Ara-290 (16mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
Cibinetide — investigational non-erythropoietic EPO-derived peptide; in Phase 2, not approved.
Pre-filled with this protocol’s recommended BAC water and documented starting dose — edit any field to run your own numbers. Reconstitution math only — not dosing advice. U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1 mL. Full reconstitution guide → · Advanced calculator →Mix & measure Ara-290 · 16 mg
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
A single practical dilution with accurate once-daily dosing, step by step
Frequency: one subcutaneous injection each day. The 4 mg/day dose and the 1–4–8 mg dose-ranging arms are real Phase 2 parameters[3][4], but Phase 2 results are early-stage and proven efficacy should not be assumed.
Standard / Gradual Approach (2 mL = 8 mg/mL)
Reconstitute: Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water to one 16 mg vial → final concentration 8 mg/mL.
Documented daily dose: 4 mg once daily SC in Phase 2 trials; a randomized study evaluated 1, 4 and 8 mg daily over 28 days.
Easy measuring: At 8 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.08 mg (80 mcg) on a U-100 syringe. A 4 mg dose is 50 units (0.50 mL); an 8 mg dose is 100 units (1.00 mL).
Storage: Lyophilized: store at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and do not freeze the mixed solution.
Advanced / Aggressive Approach (2 mL = 8 mg/mL)
Dose: 8 mg once daily SC for Weeks 1–4 — the upper arm of the Phase 2 dose-ranging study (1, 4 and 8 mg daily for 28 days).
Volume: at 8 mg/mL, 8 mg = 100 units (1.00 mL), which fills a standard 1 mL insulin syringe.
If your syringe holds less than 1 mL, split the 8 mg dose into two injections.
Why Ara-290 draws research interest
These are the directions researchers and the peptide community most often explore Ara-290 for — so you know you’re in the right place. They describe what is being studied, not proven benefits, approved uses, or promised results.
Neuropathic pain
Studied in Phase 2 research on chronic neuropathic pain, including small-fiber neuropathy in sarcoidosis; investigational, not approved.
Anti-inflammatory / tissue protection
Investigated for anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective effects via the innate repair receptor pathway in preclinical and early clinical research.
Nerve fiber repair
Explored in research on peripheral small-fiber and corneal nerve regeneration; investigational, with mostly preclinical and early-stage evidence.
Diabetes-related complications
Researched as an investigational compound for wound healing and nerve endpoints in type 2 diabetes studies; not approved.
Evidence ranges from early laboratory work to clinical trials depending on the use — the sections below cover the actual data and sources.
Important: Start with the Prep & Injection Guide — it covers the preparation and safety basics every protocol on this site assumes.
Reconstitution Steps
Draw 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
Release it slowly down the vial’s inner wall to limit foaming.
Swirl or roll gently until fully dissolved — don’t shake.
Label with the date and concentration, then refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), shielded from light.
Reconstituting the 16 mg vial with 2.0 mL gives 8 mg/mL, keeping the 4 mg dose at a clear 50 units (0.50 mL). Avoid freezing the reconstituted solution, since freeze–thaw can denature the peptide.
Supplies Needed
Quantities below assume a 4-week course (optionally extended to 12 weeks) of once-daily 4 mg injections.
At 4 mg/day, each 16 mg vial covers about 4 days, so plan roughly 7 vials per 4-week month.
- 4 weeks (4 mg/day): ~7 vials
- 12 weeks (4 mg/day): ~21 vials
- 4 weeks (8 mg/day): ~14 vials
- Per injection: 1 syringe
- 4 weeks (once daily): ~28 syringes
- 12 weeks (once daily): ~84 syringes
Use 2.0 mL per 16 mg vial for reconstitution.
- 4 weeks (~7 vials): ~14 mL → 2 bottles
- 12 weeks (~21 vials): ~42 mL → 5 bottles
One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each day.
- Per injection: 2 swabs
- 4 weeks (once daily): ~56 swabs → 1 box
Dosing Protocol
A suggested daily approach based on documented Phase 2 trial doses.
- ▪Cycle length: 4 weeks in neuropathy trials; some studies extended to 12 weeks.
- ▪Timing: Inject at a consistent time each day and rotate injection sites systematically.
Storage Instructions
Correct storage is what preserves the peptide’s stability and activity.
- ▪Lyophilized: Hold the dry vial at −20 °C (−4 °F) in dry, dark conditions and limit moisture exposure[7].
- ▪Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within about 28 days; do not freeze the mixed solution, as freezing can denature peptides[8].
- ▪Handling: Let frozen vials warm to room temperature before opening so condensation won’t form, and keep the solution clear of heat and direct light.
- ▪Freeze–thaw: Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles of the reconstituted solution.
Important Notes
Practical points that keep daily administration safe and consistent.
- ▪Sterile technique: Use a fresh sterile U-100 insulin syringe each time and drop it straight into a puncture-proof sharps container afterward.
- ▪Site rotation: Move between abdomen, thighs and upper arms to reduce local irritation and lipohypertrophy[9].
- ▪Slow injection: Push the plunger slowly and pause a few seconds before withdrawing the needle to prevent backflow.
- ▪Recordkeeping: Log the daily dose, injection site and any observations to keep the protocol consistent.
- ▪Regulatory note: Ara-290 is not approved by the FDA or any regulator — it is investigational and has only reached Phase 2. Its FDA Orphan Drug designation for sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy is a development incentive, not an approval[10].
