ARA-290 (Cibinetide) Dosage Guide
Evidence-based protocols for the innate repair receptor (IRR) agonist — clinical trial dosing for diabetic neuropathy, small fiber neuropathy, sarcoidosis, tissue repair, and anti-inflammatory support.
In This Guide
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ARA-290
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What Is ARA-290 (Cibinetide)?
ARA-290 (also known as Cibinetide) is a synthetic 11-amino-acid peptide designed to selectively activate the innate repair receptor (IRR). The IRR is a heterodimeric receptor complex composed of the erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) and CD131 (also called the beta common receptor, βcR). This receptor is distinct from the classical EPO receptor homodimer that drives red blood cell production.
The critical distinction is this: natural erythropoietin (EPO) activates the EPOR/EPOR homodimer to stimulate erythropoiesis (red blood cell production in bone marrow), while ARA-290 selectively activates the EPOR/CD131 heterodimer (the IRR) to trigger tissue-protective, anti-inflammatory, and repair pathways — without any effect on red blood cell production. This selectivity is what makes ARA-290 therapeutically interesting: it captures EPO's tissue-protective benefits while avoiding the dangerous hematological side effects (blood thickening, clotting risk) that limit EPO's use outside of anemia treatment.
ARA-290 was developed by Araim Pharmaceuticals and has progressed through multiple Phase 2 clinical trials, primarily for diabetic neuropathy and sarcoidosis-associated small fiber neuropathy. These trials used subcutaneous injection of 2–4 mg daily for 28 days and demonstrated improvements in corneal nerve fiber density (a biomarker for small fiber nerve health), neuropathic pain scores, and quality of life measures.
Use our Peptide Dosage to calculate your exact subcutaneous dose based on vial size and concentration.
Key Characteristics:
- Selective innate repair receptor (IRR) agonist — activates the EPOR/CD131 heterodimer for tissue protection and repair; does NOT activate the classical EPOR/EPOR homodimer for erythropoiesis
- 11-amino-acid synthetic peptide — molecular weight ~1.3 kDa; designed based on the tissue-protective signaling domain of EPO without the erythropoietic domain
- No erythropoietic activity — does NOT increase red blood cells, hemoglobin, or hematocrit — confirmed in clinical trials; avoids blood thickening and clotting risks of EPO
- Clinical trial-validated dosing — 2–4 mg subcutaneous daily for 28 days in Phase 2 trials for diabetic neuropathy and sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy
- Neuroprotective and neuroregenerative — promotes small nerve fiber regeneration; improvements in corneal nerve fiber density demonstrated in clinical trials
- Anti-inflammatory tissue protection — IRR activation triggers anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective signaling cascades including JAK2/STAT5, PI3K/Akt, and NF-κB modulation
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How ARA-290 Dosage Is Determined
ARA-290 is one of the few research peptides with dosing informed directly by formal human clinical trials rather than solely by preclinical animal studies and community extrapolation. Multiple Phase 2 trials have established the dose range, treatment duration, and route of administration used in practice today.
Phase 2 Clinical Trials — Diabetic Neuropathy
Brines et al. conducted Phase 2 trials evaluating ARA-290 in patients with type 2 diabetes and neuropathy. These studies used 4 mg subcutaneous injection once daily for 28 days. Corneal confocal microscopy (a non-invasive biomarker for small fiber nerve density) demonstrated improvements in corneal nerve fiber density and branch density in the treatment group compared to placebo. Neuropathic pain scores also improved. These results established 4 mg daily as the primary clinical dose.
Sarcoidosis-Associated Small Fiber Neuropathy
Heij et al. evaluated ARA-290 in sarcoidosis patients with small fiber neuropathy (SFN) — a condition where the body's immune response damages small sensory nerves. Using the same 4 mg daily subcutaneous protocol for 28 days, the study demonstrated improvements in corneal nerve fiber parameters and patient-reported quality of life. This confirmed that ARA-290's IRR-mediated tissue repair extends beyond diabetic neuropathy to immune-mediated nerve damage.
