What are the side effects and contraindications of ARA-290 (Cibinetide)?

Injection site irritation; Mild headache; Short-term safety profile favorable in completed trials Avoid in: Active malignancy (limited data), Pregnancy and lactation.

Is ARA-290 (Cibinetide) legal?

Investigational drug; not approved for general human therapeutic use.

Peptides/Neuroprotective

ARA-290 (Cibinetide)

Grade B

Promising small-molecule peptide for diabetic neuropathy and sarcoidosis-related small fiber neuropathy. Phase II trials show improved nerve fiber density and reduced neuropathic pain without raising hematocrit.

Mechanism of Action

11-amino-acid peptide derived from erythropoietin's helix B. Binds the innate-repair receptor (a heterodimer of EPOR + βcR) to trigger tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory cascades without activating the hematopoietic EPO receptor.

Typical Protocol

Dose

4 mg

Frequency

Once daily

Duration

28 days (typical trial protocol)

Timing

Morning, subcutaneous (abdominal site)

Route

Subcutaneous injection

Half-life

~2 minutes systemic (sustained tissue receptor occupancy)

Educational reference only — not medical advice.

Reported Benefits

Improved corneal nerve fiber density in sarcoid neuropathy
Reduction in neuropathic pain scores (Phase II)
Anti-inflammatory effect without immunosuppression
No hematopoietic stimulation (unlike EPO)

Side Effects

Injection site irritation
Mild headache
Short-term safety profile favorable in completed trials

Contraindications

Active malignancy (limited data)
Pregnancy and lactation

Known Interactions

EPO / ESAsMechanistically distinct but caution if combined.

References

[1]ARA 290 improves symptoms in patients with sarcoidosis-associated small nerve fiber loss — Molecular Medicine, 2015

Comparison vs Alternatives

All Peptides →

Attribute	ARA-290 (Cibinetide)This page	Semaglutide	Retatrutide
Evidence	Grade B	Grade A	Grade A
Category	Neuroprotective	Metabolic	Metabolic
Best for	Neuropathy, inflammation	GLP-1 receptor agonist	Triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon agonist
Typical dose	4 mg	0.25 → 2.4 mg	Titrated 2 mg → 4 mg → 8 mg → 12 mg
Frequency	Once daily	Weekly	Once weekly
Route	Subcutaneous injection	Subcutaneous weekly (oral form available)	Subcutaneous injection
Legal status	Investigational drug; not approved for general human therapeutic use.	FDA-approved (Ozempic, Wegovy). Prescription required.	Investigational; not yet FDA-approved. Currently available only via clinical trials.
Action	Current page	View →	View →

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