ARA-290 (cibinetide) is an 11-amino-acid peptide derived from the helix-B region of erythropoietin (EPO). Engineered to keep EPO's tissue-protective effects while losing the hematopoietic ones.
Mechanism — Binds the innate repair receptor (a beta common receptor / EPO-R heterodimer). Anti-inflammatory and pro-regenerative signaling in nerve, vascular, and metabolic tissue. Does not stimulate red blood cell production.
Use case — Small-fiber neuropathy (best trial data), metabolic syndrome, and chronic inflammatory conditions. Typical research dosing 4 mg subcutaneous daily, cycled.
Caveats — Investigational. Sourcing is the bottleneck. Don't confuse with EPO — same parent, different effect.