Dose-Finding Rationale
The 2–4 mg dose range was selected based on preclinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling. ARA-290 has a short plasma half-life (approximately 10–12 minutes after subcutaneous injection), but its biological effects persist much longer because IRR activation triggers downstream signaling cascades (JAK2/STAT5, PI3K/Akt) that continue for hours after the peptide itself has been cleared. The 4 mg dose was shown to achieve sufficient plasma levels for reliable IRR activation across the target tissue compartments.
IRR Selectivity — Why No Erythropoiesis
ARA-290's structure was specifically engineered to bind the EPOR/CD131 heterodimer (IRR) with high affinity while having negligible affinity for the EPOR/EPOR homodimer that drives erythropoiesis. This selectivity has been confirmed in clinical trials: patients receiving 4 mg daily for 28 days showed no changes in hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocyte counts, or any other erythropoietic parameters. This is the key safety advantage over EPO and EPO-derived compounds.
Standard ARA-290 Dosage Ranges
ARA-290 dosing is primarily based on clinical trial data. The subcutaneous route is standard, with intravenous administration used only in controlled research settings. Note that ARA-290 is dosed in milligrams (mg), not micrograms — a higher dose range than many other research peptides.
Subcutaneous Injection (Standard)
| Level | Dose per Injection | Frequency | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting / Lower | 2 mg | 1x daily | 28 days | Lower end of clinical range; assess tolerance |
| Standard (Clinical) | 4 mg | 1x daily | 28 days | Primary dose used in Phase 2 trials; most commonly recommended |
| Repeat Course | 4 mg | 1x daily | 28 days (after break) | Additional course after 2–4 week assessment period if needed |
Intravenous (Research Settings Only)
- Dose: 2–4 mg IV bolus, used in early clinical pharmacology studies
- Context: Hospital or clinical research settings only; not practical for outpatient or self-administration
- Note: IV administration provides faster peak plasma levels but the same downstream biological effects as subcutaneous injection; SubQ is preferred for all practical use
Administration Routes Compared
Unlike some peptides with multiple practical routes (oral, topical, intranasal), ARA-290 is effectively limited to subcutaneous injection for practical use. Its 11-amino-acid size makes it too large for reliable oral bioavailability and too small to be formulated for practical topical or transdermal delivery to deep tissues.
| Parameter | Subcutaneous | Intravenous | Oral |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Dose | 2–4 mg | 2–4 mg | Not viable |
| Bioavailability | Good (standard route) | 100% (direct) | Negligible (degraded) |
| Clinical Evidence | Phase 2 trials | Early-phase studies | None |
| Practical for Self-Use | Yes | No (clinical setting only) | No |
| Ease of Use | Requires injection skill | Requires medical supervision | N/A |
| Key Advantage | Proven, practical, reliable | Fastest peak levels | N/A |
Calculate Your ARA-290 Dose
ARA-290 is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, typically in 5 mg or 10 mg vials. You reconstitute it with bacteriostatic water, then draw your dose using an insulin syringe. Because ARA-290 is dosed in milligrams (not micrograms), the injection volumes are somewhat larger than for low-dose peptides.
Worked Example (5 mg Vial):
- Vial size: 5 mg (5,000 mcg) of ARA-290
- Bacteriostatic water added: 1 mL
- Concentration: 5 mg ÷ 1 mL = 5 mg per mL
- Target dose: 4 mg
- Volume to draw: 4 ÷ 5 = 0.8 mL = 80 units on an insulin syringe
Quick Reference — 5 mg Vial
| Bac Water Added | Concentration | 2 mg Dose | 4 mg Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 mL | 10 mg/mL | 20 units (0.2 mL) | 40 units (0.4 mL) |
| 1 mL | 5 mg/mL | 40 units (0.4 mL) | 80 units (0.8 mL) |
| 2 mL | 2.5 mg/mL | 80 units (0.8 mL) | Not practical (1.6 mL) |
Quick Reference — 10 mg Vial
| Bac Water Added | Concentration | 2 mg Dose | 4 mg Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 10 mg/mL | 20 units (0.2 mL) | 40 units (0.4 mL) |
| 2 mL | 5 mg/mL | 40 units (0.4 mL) | 80 units (0.8 mL) |
| 2.5 mL | 4 mg/mL | 50 units (0.5 mL) | 100 units (1 mL) |
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ARA-290 Dosage by Goal
ARA-290's IRR activation provides tissue-protective and repair-promoting effects across multiple contexts. The standard 4 mg daily protocol applies across most goals, with variations primarily in duration and stacking rather than dose.
