ARA-290 (CAS 1208243-50-8), also known as Cibinetide, is a synthetic 11-amino acid peptide derived from the tissue-protective helix-B domain of erythropoietin (EPO). With the molecular formula C51H84N16O21 and a molecular weight of 1257.32 g/mol, ARA-290 is defined by the amino acid sequence pGlu-Glu-Gln-Leu-Glu-Arg-Ala-Leu-Asn-Ser-Ser. Structurally, Cibinetide features an N-terminal pyroglutamyl residue and was rationally designed to retain the cytoprotective signalling properties of EPO while eliminating erythropoietic activity. Produced via solid-phase peptide synthesis, ARA-290 is one of the most studied non-erythropoietic EPO derivatives in preclinical research.

ARA-290 has been investigated in preclinical tissue protection and neuroimmunology research as a compound that dissociates erythropoietin (EPO)’s cytoprotective functions from its haematopoietic activity. The innate repair receptor through which it signals is selectively upregulated in injured or inflamed tissue, providing a degree of tissue-selective targeting that has been the subject of considerable research interest. In vitro studies underpinning the design of the helix-B-derived peptides have documented that the pyroglutamate helix-B surface peptide (the structure corresponding to ARA-290) retains anti-apoptotic, cytoprotective activity, while lacking erythropoietic activity, and have attributed this cytoprotection to signalling through the EPO receptor (EPOR)/beta-common-receptor heterocomplex rather than the classical erythropoietic EPOR [1]. Preclinical rodent models of peripheral neuropathy have examined sensory signalling parameters following ARA-290 administration, documenting that ARA-290 produces long-term relief of neuropathic pain in a rat spared-nerve-injury model and characterising this effect as dependent on innate-repair-receptor engagement, coupled with suppression of the spinal microglial neuroinflammatory respons [2], making ARA-290 a reference compound in tissue-protection and neuroimmunology research examining innate-repair-receptor-mediated cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory signalling in preclinical models.

ARA-290 is manufactured in a cGMP compliant, ISO9001 certified laboratory to a guaranteed purity of 98% or above. Every batch is independently tested using HPLC and MS-UPLC analysis before dispatch. Vials are vacuum sealed and stored in a temperature controlled, monitored cold storage system. Certificates of Analysis are available on request.

Sold strictly for in vitro research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Intended for use by qualified researchers in laboratory settings only.

Editorial Team

Dr. Martina Rossi, PhD

Scientific Contributor and Reviewer

Reviewed and approved 14 June 2026

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