receptor (CD131). Unlike EPO which activates the classical homodimeric EPO receptor (driving erythropoiesis), ARA-290 specifically targets the tissue-protective pathway. IRR activation triggers anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and tissue repair cascades including upregulation of VEGF, reduction of inflammatory cytokines, and promotion of Schwann cell survival and small nerve fiber regeneration.

Key Research Benefits

Tissue protection without red blood cell stimulation (solves EPO safety issue)
Phase II data for diabetic neuropathy — improved nerve fiber density
Studied for neuropathic pain with significant pain score improvements
Anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects
Researched for sarcoidosis, chronic kidney disease, and wound healing

Clinical Evidence Summary

Research Pipeline

Preclinical
Animal
Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
Approved

22

Total Studies

14

Human Studies

Not FDA-approved. Phase II completed for multiple indications (Araim Pharmaceuticals). Orphan drug designation for sarcoidosis. Active research compound.

Key Studies / PubMed References

Mechanistic Approach for Protective Effect of ARA290, a Specific Ligand for the Erythropoietin/CD131 Heteroreceptor, against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity, the Involvement of Apoptosis and Inflammation Pathways.

Human Study

Ghassemi-Barghi N, Ehsanfar Z, Mohammadrezakhani O, et al. · Inflammation · 2023

PMID: 36085231

Early monocyte modulation by the non-erythropoietic peptide ARA 290 decelerates AD-like pathology progression.

Human Study

Al-Onaizi MA, Thériault P, Lecordier S, et al. · Brain, behavior, and immunity · 2022

PMID: 34343617

Synthesis and evaluation ofTc-DOTA-ARA-290 as potential SPECT tracer for targeting cardiac ischemic region.

In Vitro

Mohtavinejad N, Hajiramezanali M, Akhlaghi M, et al. · Iranian journal of basic medical sciences · 2021

PMID: 35317117

A Phase 2 Clinical Trial on the Use of Cibinetide for the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema.

Human Study

Lois N, Gardner E, McFarland M, et al. · Journal of clinical medicine · 2020

PMID: 32674280

An engineered non-erythropoietic erythropoietin-derived peptide, ARA290, attenuates doxorubicin induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress.

In Vitro

Shokrzadeh M, Etebari M, Ghassemi-Barghi N · Toxicology in vitro : an international journal published in association with BIBRA · 2020

PMID: 32335150

Side Effects & Safety

Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials
Injection site reactions
Headache
No erythropoietic effects (this is a feature, not a side effect)

Known Interactions

No curated interaction entry is live for ARA-290 yet.

Until the interaction table is fully populated, use the interaction checker and related peptides below to explore adjacent compounds and likely research pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Research Disclaimer

This page is for research and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. ARA-290 is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The studies referenced are linked to their original PubMed sources for verification.