ARA-290
Activates the innate repair receptor (IRR) to promote tissue repair without immunosuppressive effects of EPO.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Snipes, MD. Last reviewed May 6, 2026.
What It Is
ARA-290 is an 11-amino acid peptide that activates the innate repair receptor. It was developed from erythropoietin (EPO) research but without EPO's blood-thickening effects.
How It Works
It activates repair pathways in damaged tissues, reduces inflammation, and has been shown to promote nerve repair and reduce neuropathic pain.
Who It's For
Those with neuropathy, nerve damage, or chronic pain conditions. Also used for general tissue repair and inflammation reduction.
Who Should Avoid It
Generally well-tolerated. Discuss with provider if on blood-related medications.
Protocol & Pricing
OBP Pharmacy Price
$80/30mg
You pay pharmacy price. No markup.
Starting Dose
20 units (1.2mg)
Form
Injectable vial (5mL, 6mg/mL, 30mg total)
Dosing Protocol
20 units subcutaneous injection daily. 20 units = 0.2mL × 6mg/mL = 1.2mg per injection. 4 to 12 weeks duration, may be cycled or extended.
Beyond Use Date
90 Days from compounding (USP <797>)
Optimal Balance Pharmacy assigns this date and prints it on your vial label. Always follow the label. Once a multi-dose vial is punctured, the in-use date on the label is shorter than the compounding date shown here.
Stacking Guide
Stacks Well With
EPO-derived repair peptide protocol
Read the ARA-290 protocol guide
An 11-amino-acid fragment of erythropoietin that triggers tissue repair without EPO's blood-thickening effect. Human evidence is small Phase 2 neuropathy trials. Honest about where the data stops.
Related Peptides
Independently tested
ARA-290 lab test reports
Every ARA-290 batch dispensed by Optimal Balance Pharmacy is independently tested by Eagle Analytical Services (FDA-registered, A2LA ISO 17025 accredited) for sterility (ScanRDI or Celsis) and bacterial endotoxin (USP <85>). The most recent report:
| Submission | Lot | Sample | Sterility | Endotoxin | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETX-260824-0471 | LG342010186 | ARA290 6mg/ml (5ML) | Pass | Pass <2 EU/mL / 522.388 EU/mL | Download |
Eagle Analytical Services is an independent FDA-registered laboratory, A2LA accredited to ISO 17025, based in Houston, Texas. They have no commercial relationship with RxPepsDirect. RxPepsDirect prescribes; Optimal Balance Pharmacy compounds and dispenses; Eagle tests every batch. Three separate companies. Browse our full quality program on the quality page.
How to get ARA-290 prescribed online
ARA-290 is available by prescription through a licensed telehealth visit and dispensed for human use by a named 503A pharmacy. That is what separates it from research-use-only vials sold without a prescription. There is no subscription and no membership, just a one-time visit fee.
- 1
Complete a $39 medical visit. Answer a short intake about your health history and your goals for ARA-290. The $39 fee is the only charge RxPepsDirect collects, paid once, not a recurring subscription.
- 2
A licensed provider reviews it. A US-licensed nurse practitioner or physician reviews your intake and, if ARA-290 is appropriate for you, writes a patient-specific prescription. The starting dose is typically 20 units (1.2mg).
- 3
The pharmacy compounds and ships it. Optimal Balance Pharmacy, a 503A pharmacy in Texas, compounds ARA-290 and ships it pre-reconstituted by FedEx overnight in a reusable cooled case. Your fill is Injectable vial (5mL, 6mg/mL, 30mg total), and you pay the pharmacy $80/30mg at wholesale, with no clinic markup, plus a $15 flat FedEx overnight shipping fee charged by the pharmacy.
RxPepsDirect prescribes ARA-290 in the 29 jurisdictions its medical team is licensed in. Start a $39 visit or browse the full Recovery & Repair range. Comparing services first? See how RxPepsDirect stacks up against seven other providers in our best telehealth for compounded peptides comparison.
Common questions about ARA-290
- What is ARA-290?
- ARA-290 (also known as cibinetide) is an 11-amino acid peptide derived from erythropoietin (EPO) but with the EPO segment removed that triggers red blood cell production. The remaining sequence binds the innate-repair receptor on tissues, promoting nerve repair and reducing inflammation without the polycythemia risks of EPO. ARA-290 has been studied for diabetic neuropathy, sarcoidosis, and chronic neuropathic pain.
- Does ARA-290 work for nerve pain and inflammation?
- Phase II clinical trials showed ARA-290 reduced neuropathic pain scores in patients with sarcoidosis-associated small fiber neuropathy and improved corneal nerve fiber density in diabetic neuropathy. The peptide has not progressed to FDA approval but compounding-clinic use draws on the trial-evidence base. Effects are gradual; most protocols run at least 4 weeks before assessment.
- How is ARA-290 dosed?
- Common subcutaneous protocols deliver 1 to 4 mg per day for 4 to 8 weeks at a time. Optimal Balance Pharmacy compounds ARA-290 against RxPepsDirect prescriptions; your provider sets the dose based on the specific neuropathic indication and your medical history.
- Where do I inject ARA-290?
- Subcutaneously into the abdomen, upper outer thigh, or back of the upper arm using a 31-gauge, 5/16-inch (8 mm) needle on a U-100 insulin syringe. Sterile syringes are included with every RxPepsDirect shipment. Rotate sites between injections.
- How is ARA-290 supplied?
- Compounded by Optimal Balance Pharmacy under a 503A patient-specific prescription. Ships pre-reconstituted and ready to inject in cold-chain packaging. Every batch is tested by Eagle Analytical Services; the Certificate of Analysis is published on this product page.