Diabetic Neuropathy & Small Fiber Neuropathy
The primary clinical indication studied in Phase 2 trials. ARA-290 promotes small nerve fiber regeneration via IRR-mediated signaling. Corneal confocal microscopy has demonstrated improvements in corneal nerve fiber density — a validated surrogate biomarker for systemic small fiber nerve health — after 28 days of treatment.
- Dose: 4 mg subcutaneous, once daily
- Duration: 28 days per course; reassess before repeating
- Expected timeline: Measurable nerve fiber improvements at 28 days; symptomatic improvement may begin at 2–3 weeks but continue developing after treatment ends
- Stack: + SS-31 for mitochondrial support in nerve cells (complementary neuroprotective mechanism)
Sarcoidosis-Associated Neuropathy
Sarcoidosis causes immune-mediated damage to small nerve fibers. ARA-290's anti-inflammatory and tissue-repair properties through IRR activation address both the inflammatory insult and the resulting nerve damage. Clinical trials have demonstrated improvements in this specific patient population.
- Dose: 4 mg subcutaneous, once daily
- Duration: 28 days per course; may require multiple courses
- Stack: + Thymosin Alpha-1 for immune modulation support (addresses the immune dysregulation underlying sarcoidosis)
General Tissue Protection & Repair
Beyond neuropathy, IRR activation by ARA-290 triggers broadly cytoprotective signaling cascades (anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory) that may support tissue repair in various contexts. The IRR is expressed in multiple tissue types including cardiac, renal, neural, and vascular tissue. Preclinical models have shown protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury, kidney injury, and cardiac damage.
- Dose: 2–4 mg subcutaneous, once daily
- Duration: 14–28 days depending on the repair context
- Stack: + BPC-157 250–500 mcg for complementary tissue repair (angiogenesis + growth factor upregulation)
Anti-Inflammatory Support
IRR activation modulates NF-κB signaling and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production through a different mechanism than direct NF-κB inhibitors like KPV. ARA-290's anti-inflammatory effects are mediated through the tissue-protective signaling cascade rather than direct transcription factor inhibition, providing a complementary anti-inflammatory approach.
- Dose: 2–4 mg subcutaneous, once daily
- Duration: 28 days per course
- Stack: + KPV for dual anti-inflammatory pathways (IRR-mediated tissue protection + direct NF-κB inhibition)
Cycling & Duration
ARA-290 cycling follows the clinical trial paradigm: defined treatment courses of 28 days, with assessment periods between courses. This is not primarily driven by desensitization concerns (the IRR does not appear to rapidly downregulate) but rather by the nature of tissue repair — biological processes initiated during the treatment course continue developing during the off-period.
| Protocol | On-Period | Off-Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (Clinical) | 28 days | 2–4 weeks | Matches clinical trial protocol; assess response during off-period |
| Repeat Course | 28 days | 2–4 weeks | Second course if first shows benefit but further improvement is desired |
| Extended (Chronic Neuropathy) | 28 days | 4 weeks | Multiple sequential courses for chronic conditions; reassess between each |
| Short Course (Tissue Repair) | 14–21 days | As needed | Shorter course for acute tissue protection scenarios; less clinical data |
When to Repeat a Course
- First course showed benefit: If symptoms improved during or after the first 28-day course but further improvement is desired, a repeat course after a 2–4 week break is reasonable.
- Chronic neuropathy: Nerve regeneration is slow. Multiple 28-day courses may be needed to achieve meaningful clinical improvement in severe or long-standing neuropathy.
- No benefit after first course: If no improvement is observed after a full 28-day course plus a 4-week assessment period, reconsider whether ARA-290 is appropriate for the specific condition. Consult a healthcare provider.
