Ara-290 (Cibinetide) is a synthetic 11-amino acid peptide derived from the tissue-protective domain of erythropoietin (EPO). Unlike native EPO, Ara-290 is engineered to activate the innate repair receptor without stimulating red blood cell production. Below is a curated selection of peer-reviewed studies investigating its properties.
2023
A Small Erythropoietin-Derived Non-Hematopoietic Peptide Reduces Cardiac Inflammation and Prolongs Healthspan
PMC / Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
This study investigated ARA-290’s cardioprotective properties in ageing models, finding it reduced cardiac inflammation, attenuated age-associated declines in heart function, and extended healthspan. The findings support ARA-290’s role as a broad cytoprotective agent acting via the innate repair receptor in aged tissue.
View Paper →2020
A Phase 2 Clinical Trial on the Use of Cibinetide for the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema
PMC / Journal of Clinical Medicine
This Phase 2 clinical trial assessed the safety and preliminary efficacy of cibinetide in patients with diabetic macular edema. The 12-week course was well tolerated with no serious adverse events. Improvements were observed in visual function questionnaire scores, central retinal thickness, and diabetic control in a subset of participants.
View Paper →2015
ARA 290, a Nonerythropoietic Peptide Engineered from Erythropoietin, Improves Metabolic Control and Neuropathic Symptoms in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Molecular Medicine (PMC / NIH)
This clinical study found that ARA-290 administration in type 2 diabetes patients produced significant improvements in HbA1c levels and neuropathic symptom scores. The peptide demonstrated both metabolic and neuroprotective properties, acting via the tissue-protective receptor complex without erythropoietic side effects.
View Paper →2013
Safety and Efficacy of ARA 290 in Sarcoidosis Patients with Symptoms of Small Fiber Neuropathy: A Randomized, Double-Blind Pilot Study
PMC / Molecular Medicine
This randomised controlled trial examined ARA-290 in sarcoidosis patients with small fiber neuropathy. Treatment produced significant reductions in neuropathic pain and improvements in corneal nerve fiber density. ARA-290 was well tolerated with no serious adverse events, supporting further clinical investigation in neuropathic conditions.
View Paper →2017
Cibinetide Dampens Innate Immune Cell Functions Thus Ameliorating the Course of Experimental Colitis
Scientific Reports (PMC / Open Access)
This study demonstrated that cibinetide reduced pro-inflammatory innate immune cell activity in a murine colitis model, ameliorating disease course and intestinal inflammation. The findings identify the innate repair receptor as a key mediator of cibinetide’s immunomodulatory effects in inflammatory bowel conditions.
View Paper →2016
ARA 290 Relieves Pathophysiological Pain by Targeting TRPV1 Channel: Integration Between Immune System and Nociception
Peptides (ScienceDirect)
This study identified a novel pain-relief mechanism for ARA-290, showing it targets the TRPV1 ion channel — a key mediator of nociception and inflammatory pain — in addition to its established immune receptor pathway. The findings provide mechanistic insight into ARA-290’s analgesic properties in neuropathic pain models.
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