Does ARA-290 (cibinetide) help with healing, recovery, inflammation? Grade D evidence

What the studies show

Extrapolated from the mechanism and from animal work. No human trial.

Animal studies, cell studies, or anecdotes only. This is where almost every viral peptide sits. Promising and proven are different words for a reason.

In context

ARA-290 is a short peptide copied from a surface of the erythropoietin molecule that signals tissue protection but not red-cell production. Its developer has run small randomised trials in small-fibre neuropathy, mostly in sarcoidosis: in a 64-person, 28-day phase 2, the 4 mg dose measurably increased nerve fibres in the cornea and skin, while pain improved on placebo as much as on drug. No phase 3 has been completed and it is not approved anywhere. The grey market sells it for pain, healing and inflammation on the strength of that early signal.

ARA-290 (cibinetide) is not approved; investigational. Legal status differs by country — see the regulation section or the jurisdiction pages.

Questions

Is ARA-290 (cibinetide) proven to help with healing, recovery, inflammation?

No. There is no human evidence for it (None); the claim rests on animal or cell studies and LYO grades it D.

What studies are behind the grade?

Extrapolated from the mechanism and from animal work. No human trial.

Is ARA-290 (cibinetide) approved for this?

No. ARA-290 (cibinetide) is not approved; investigational; it is not an approved medicine for any indication in the jurisdictions LYO covers.

Other outcomes for ARA-290 (cibinetide)

CNerve fibre regeneration (sarcoidosis small-fibre neuropathy)1 phase 2b RCT (n=64, 28 days)
CNeuropathic painSame trial + earlier phase 2
CDiabetic neuropathy and metabolic control1 small phase 2
CAdverse effectsadversePhase 2 trials

Written and maintained by LYO Research — how pages are written and checked. Reviewed 10 September 2026. Grades count human evidence only; see how LYO grades. Not medical advice. Correct this page →