ARA-290
Dosage Protocol
ARA-290 is a synthetic 11-amino acid peptide designed to activate the innate repair receptor (IRR) — a heterodimer of erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) and the common beta receptor (CD131). Unlike erythropoietin itself, ARA-290 does not stimulate red blood cell production but instead specifically activates tissue-protective and repair pathways in neurons, immune cells, and metabolic tissue.
What is ARA-290?
ARA-290 was engineered by the Gordijn/Brines group at Yale University to specifically target the innate repair receptor (EPOR/CD131 heterodimer) while avoiding the erythropoiesis-stimulating homodimeric EPOR. This selectivity allows activation of tissue-protective EPO signaling without erythrocytic effects — eliminating the thrombosis and polycythemia risks of therapeutic EPO.
Clinical trials have demonstrated ARA-290's efficacy in painful diabetic neuropathy and sarcoidosis-associated small-fiber neuropathy — with significant improvements in nerve fiber density, pain scores, and autonomic function. It also shows promise for metabolic effects including improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammatory markers.
Dosing Schedule
Parameters documented in published preclinical and clinical research.
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical | 4 mg | 3× weekly SubQ | 4–12 weeks | Dose and schedule from published sarcoidosis and neuropathy trials. |
| Working dose | 4–8 mg | 3× weekly | 8–12 weeks | SubQ abdomen or thigh. Clinical trials used 4 mg 3× weekly most commonly. |
| Maintenance | 4 mg | 2× weekly | Ongoing | Lower-frequency maintenance after initial treatment course. |
| Off cycle | — | — | 4–8 weeks | Cycle off and reassess nerve and pain outcomes. |
Safety & Side Effects
Academic References
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[1]
Brines M, et al. (2008). Nonerythropoietic, tissue-protective peptides derived from the tertiary structure of erythropoietin. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 105(31):10925–30. PubMed ↗
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[2]
Dahan A, et al. (2013). ARA 290, a synthetic erythropoietin mimetic, reduces pain in patients with fibromyalgia. Pain. 154(9):1526–33. PubMed ↗
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[3]
Culver DA, et al. (2017). Pilot study of ARA 290, an erythropoietin analog, in sarcoidosis-associated small-fiber neuropathy. Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis. 34(2):103–13. PubMed ↗
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[4]
Heij L, et al. (2015). ARA290 treatment improves symptoms in patients with sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis. 32(3):237–45. PubMed ↗