§ 01 Overview
Overview
11-amino-acid peptide derived from the erythropoietin molecule that selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR) without erythropoietic activity. Investigated for neuropathic pain, sarcoidosis, and diabetic neuropathy.
Multiple Phase II trials completed. Heij et al. 2012 showed improvement in sarcoidosis neuropathy. Brines et al. 2014 demonstrated corneal nerve fiber regeneration in T2D. Araim Pharmaceuticals (now Cytoprotect Inc.) continuing development.
§ 02 Mechanism
Mechanism of action
Selectively binds the innate repair receptor (a heterodimer of EPOR and βcR, CD131) to activate anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective signaling. Does not stimulate the classical EPOR-2 homodimer and therefore does not drive erythropoiesis. Promotes Schwann cell survival, reduces neuroinflammation, and restores corneal nerve fiber density in diabetic neuropathy models.
- 01Separates tissue-protective EPO signaling from dangerous erythropoietic effects
- 02Improved small nerve fiber density in sarcoidosis neuropathy (Phase II)
- 03Corneal confocal microscopy shows nerve regeneration in T2D
- 04Anti-inflammatory without immunosuppression
§ 03 Dosing
Dosing protocol
Standard Protocol
- Dose Range
- 4 mg IV or SubQ (trial doses)
- Starting Dose
- 4 mg
- Route
- SubQ
- Frequency
- Daily or 3× weekly (trial-dependent)
- Cycle
- 28-day cycles in clinical trials
Storage
Refrigerate.
§ 04 Evidence
Evidence & research
Multiple Phase II trials completed. Heij et al. 2012 showed improvement in sarcoidosis neuropathy. Brines et al. 2014 demonstrated corneal nerve fiber regeneration in T2D. Araim Pharmaceuticals (now Cytoprotect Inc.) continuing development.
FDA Status
Investigational. Not approved.
§ 06 News
In the news
1 article from the last 12 months · updates hourly
Phase-targeted erythropoietin derivatives for traumatic brain injury: bridging mechanisms to precision therapy - Frontiers
Phase-targeted erythropoietin derivatives for traumatic brain injury: bridging mechanisms to precision therapy Frontiers
§ 07 Sourcing
Sourcing & supply
Regulatory status
Investigational, no compounding path
Currently in active clinical trials. No compounding pathway. No brand product. The only US channels are RUO vendors that the FDA has targeted with warning letters. Assume any sourcing carries significant regulatory and quality risk.
No suppliers in our directory currently stock this compound. For investigational or research-only compounds, legitimate channels may not exist outside clinical trials.
Browse full supplier directory§ 09 Safety
Safety & side effects
Side effects
- 01Mild injection site reactions
- 02Generally well tolerated in Phase II
Contraindications
- 01Limited safety data; investigational compound
§ 10 Questions
ARA-290 FAQ
- What is ARA-290?
- 11-amino-acid peptide derived from the erythropoietin molecule that selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR) without erythropoietic activity. Investigated for neuropathic pain, sarcoidosis, and diabetic neuropathy. Selectively binds the innate repair receptor (a heterodimer of EPOR and βcR, CD131) to activate anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective signaling. Does not stimulate the classical EPOR-2 homodimer and therefore does not drive erythropoiesis. Promotes Schwann cell survival, reduces neuroinflammation, and restores corneal nerve fiber density in diabetic neuropathy models.
- What is ARA-290 used for?
- Reported uses include separates tissue-protective epo signaling from dangerous erythropoietic effects, improved small nerve fiber density in sarcoidosis neuropathy (phase ii), corneal confocal microscopy shows nerve regeneration in t2d, and anti-inflammatory without immunosuppression. Evidence strength is rated Clinical — see the evidence section for detail.
- How is ARA-290 dosed?
- Commonly referenced dosing is 4 mg IV or SubQ (trial doses), typically daily or 3× weekly (trial-dependent), administered SubQ. This is educational reference only; consult a licensed clinician before use.
- What are the side effects of ARA-290?
- Commonly reported side effects include mild injection site reactions and generally well tolerated in phase ii. This list is not exhaustive.
- Is ARA-290 legal?
- Currently in active clinical trials. No compounding pathway. No brand product. The only US channels are RUO vendors that the FDA has targeted with warning letters. Assume any sourcing carries significant regulatory and quality risk. FDA status: Investigational. Not approved..
§ 11 References
Selected references
- 01
Heij — sarcoidosis neuropathy
PMID: 22902574
- 02
Brines — T2D corneal nerves
PMID: 25014792
- 03
Sarcoidosis Phase II
NCT01621113