- Symptom recurrence: If symptoms return after initial improvement, a repeat course may help reinitiate repair signaling.
ARA-290 Stacking Protocols
ARA-290's IRR-mediated tissue repair mechanism is distinct from most other peptide mechanisms, making it a good candidate for complementary stacking. Because IRR activation triggers anti-apoptotic and cytoprotective signaling, it pairs well with peptides that address other aspects of tissue health: angiogenesis, mitochondrial function, immune modulation, and growth factor production.
ARA-290 + BPC-157 — Tissue Repair Stack
Combines ARA-290's IRR-mediated cytoprotection with BPC-157's angiogenic and growth factor-driven tissue repair. ARA-290 protects cells from apoptosis and reduces inflammation (the defense), while BPC-157 promotes new blood vessel formation and tissue regeneration (the rebuild). These mechanisms are fully complementary.
| Compound | Dose | Route | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARA-290 | 4 mg, 1x daily | SubQ | IRR activation; cytoprotection; anti-apoptotic signaling |
| BPC-157 | 250–500 mcg, 1–2x daily | SubQ | Angiogenesis; growth factor upregulation (VEGF, EGF); tissue repair |
ARA-290 + SS-31 (Elamipretide) — Neuroprotective Stack
A targeted neuroprotection approach pairing ARA-290's IRR-mediated nerve repair with SS-31's mitochondrial protection. SS-31 stabilizes cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, improving cellular energy production in metabolically stressed neurons. This combination addresses both the signaling environment (IRR activation) and the energy supply (mitochondrial function) needed for nerve regeneration.
| Compound | Dose | Route | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARA-290 | 4 mg, 1x daily | SubQ | IRR activation; nerve fiber regeneration signaling |
| SS-31 | 0.5–1 mg, 1x daily | SubQ | Mitochondrial cardiolipin stabilization; neuronal energy support |
ARA-290 + Thymosin Alpha-1 — Immune-Mediated Neuropathy Stack
Designed for conditions where immune dysregulation contributes to nerve damage (such as sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy). ARA-290 promotes nerve repair via IRR activation while Thymosin Alpha-1 modulates adaptive immune function, enhancing T-cell regulation and potentially reducing the autoimmune or inflammatory attack on nerve fibers.
| Compound | Dose | Route | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARA-290 | 4 mg, 1x daily | SubQ | IRR activation; nerve repair; anti-inflammatory tissue protection |
| Thymosin Alpha-1 | 1.6 mg, 2–3x per week | SubQ | Adaptive immune modulation; T-cell regulation; immune surveillance |
ARA-290 + BPC-157 + SS-31 — Comprehensive Neuroprotection Stack
A three-peptide approach targeting all major aspects of nerve health: IRR-mediated repair signaling (ARA-290), angiogenesis and growth factor support (BPC-157), and mitochondrial energy optimization (SS-31). This comprehensive stack addresses the signaling, vascular, and metabolic components of nerve repair simultaneously.
Explore more combinations with our Peptide Stack Builder or browse the Top 10 Peptide Stacks guide.
Safety, Side Effects & Contraindications
Reported Side Effects (Clinical Trials)
Mild and infrequent:
- Injection site reactions — mild redness, soreness, or swelling at the injection site; the most commonly reported adverse event; typically transient
- Mild headache — reported by a small percentage of participants in clinical trials; generally self-resolving
- Transient dizziness — reported rarely; mild and short-lasting
- Mild nausea — infrequent; did not lead to discontinuation in clinical trials
NOT associated with ARA-290:
- No increases in hemoglobin, hematocrit, or red blood cell count (no erythropoietic effects — confirmed in clinical trials)
- No hypertension or blood pressure changes
- No thromboembolic events (no blood clotting risk increase)
- No hormonal effects (no impact on testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, or prolactin)
- No appetite changes, weight gain, or metabolic disruption
- No known receptor desensitization or tolerance development within 28-day courses
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding — no safety data exists for ARA-290 during pregnancy or nursing. Avoid entirely.
- Known hypersensitivity — discontinue use if allergic reactions occur (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling).
