ARA-290 — Cibinetide (pHBSP)
EPO-Derived Tissue-Protective Peptide · 30mg Research Vial
Available Formats
| Vial | Lyophilised powder vial offering full flexibility in reconstitution volume and concentration. |
| Cartridge (Reusable Pen) | Pre-filled replacement cartridge compatible with standard reusable research pens. Pen sold separately. |
| Disposable Pen | Fully pre-loaded, self-contained research pen. Ready to use directly from packaging. |
Compound Overview
ARA-290 (cibinetide), also referred to as pyroglutamate helix B surface peptide (pHBSP), is a synthetic 11-amino-acid peptide modelled on the aqueous face of helix B of erythropoietin (EPO). It was designed to reproduce the tissue-protective signalling associated with EPO without its erythropoietic (red blood cell-stimulating) activity (Brines et al., 2008).
ARA-290 has been studied in preclinical models of ischaemic and inflammatory tissue injury, and in early-phase clinical research into small nerve fibre loss associated with sarcoidosis and type 2 diabetes.
Mechanism of Action
Innate Repair Receptor Selectivity: The tissue-protective effects of EPO have been attributed to a heteromeric receptor complex of the EPO receptor and the beta-common receptor (CD131), often called the innate repair receptor, which is distinct from the EPO receptor homodimer that drives red blood cell production. ARA-290 was designed around this distinction and was not erythropoietic in vitro or in vivo (Brines et al., 2008).
Small Nerve Fibre Research: Clinical research groups have used corneal confocal microscopy to quantify changes in small nerve fibre density after ARA-290 administration in sarcoidosis-associated small nerve fibre loss (Dahan et al., 2013; Culver et al., 2017).
Published Research
- Brines M et al. (2008) — Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA, 105(31): 10925-10930. Design of non-erythropoietic, tissue-protective peptides derived from the tertiary structure of erythropoietin.
- Dahan A et al. (2013) — Molecular Medicine, 19(1): 334-345. ARA 290 and corneal nerve fibre density in sarcoidosis-associated small nerve fibre loss.
- Brines M et al. (2015) — Molecular Medicine, 20(1): 658-666. ARA 290, metabolic control and neuropathic symptoms in type 2 diabetes.
- Culver DA et al. (2017) — Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 58(6): BIO52-BIO60. Cibinetide and corneal nerve fibre abundance in sarcoidosis-associated small nerve fibre loss.
Note: Citations are provided for reference purposes only. BioCompounds UK does not make therapeutic claims.
Structural & Chemical Data
| Compound Class | EPO-derived helix B surface peptide (11 amino acids) |
| CAS Number | 1208243-50-8 |
| Sequence | pGlu-Glu-Gln-Leu-Glu-Arg-Ala-Leu-Asn-Ser-Ser |
| Molecular Formula | C51H84N16O21 |
| Molecular Weight | 1257.3 g/mol |
| Purity | >99% verified by HPLC |
| Quantity | 30mg per unit |
| Solubility | Sterile water / PBS |
| Storage (Dry) | -20 C |
| Storage (Reconstituted) | 2-8 C, use within 4 weeks |
Regulatory & Usage Notice
This product is supplied strictly as a research-grade reference compound for in-vitro laboratory investigation only. It is not approved, intended, or marketed for human or veterinary administration, diagnostic purposes, or therapeutic application. Purchasers must be qualified researchers aged 18+ and agree to handle all compounds in accordance with applicable regulations and good laboratory practice (GLP). BioCompounds UK makes no therapeutic claims regarding this or any compound in its catalogue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ARA-290?
ARA-290 (cibinetide) is an 11-amino-acid peptide derived from the helix B surface of erythropoietin (EPO). It is studied as a selective ligand of the innate repair receptor, allowing researchers to investigate the tissue-protective signalling of EPO separately from its effects on red blood cell production.
What is the purity of this peptide?
BioCompounds UK supplies HPLC-verified research-grade material. Selected batches undergo independent third-party analysis by Janoshik Analytical, with current published Certificates of Analysis available on our batch verification page when applicable.
Is ARA-290 the same as cibinetide?
Yes. Cibinetide is the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) for ARA-290. The same peptide also appears in the published literature as ARA 290 and pHBSP (pyroglutamate helix B surface peptide).
How is ARA-290 different from EPO?
Full-length EPO is a 165-amino-acid glycoprotein that stimulates red blood cell production through the classical EPO receptor homodimer. ARA-290 reproduces only a small surface region of EPO and is studied for its action at the EPOR/CD131 innate repair receptor instead, so it is described in the literature as non-erythropoietic. See our ARA-290 research guide for more.
How should this peptide be stored?
Storage depends on the format you have chosen:
- 30mg Vial (lyophilised powder): Store at -20°C in a sealed container, away from light and moisture. Once reconstituted, keep refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C and use within approximately four weeks.
- 3ml Cartridge (for reusable pen): Store refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C from arrival. Once opened, use within 3 months. Keep away from light.
- Disposable Ready-to-Use Pen: Store refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C from arrival. Once opened, use within 3 months. Keep away from light.
Full details are in our Peptide Storage Guide.
What formats is this available in?
This product is available in three research formats: a 30mg lyophilised vial, a 3ml cartridge for reusable research pens, and a ready-to-use disposable pen. Vials offer the most flexibility in reconstitution; cartridges and pens are calibrated for our standard equipment.
How fast is UK delivery?
Orders are typically dispatched within 24 hours via Royal Mail Tracked 24. During busier periods dispatch may extend to 48 hours. Free shipping on UK orders over £100. Full details on our Postage Guidance page.
Is this product legal in the UK?
All BioCompounds UK products are sold strictly for in-vitro laboratory research by qualified researchers aged 18 or over. They are not approved or intended for human or veterinary consumption, diagnostic, or therapeutic use. See our Terms of Purchase for full guidance.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet