Ara 290
Extensively studiedTissue-Protective Peptide | Innate Repair Receptor Agonist
Ara 290 is an engineered 11-amino acid peptide activating the Innate Repair Receptor (IRR) to provide tissue-protective effects without red blood cell stimulation. Has FDA Orphan Drug status.
Molecular & research data
- Sequence
- pGlu-Glu-Leu-Glu-Arg-Ala-Leu-Asn-Ser-Ser
- Molecular weight
- 1,257 Da
- Half-life
- ~20 minutes (SubQ), ~2 minutes (IV)
- Primary targets
- epo-receptor
- Routes (research)
- Injectable
- Storage
- Lyophilized: 2-8°C refrigerated, protect from light. Reconstituted: use immediately or refrigerate up to 24 hours
Overview
Ara 290 is an engineered 11-amino acid peptide activating the Innate Repair Receptor (IRR) to provide tissue-protective effects without red blood cell stimulation. Has FDA Orphan Drug status.
Mechanism of action
Activates IRR through EPOR/β-common receptor complex, triggering tissue-protective signaling without erythropoietic effects.
Key research findings
- Proven tissue protection
- Nerve regeneration
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Excellent safety profile in clinical trials
Research applications
Neuroprotection
- Peripheral Nerve Regeneration — 23% increase in corneal nerve fiber area with sustained pain improvement.
- Diabetic Neuropathy Treatment — Nerve regeneration and metabolic improvements in Type 2 diabetes patients.
- CNS Protection — Crosses blood-brain barrier for stroke and TBI neuroprotection.
Tissue Repair
- Wound Healing — Improves epithelialization and angiogenesis via VEGF upregulation.
- Cardiovascular Protection — Reduces infarct size in myocardial infarction models.
- Anti-Aging Effects — Maintains cardiac function in aging models.
Anti-Inflammatory
- Cytokine Reduction — Reduces TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-12 production.
- IBD Support — Reduces colitis severity in animal models.
- Transplant Protection — Improves graft survival and reduces rejection.
Ara 290 FAQ
How does Ara-290 differ from erythropoietin (EPO) for neuroprotection?+
Ara-290 is an engineered 11-amino acid peptide derived from EPO structure that activates the Innate Repair Receptor (IRR) without triggering erythropoiesis. It provides tissue protection and nerve regeneration like EPO but without red blood cell stimulation, polycythemia risk, or thrombotic complications.
What's the timeline for nerve regeneration with Ara-290 in diabetic neuropathy?+
Phase 2 trials showed 23% increase in corneal nerve fiber area at 4mg daily for 28 days, with sustained pain improvements. Nerve fiber regeneration markers appeared within weeks 2-4, with peak therapeutic effects and maximum improvements by week 4-6. Benefits persist via molecular switch effects through month 2-6.
Can I combine Ara-290 with other neuroprotective peptides like BPC-157?+
Yes. BPC-157 and Ara-290 target complementary tissue repair pathways with no known direct interactions. TB-500 is also synergistic. These combinations likely enhance recovery from injury, though clinical data on simultaneous use doesn't exist.
Why must I avoid anti-TNF biologics or recent EPO use before starting Ara-290?+
Anti-TNF therapy requires 6-month washout before Ara-290 due to immune interaction risks. EPO use requires 2-month washout because both target related receptor pathways. These washout periods prevent unpredictable receptor interference and potential adverse immune effects from concurrent use.
References
- [1]Cibinetide Improves Corneal Nerve Fiber Abundance in Patients With Sarcoidosis-Associated Small Nerve Fiber Loss and Neuropathic PainInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
- [2]ARA 290, a Nonerythropoietic Peptide Engineered from Erythropoietin, Improves Metabolic Control and Neuropathic Symptoms in Patients with Type 2 DiabetesMolecular Medicine
- [3]A Phase 2 Clinical Trial on the Use of Cibinetide for the Treatment of Diabetic Macular EdemaTranslational Vision Science & Technology
- [4]A Small Nonerythropoietic Helix B Surface Peptide Based Upon Erythropoietin Structure Is Cardioprotective Against Ischemic Myocardial DamageProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
- [5]Neuroprotection with an Erythropoietin Mimetic Peptide (pHBSP) in a Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Complicated by Hemorrhagic ShockJournal of Neurotrauma
- [6]Erythropoietin-Derived Peptide ARA290 Mediates Brain Tissue Protection Through the Beta-Common Receptor in Mice with Cerebral Ischemic StrokeNeurotherapeutics
- [7]A Small Erythropoietin-Derived Non-Hematopoietic Peptide Reduces Cardiac Inflammation, Attenuates Age-Associated Declines in Heart Function and Prolongs HealthspanAging Cell
Related peptides
BPC-157
PreclinicalPentadecapeptide studied for tissue repair
BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide derived from a protein found in gastric juice, studied extensively in animal models for accelerated healing of tendon, ligament, muscle, and gut tissue.
TB-500
PreclinicalSynthetic Thymosin Beta-4 studied for repair & cell migration
TB-500 is a synthetic version of Thymosin Beta-4 (or its active fragment), a naturally occurring peptide studied for its role in actin regulation, cell migration, and tissue repair.
NAD+
Extensively studiedEssential Cellular Coenzyme & Anti-Aging Therapy
NAD+ is a crucial coenzyme found in every cell, involved in energy generation and cellular maintenance that naturally declines with age.
Semaglutide
FDA-approvedFDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist
Semaglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management, engineered with fatty-acid acylation for a once-weekly half-life.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-26. Information is provided for research and educational reference only — see our disclaimer.