- Active malignancy — IRR activation triggers anti-apoptotic and cytoprotective signaling cascades. While these are beneficial for tissue repair, the theoretical concern is that anti-apoptotic signaling could potentially support tumor cell survival. Patients with active cancer should not use ARA-290 without oncologist consultation.
- Concurrent EPO therapy — while ARA-290 does not stimulate erythropoiesis, combining it with EPO or EPO-stimulating agents has not been adequately studied. Consult a healthcare provider if currently receiving EPO therapy.
When to Stop or Reduce Dose
- Any signs of allergic reaction (rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Persistent or worsening injection site reactions beyond the first week
- No improvement in symptoms after a complete 28-day course plus 4-week assessment period
- Development of any new or unexpected symptoms during treatment — err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare provider
- If diagnosed with a new malignancy while on treatment — discontinue and consult an oncologist
Common ARA-290 Dosing Mistakes
Avoid these common errors to get the most out of your ARA-290 protocol:
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- ARA-290 (Cibinetide) selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR) — an EPOR/CD131 heterodimer that triggers tissue-protective, anti-inflammatory, and repair signaling without erythropoiesis
- No red blood cell effects — ARA-290 does NOT stimulate erythropoiesis, does not increase hemoglobin or hematocrit, and carries none of EPO's hematological risks
- Clinical trial-validated dosing: 4 mg subcutaneous once daily for 28 days — established in Phase 2 trials for diabetic neuropathy and sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy
- Dosed in milligrams, not micrograms: the standard dose is 4 mg (4,000 mcg) — significantly higher than most research peptides; double-check units
- Subcutaneous injection only: oral administration is not viable for this 11-amino-acid peptide; all clinical data uses SubQ injection
- Primary indications: diabetic neuropathy, small fiber neuropathy, sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy, general tissue repair, anti-inflammatory support
- Repair continues after treatment: nerve regeneration and tissue repair processes initiated during the 28-day course continue developing during the off-period
- Top stacks: + BPC-157 for tissue repair, + SS-31 for neuroprotection, + Thymosin Alpha-1 for immune-mediated neuropathy
- Well-tolerated in clinical trials — mild injection site reactions most common; no hormonal effects, no hematological changes, no tolerance development
- Not FDA-approved — Phase 2 data is strong but Phase 3 trials have not been completed. This is an investigational compound. Consult a healthcare provider.
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References
- Brines M, et al. “ARA 290, a nonerythropoietic peptide engineered from erythropoietin, improves metabolic control and neuropathic symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes.” Mol Med. 2015;20(1):658-666. PubMed
- Heij L, et al. “Safety and efficacy of ARA 290 in sarcoidosis patients with symptoms of small fiber neuropathy: a randomized, double-blind pilot study.” Mol Med. 2012;18(1):1430-1436. PubMed
- Brines M, Cerami A. “The receptor that tames the innate immune response.” Mol Med. 2012;18(1):486-496. PubMed
- Brines M, Cerami A. “Erythropoietin-mediated tissue protection: reducing collateral damage from the primary injury response.” J Intern Med. 2008;264(5):405-432. PubMed
- Dahan A, et al. “ARA 290 improves symptoms in patients with sarcoidosis-associated small nerve fiber loss and increases corneal nerve fiber density.” Mol Med. 2013;19(1):334-345. PubMed
- Brines M, et al. “Nonerythropoietic, tissue-protective peptides derived from the tertiary structure of erythropoietin.” Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2008;105(31):10925-10930. PubMed
- Leist M, et al. “Derivatives of erythropoietin that are tissue protective but not erythropoietic.” Science. 2004;305(5681):239-242. PubMed
- Brines M, Cerami A. “Discovering erythropoietin's extra-hematopoietic functions: biology and clinical promise.” Kidney Int. 2006;70(2):246-250. PubMed
- Swartjes M, et al. “ARA 290, a peptide derived from the tertiary structure of erythropoietin, produces long-term relief of neuropathic pain coupled with suppression of the spinal microglia response.” Mol Pain. 2014;10:13. PubMed
Next Steps
Continue your research with these resources.
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