ARA 290
A non-erythropoietic peptide derived from EPO that provides tissue protection and repair without affecting red blood cell production.
Common Dosage
4mg daily for 28 days (typical research protocol)
Category
Neuroprotection
- Neuropathic pain relief
- Tissue repair
- Anti-inflammatory
- Diabetic neuropathy support
ARA 290 is an 11-amino-acid peptide derived from the helical region of erythropoietin (EPO) that interacts with the tissue-protective receptor (EPOR/CD131 heteroreceptor) without activating the hematopoietic receptor responsible for red blood cell production. This specificity was identified by Michael Brines and Anthony Cerami at Araim Pharmaceuticals, who characterized the dual receptor system of EPO in tissue protection research. The discovery that EPO's tissue-protective and erythropoietic functions could be separated opened a new class of therapeutics.
ARA 290 selectively activates the EPOR/β common receptor heterodimer expressed on neurons, immune cells, and various other tissues — triggering anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective signaling cascades without the hematopoietic effects of full EPO (which would cause dangerous red blood cell overproduction). It activates STAT5, PI3K/Akt, and ERK pathways in neural tissue, promoting neuronal survival and reducing neuroinflammation.
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy — Phase 2 trials completed
- Sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy — Phase 2 trials
- Neuropathic pain management
- Tissue protection following ischemia
- Wound healing and anti-inflammatory applications
Diabetic Neuropathy Trial
A Phase 2 trial of ARA 290 in type 2 diabetic patients with neuropathy demonstrated significant improvement in neuropathic pain scores, corneal nerve fiber density (a surrogate for small nerve regeneration), and autonomic function. These results are among the strongest human evidence for any research peptide.
Sarcoidosis Neuropathy
In sarcoidosis patients with small fiber neuropathy, ARA 290 (4mg daily for 28 days) significantly improved autonomic function, pain intensity, and quality of life measures — with improvement in corneal confocal microscopy measures of nerve density.
- Injection site reactions and mild headaches are the primary reported side effects — generally manageable
- Despite lacking hematopoietic activity, theoretical concern exists about polycythemia in genetically susceptible individuals
- Not FDA-approved — Phase 2 results are promising but Phase 3 completion is needed
- Interactions with other neurological medications are not fully characterized
- Injection site reaction
- Mild headache