Educational, research-use-only content. This article summarizes published scientific literature for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. The compounds discussed are supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and are not approved for human or veterinary use.
What is ARA-290?
ARA-290 (cibinetide) is a synthetic, non-erythropoietic peptide designed from the structure of erythropoietin (EPO). Unlike EPO, it does not stimulate red-blood-cell production; instead it interacts selectively with the “innate repair receptor” thought to mediate tissue protection (Brines et al., 2015).
What the research examined
In a phase 2 study, adults with type 2 diabetes and painful neuropathy self-administered ARA-290 or placebo for 28 days. The ARA-290 group showed improvements in HbA1c and lipid profiles over the observation period and significant improvement in neuropathic symptoms (PainDetect questionnaire); a subgroup also showed increased corneal nerve-fiber density. No safety issues were identified in the study (Brines et al., 2015).
How it is thought to work
By engaging the innate repair receptor rather than the EPO receptor, ARA-290 is studied for tissue-protective effects without EPO’s hematologic side effects (Brines et al., 2015).
The limits of the current evidence
- The clinical data are early-phase (phase 2) and investigational; ARA-290 is not an approved medicine.
- This material is supplied for laboratory research use only.
References
According to PubMed:
- Brines M, et al. ARA 290, a nonerythropoietic peptide engineered from erythropoietin, improves metabolic control and neuropathic symptoms in type 2 diabetes. Mol Med. 2015. doi:10.2119/molmed.2014.00215
