ARA-290
Also called: cibinetide
Clinical reviewer: Jacob Moore, MD · Last checked September 22, 2026
What is ARA-290?
ARA-290 is a nonhematopoietic peptide designed from the structure of erythropoietin that interacts with the innate repair receptor, rather than the receptor that makes red blood cells. Also called cibinetide, it has been tested in small, sponsor-involved trials for diabetic neuropathy, sarcoidosis-related nerve pain and diabetic macular edema. It is not FDA-approved.
How does ARA-290 work?
ARA-290, also called cibinetide, is a nonhematopoietic peptide designed from the structure of erythropoietin that interacts selectively with the innate repair receptor, which mediates tissue protection rather than red-blood-cell production [1]. Several authors of its trials list Araim Pharmaceuticals as their affiliation [1].
What has ARA-290 been tested for?
Small trials, all with sponsor-affiliated authors. In type 2 diabetes with painful neuropathy, 4 mg self-administered subcutaneously daily for 28 days improved pain scores and HbA1c, with no safety issues identified [1]. In 22 sarcoidosis patients with small-fiber neuropathy symptoms, three-times-weekly infusions of 2 mg for 4 weeks improved symptom scores versus placebo, again with no safety concerns raised [2]. In nine patients with diabetic macular edema, 12 weeks of dosing brought no improvement in vision, though no serious adverse events or anti-cibinetide antibodies were seen [3].
Is ARA-290 FDA-approved?
No FDA-approved cibinetide or ARA-290 product exists. FDA's list current as of May 14, 2026 places Cibinetide (ARA-290) in Category 3, the category for bulk substances nominated without adequate supporting evidence [4]. The trials above ran 28 days to 12 weeks and were small, sponsor-affiliated research, not a basis for an approved dose.
Frequently asked questions
Is ARA-290 the same thing as EPO?+−
No. It is designed from EPO's structure but is described as nonhematopoietic, meaning it is not intended to act on the receptor that stimulates red blood cell production.
How long were the ARA-290 trials?+−
The trials described here ran 28 days to 12 weeks, were small, and included authors affiliated with Araim Pharmaceuticals.
Related terms
Sources
- Brines M et al. ARA 290, a nonerythropoietic peptide engineered from erythropoietin, improves metabolic control and neuropathic symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes. Molecular Medicine, 2015.
- 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. Molecular Medicine, 2012.
- Lois N et al. A Phase 2 Clinical Trial on the Use of Cibinetide for the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2020.
- FDA — Bulk Drug Substances Nominated for Use in Compounding Under Section 503A (categories list), updated May 14, 2026
This entry is for education and is not medical advice. Talk with a licensed clinician about your own situation before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.
