ARA-290: Reference Overview and Reconstitution Notes

ARA-290

What it is

ARA-290, also known by the international nonproprietary name cibinetide, is a synthetic 11-amino-acid peptide derived from a portion of the erythropoietin (EPO) molecule. It corresponds to the helix-B domain of EPO and was engineered to retain that region's tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory signaling while lacking EPO's red-blood-cell-stimulating activity.

Research context and categorization

ARA-290 is generally grouped under the healing and tissue repair category, and it is also discussed as an anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating peptide. Its described mechanism involves binding the innate repair receptor (IRR), a heterocomplex of the EPO receptor and the beta-common receptor (CD131), which is reported to be upregulated locally on stressed, injured, or inflamed tissue rather than expressed constantly.

In research settings it has been investigated for, and is commonly discussed in relation to, small fiber neuropathy associated with sarcoidosis, neuropathic pain, and broader tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory effects. Because ARA-290 is not approved by any health authority, these uses should be understood as investigational and not confirmed or approved benefits. Reported findings, such as changes in corneal nerve fiber density in early studies, come from limited clinical work and do not establish efficacy or safety.

Status

  • Regulatory status: Research-only and not FDA-approved for any indication. It has received Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations for sarcoidosis-associated neuropathic pain and reached Phase 2 clinical study, but it is not an approved therapy and has no licensed prescriber access.
  • Sport status: Not specifically listed by name on the WADA Prohibited List. However, as a non-approved, erythropoietin-derived compound it would plausibly be captured under Section S2 (peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances and mimetics) and/or Section S0 (non-approved substances). Competitors should treat it as prohibited absent explicit guidance and confirm with their governing body.

Reconstitution notes (general)

ARA-290 is typically supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder that is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use in research. Concentration equals the milligrams in the vial divided by the millilitres of bacteriostatic water added. For example, a 10 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water yields 5 mg/mL. A concentration calculator is available at /pages/tools.

Dilution and handling notes (compound-specific)

ARA-290 has a well-documented quirk: when reconstituted at higher concentrations it tends to turn gel-like, cloudy, or aggregate rather than forming a clean solution. This is linked to its solubility being pH-dependent. Bacteriostatic water is mildly acidic (roughly pH 5.5 to 6.7), and unbuffered ARA-290 dissolves less readily under acidic conditions.

Practical handling reported by researchers includes using a more generous water volume so the peptide stays more dilute, for example roughly 1 to 2 mL per 5 mg for about a 2.5 to 5 mg/mL solution, rather than pushing to a very concentrated mix. The water should be added slowly down the inner wall of the vial rather than sprayed directly onto the powder, and the vial should be swirled gently rather than shaken while the powder dissolves. Some sources note that ARA-290 goes into solution more readily in a mildly alkaline buffer, such as phosphate-buffered saline near pH 7.4, than in acidic water. A persistent gel, haze, or floaters indicates the preparation did not dissolve cleanly.

Handling and storage

Keep reconstituted solution refrigerated at 2 to 8 C, protected from light. Wipe the vial stopper with an alcohol swab before drawing, and label the vial with the mix date. Reconstituted peptide in bacteriostatic water is generally treated as usable across an approximately 4-week refrigerated window. Discard the solution if it becomes cloudy, discolored, or shows floating particles.

Related reading

Tools and supplies

For laboratory and research reference only. Educational content, not medical, dosing, injection, or therapeutic guidance, and not intended for human or animal use. Any research uses described are investigational and not confirmed or approved benefits. Confirm anything involving health with a licensed professional. References linked above.