ARA-290, also known by its nonproprietary name cibinetide and as pyroglutamate helix B surface peptide (pHBSP), is an 11-amino-acid peptide modeled on the three-dimensional structure of erythropoietin...
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Certificate of Analysis included with every order.
Technical Specifications
Purity
≥98%
Form
Lyophilized Powder
Storage
-20°C
Molecular Weight
1257.3 g/mol
Sequence
pGlu-Glu-Gln-Leu-Glu-Arg-Ala-Leu-Asn-Ser-Ser
CAS Number
1208243-50-8
About ARA-290 (Cibinetide)
ARA-290, also known by its nonproprietary name cibinetide and as pyroglutamate helix B surface peptide (pHBSP), is an 11-amino-acid peptide modeled on the three-dimensional structure of erythropoietin (EPO) in the region of helix B.[1][7] It was engineered to keep EPO's tissue-protective signaling without stimulating red blood cell production.[1] Pepitiva supplies ARA-290 as a lyophilized powder (10 mg vials, ≥98% purity) for in vitro and preclinical research.
≥98% purity. Lyophilized Powder. Storage: -20°C. For research purposes only.
Mechanism of Action
The innate repair receptor
EPO acts through two different receptors. It stimulates red blood cell progenitors through a homodimer of the EPO receptor (EPOR), while tissue protection is mediated by a heteromer of EPOR and the β common receptor (βcR, CD131), called the innate repair receptor (IRR).[1] The IRR is usually not expressed in healthy tissue and is induced by injury or inflammation.[1] ARA-290 was designed to activate the IRR selectively, without binding the EPOR homodimer, which avoids the rise in hematocrit and the thrombosis risk associated with EPO.[1]
Short half-life, long effects
ARA-290 has a plasma half-life of about 2 minutes, yet sustained biological effects have been reported in animal models and clinical studies.[1] In blood specimens in vitro it is broken down extensively by exopeptidases, with PyrEQLERALN as the main metabolite.[6]
Preclinical findings
Neuropathic pain: after a spared nerve injury in rats, ARA-290 reduced mechanical and cold allodynia for up to 20 weeks, together with suppression of the spinal microglia response.[5]
Research Applications
Clinical studies
Cibinetide has been tested in small phase 2 trials. The authors of the trials below include officers and shareholders of Araim Pharmaceuticals, the company developing it.[2][3][4]
Type 2 diabetes with neuropathy: in a placebo-controlled phase 2 study, the ARA-290 group showed improved hemoglobin A1c, lipid profiles and neuropathic symptom scores over 56 days.[2]
Sarcoidosis-associated small nerve fiber loss: in a 28-day phase 2b trial with 64 subjects, corneal nerve fiber area increased significantly in one of the three dose groups compared with placebo.[3]
Diabetic macular edema: in a 9-patient phase 2 study, there was no improvement in visual acuity or retinal thickness on average, and no serious adverse events were seen.[4]
Cibinetide is an investigational compound and is not approved by the FDA or the European Medicines Agency. ARA-290 is also on the list of peptides prohibited in sports.[6]
Neuropathy and pain models: allodynia and microglial activation.[5]
Analytical method development: doping-control detection and metabolite identification by LC-HRMS.[6]
Comparison with other repair peptides: such as TB-500 and BPC-157.
This product is sold for laboratory research only.
Storage & Handling Guidelines
Proper storage and handling are essential to maintain peptide integrity and ensure reliable research results. All Pepitiva Biolabs peptides are supplied as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, which provides excellent long-term stability when stored correctly. Store lyophilized peptides at -20°C for long-term storage or 2-8°C for short-term use. Once reconstituted, peptide solutions should be stored at 2-8°C and used within the timeframe specified in the product documentation. Always use sterile bacteriostatic water for reconstitution and handle peptides in a clean laboratory environment to prevent contamination. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as thermal stress can cause peptide degradation and loss of biological activity.
Quality Control & Certification
This product is manufactured under strict quality control protocols and has been verified through comprehensive analytical testing. Each batch undergoes reverse-phase HPLC analysis for purity determination and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for molecular identity confirmation. A detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available for download, documenting purity percentage, molecular weight verification, appearance, and recommended storage conditions. Pepitiva Biolabs maintains batch-level traceability from synthesis through delivery, ensuring complete transparency and quality assurance for your research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ARA-290?
An 11-amino-acid peptide, also called cibinetide or pHBSP, modeled on the helix B region of erythropoietin. It was designed to keep EPO's tissue-protective effects without stimulating red blood cell production.
Is ARA-290 the same as cibinetide?
Yes. Cibinetide is the nonproprietary (USAN/INN) name of ARA-290. Other names are pHBSP and pyroglutamate helix B surface peptide.
How does ARA-290 work?
It selectively activates the innate repair receptor, a complex of the EPO receptor and the β common receptor (CD131) that appears in injured or inflamed tissue. It does not activate the EPO receptor homodimer that drives red blood cell production.
Does ARA-290 raise hematocrit like EPO?
It was engineered not to. Because it does not bind the EPO receptor homodimer, it is described as non-erythropoietic.
Is ARA-290 FDA approved?
No. Cibinetide is investigational and has only been tested in small phase 2 trials. It is also prohibited in sports.
How should ARA-290 be stored?
Keep the lyophilized powder at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture.
Is this product approved for human use?
No. This product is intended exclusively for in vitro scientific research and laboratory use. It is not approved for human or veterinary use, not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and should not be administered to humans or animals under any circumstances.
How do I reconstitute this peptide?
Add sterile bacteriostatic water slowly to the vial, directing the stream against the glass wall rather than directly onto the lyophilized powder. Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved — do not shake vigorously. The recommended reconstitution volume depends on your desired concentration. Refer to the product documentation for specific guidance.
Can I get a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
Yes. A Certificate of Analysis is included with every order and is also available for download from the product page. The COA documents HPLC purity, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, batch number, production date, and storage recommendations.
Scientific References
Collino M, Thiemermann C, Cerami A, et al. Flipping the molecular switch for innate protection and repair of tissues: Long-lasting effects of a non-erythropoietic small peptide engineered from erythropoietin. Pharmacol Ther. 2015;151:32-40. PubMed
Brines M, Dunne AN, van Velzen M, et al. ARA 290, a nonerythropoietic peptide engineered from erythropoietin, improves metabolic control and neuropathic symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes. Mol Med. 2015;20(1):658-666. PubMed
Culver DA, Dahan A, Bajorunas D, et al. Cibinetide Improves Corneal Nerve Fiber Abundance in Patients With Sarcoidosis-Associated Small Nerve Fiber Loss and Neuropathic Pain. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2017;58(6):BIO52-BIO60. PubMed
Lois N, Gardner E, McFarland M, et al. A Phase 2 Clinical Trial on the Use of Cibinetide for the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema. J Clin Med. 2020;9(7):2225. PubMed
Swartjes M, van Velzen M, Niesters M, et al. ARA 290, a peptide derived from the tertiary structure of erythropoietin, produces long-term relief of neuropathic pain coupled with suppression of the spinal microglia response. Mol Pain. 2014;10:13. PubMed
Thomas A, Knoop A, Schänzer W, et al. Characterization of in vitro generated metabolites of selected peptides <2 kDa prohibited in sports. Drug Test Anal. 2017;9(11-12):1799-1803. PubMed
Sources are peer-reviewed publications indexed in PubMed and trial registrations on ClinicalTrials.gov. Each citation was checked against its PubMed record.
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
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