Research Protocol

ARA-290 10 mg — Research Protocol

Dosage Calculator → How to Reconstitute →

Quickstart Highlights

Ara-290 (cibinetide) is an 11–amino acid non-erythropoietic peptide derived from erythropoietin’s helix-B domain[1]. It selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR), an EPOR/CD131 heterodimer, to promote anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective effects without stimulating red blood cell production[2]. Clinical trials have demonstrated benefits for diabetic neuropathy and sarcoidosis-related small-fiber neuropathy[3][4].

  • Reconstitute: Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 8 mg/mL concentration.
  • Target dose: 4 mg once daily subcutaneously (after initial 2 mg titration).
  • Easy measuring: At 8 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 80 mcg on a U-100 insulin syringe.
  • Storage: Lyophilized: refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) or freeze at −20 °C (−4 °F); reconstituted: refrigerate and use within 28 days.

Dosing & Reconstitution Guide

Phase Dose Units (per injection)
Week 1 2 mg (2,000 mcg) 25 units (0.25 mL)
Weeks 2–8 (or up to 16) 4 mg (4,000 mcg) 50 units (0.50 mL)

Frequency: Inject once daily subcutaneously. Clinical studies used 4 mg/day as the target therapeutic dose, with no additional benefit observed at 8 mg[3][5]. Starting at 2 mg for the first week allows assessment of individual tolerance before reaching the maintenance dose.

Reconstitution Steps

  1. Draw 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
  2. Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
  3. Gently swirl or roll until fully dissolved (do not shake vigorously).
  4. Label with reconstitution date and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.

Supplies Needed

Plan based on an 8–16 week daily protocol with gradual titration (2 mg week 1, then 4 mg daily).

  • Peptide Vials (Ara-290, 16 mg each):
    • 8 weeks ≈ 14 vials
    • 12 weeks ≈ 21 vials
    • 16 weeks ≈ 28 vials
  • Insulin Syringes (U-100):
    • Per week: 7 syringes (1/day)
    • 8 weeks: 56 syringes
    • 12 weeks: 84 syringes
    • 16 weeks: 112 syringes
  • Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles): Use 2.0 mL per vial for reconstitution.
    • 8 weeks (14 vials): 28 mL → 3 × 10 mL bottles
    • 12 weeks (21 vials): 42 mL → 5 × 10 mL bottles
    • 16 weeks (28 vials): 56 mL → 6 × 10 mL bottles
  • Alcohol Swabs: One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each day.
    • Per week: 14 swabs (2/day)
    • 8 weeks: 112 swabs → recommend 2 × 100-count boxes
    • 12 weeks: 168 swabs → recommend 2 × 100-count boxes
    • 16 weeks: 224 swabs → recommend 3 × 100-count boxes

Protocol Overview

Protocol Overview

Concise summary of the once-daily regimen based on clinical trial designs.

  • Goal: Support tissue protection, anti-inflammatory signaling, and neuropathic symptom management via IRR activation[2].
  • Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections for 4–8 weeks (clinical trials used 28-day protocols; extension to 8–16 weeks based on individual response).
  • Dose Range: 2–4 mg daily; 4 mg is the established target dose.
  • Reconstitution: 2.0 mL per 16 mg vial (8 mg/mL) for accurate unit measurements.
  • Storage: Lyophilized refrigerated or frozen; reconstituted refrigerated up to 28 days.

Dosing Protocol

Suggested daily titration approach reflecting clinical study parameters.

  • Start: 2 mg daily during week 1 to assess tolerance.
  • Target: 4 mg daily from week 2 onward[3].
  • Frequency: Once per day (subcutaneous).
  • Cycle Length: 4–8 weeks standard; may extend to 16 weeks based on individual assessment.
  • Timing: Any consistent time daily; rotate injection sites.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage preserves peptide integrity and potency.

  • Lyophilized: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) for up to 2 years; freeze at −20 °C (−4 °F) for extended storage up to 3 years[6].
  • Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); use within 28 days and do not freeze the liquid solution[7].
  • Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to minimize condensation; protect from light.
  • Discard if discoloration, cloudiness, or particulate matter is observed.

How It Works

Ara-290 (cibinetide) binds to the innate repair receptor (IRR), a heterodimer of EPOR and CD131 (βc subunit), which is distinct from the classical erythropoietin receptor[1][2]. This selective binding triggers anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory signaling cascades that protect tissues and promote repair without stimulating erythropoiesis[9]. Preclinical research demonstrates that Ara-290 can reprogram a pro-inflammatory, tissue-damaging environment into one favoring healing and regeneration[10]. Additionally, analgesic effects have been observed through immunomodulation and direct inhibition of TRPV1 ion channels activated by capsaicin[11].

Potential Benefits & Side Effects

Observations from preclinical and clinical literature.

  • Neuroprotection: Clinical trials in diabetic neuropathy showed improvements in HbA1c, lipid profiles, and neuropathic pain scores with 4 mg daily dosing[3].
  • Nerve regeneration: In sarcoidosis-associated small-fiber neuropathy, treatment led to significant increases in corneal nerve fiber density (objective nerve regrowth) and improved symptoms compared to placebo[4].
  • Tissue protection: Anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects observed across multiple organ systems in preclinical models[9].
  • No erythropoietic effects: Unlike full EPO, Ara-290 does not stimulate red blood cell production, avoiding related side effects[2].
  • Tolerability: Well tolerated in clinical studies; occasional mild injection-site reactions (redness, transient discomfort) may occur with subcutaneous administration.

References

For laboratory and research use only. Minimum 98% purity. Not intended for human or animal consumption, medical, diagnostic, therapeutic or veterinary use. These statements have not been evaluated by the MHRA or FDA. This protocol is provided for educational and research purposes only and is not medical advice. The purchaser accepts full responsibility for safe handling, storage and lawful use.