ARA-290

What it is

ARA-290 is an 11-amino-acid peptide modeled on a region of erythropoietin (EPO), the hormone that drives red blood cell production. It was designed to keep EPO's tissue-protective effects without stimulating red blood cell growth.

How it works

It activates the innate repair receptor, a pairing of the EPO receptor with the CD131 receptor subunit, which reduces inflammation and supports nerve repair. It does not bind the classic EPO receptor pair that makes red cells.

What the research shows

• Small randomized trials in people with sarcoidosis-related small fiber neuropathy reported improved neuropathic symptoms and nerve fiber density (Dahan, Brines and colleagues, 2013 to 2016).
• Animal models suggest benefit in diabetic neuropathy and other inflammatory conditions.

Regulatory status

Not FDA-approved. It has been tested only in small investigational trials.

Storage and handling

Lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder is most stable sealed, dry and protected from light. Laboratory practice is to keep unopened vials frozen at about -20 °C for long-term storage, or refrigerated at 2 to 8 °C for shorter periods. After reconstitution, keep the solution refrigerated at 2 to 8 °C, avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and use aseptic technique for every draw. Formal stability data in solution has not been published for most research peptides, so follow the supplier's label and certificate of analysis.

Reconstitution math

To work out concentration, volume and U-100 syringe units for any vial size, use the reconstitution calculator with ARA-290 selected. Always confirm the vial content against the label and the batch's certificate of analysis.

Key references

• Dahan A et al. ARA 290 improves symptoms in patients with sarcoidosis-associated small nerve fiber loss. Mol Med. 2013.
• Search PubMed for ARA-290 studies

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