Peptide Knowledge Base · Immune
ARA-290 (Cibinetide): what it is, what the evidence says, and its real status
A non-erythropoietic peptide derived from EPO, studied for neuropathic pain and inflammation, some human trial data.
Short version: an EPO-derived peptide engineered to keep the tissue-protective effect without raising red blood cells. Real but early human trials in neuropathy. Education and waitlist only.
Can you actually get it?
Plain-English verdict: Education only.
Regulatory status: Research / early-clinical · Education only.
Not available to prescribe. ARA-290 is an investigational EPO-derived peptide with some human trial data in neuropathic pain. It is not FDA-approved and not compoundable, education and demand-capture only.
How does ARA-290 (Cibinetide) work?
A peptide mimicking the tissue-protective receptor activity of erythropoietin without stimulating red-blood-cell production.
What it does — and what it does not do
What it does: Studied for small-fiber neuropathic pain and inflammatory conditions in early human trials.
What it does not do: It is not approved or available, and the trial evidence is early.
How honest is the evidence?
Evidence grade C — some human trials (sarcoidosis neuropathy); not approved. Read our grading methodology for what each grade means.
What we still don't know: Efficacy and long-term safety are not established beyond early trials.
WADA status: Banned (S2, EPO class caution).
How it is taken
What the literature reports: subcutaneous. Educational only, no dose figures.
Who should not take it
Investigational; EPO-class caution; clinician-gated. Not characterized for general use.
Sources
Cibinetide (ARA-290) neuropathy trial literature (early-clinical)
Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. We keep two signals separate and never collapse them: whether you can get something, and what the rule currently says. See the live FDA Peptide Tracker or the knowledge base.
Last reviewed 2026-08-11 · Peptós.LIFE · Not medical advice.