How This Works
Ara-290 (cibinetide) is a synthetic 11-amino-acid peptide derived from the helix-B region of erythropoietin (EPO)[1][2]. It was deliberately engineered to be non-erythropoietic — it does not raise red blood cells, avoiding the hematocrit risks of full-length EPO.
Its mechanism is selective activation of the innate repair receptor (IRR) — a heterodimer of the EPO receptor and the beta-common receptor (CD131). Engaging this receptor triggers cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory signaling in injured tissue without stimulating red-blood-cell production[5][6].
In Phase 2 trials, Ara-290 has been studied for small-fiber neuropathy in sarcoidosis, diabetic neuropathy and neuropathic pain, with reports of improved neuropathic symptom scores and corneal nerve-fiber measures[11]. These are early-stage findings and do not establish proven efficacy[12].
Important caveat: Ara-290 has been evaluated only through Phase 2/2b trials; it has not completed Phase 3 and is not approved by the FDA or any regulator. It holds FDA Orphan Drug designation for sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy — a development incentive, not an approval. Any benefit claims should be read as early-stage hypotheses.
Ara-290 is not an approved medicine. It is an investigational research compound presented here for research and educational purposes only.
Lifestyle Factors
General habits that support overall health alongside the protocol.
- ▪Nutrition: Keep a balanced, nutrient-dense diet to support overall tissue health.
- ▪Activity & rest: Pair appropriate movement with adequate rest and avoid overexertion.
- ▪Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours to support the body’s natural repair processes.
- ▪Stress: Manage stress with evidence-based practices, since it influences overall healing.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
What early-phase clinical research describes; evidence is limited to Phase 2 and individual results vary.
Potential Benefits
- ▪Small-fiber neuropathy (Phase 2): Trials reported improved neuropathic symptom scores and corneal nerve-fiber measures, suggesting tissue-protective signaling[5][6].
- ▪Anti-inflammatory signaling: IRR activation has been linked to a shift from pro-inflammatory toward tissue-protective signaling in preclinical and early clinical work[11].
- ▪Non-erythropoietic: By design it does not stimulate erythropoiesis, avoiding the hematocrit/thrombotic risks associated with EPO.
- ▪Note on evidence: These findings are early-stage — Ara-290 has only reached Phase 2/2b and proven efficacy has not been established[13].
Common Side Effects
- ▪Injection-site reactions: Mild redness, tenderness or soreness can occur; rotating sites helps.
- ▪Limited long-term data: Human safety data is limited to Phase 2 exposure, so caution and monitoring are advised.
- ▪Not approved: Ara-290 is investigational and not approved for human use; orphan-drug status is not an approval.
Injection Technique
General subcutaneous technique, following established clinical best-practice guidance[14][15].
Pre-Injection Preparation
- ▪Wash your hands well with soap and water.
- ▪Wipe the vial stopper with an alcohol swab and let it air-dry.
- ▪Choose a site (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) and clean it with a fresh alcohol swab, letting it dry fully[15].
- ▪Draw the intended dose, then check for air bubbles and push any out.
Injection Procedure
- ▪Pinch a skinfold at the chosen site between thumb and forefinger.
- ▪Insert the needle into the pinch at a 45–90-degree angle (use 45 degrees if the fat layer is thin)[14].
- ▪Skip aspiration for subcutaneous shots — it isn’t needed[14].
- ▪Press the plunger slowly and steadily until it’s fully down.
- ▪Wait 5–10 seconds, then pull the needle straight out to prevent leakage.
Post-Injection Care
- ▪Drop the used syringe straight into a puncture-proof sharps container — never recap a needle.
- ▪Return the reconstituted vial to the fridge right away.
- ▪Rotate the injection site each day to prevent irritation and lipohypertrophy[9].
- ▪Watch the site for excess redness, swelling, or signs of infection.
Recommended Source
For high-purity research peptides, we point researchers to Prime Lab Peptides.
Why Prime Lab Peptides?
- ▪Top-rated on Trustpilot: Independently reviewed as the highest-rated peptide lab on Trustpilot — making it the best current source in the USA.
- ▪Third-party tested: Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming purity and composition.
- ▪Consistent quality: ISO-aligned manufacturing and handling keep product integrity reliable batch to batch.
- ▪Cold-chain integrity: Temperature-controlled shipping and storage across the whole fulfilment chain.
- ▪Research-grade purity: Fit for educational and research use that demands high-quality peptides.
Note: Product availability and specifications subject to change. Verify current product details on supplier website.
References
- 1
Molecular MedicineARA 290, a peptide derived from the helix-B of erythropoietin, that selectively activates the innate repair receptor.
- 2
Molecular Medicine (PubMed)Cibinetide (ARA 290) is non-erythropoietic and engineered to avoid the hematocrit effects of erythropoietin.
- 3
Journal of Diabetes Science and TechnologyPhase 2 study of cibinetide (ARA 290) 4 mg/day subcutaneously in patients with diabetic neuropathic pain.
- 4
Molecular Medicine (Phase 2b)Randomized dose-ranging trial of cibinetide (1, 4 and 8 mg daily for 28 days) in sarcoidosis small-fiber neuropathy.
- 5
Journal of Internal Medicine (PubMed)Cibinetide improves small-fiber neuropathy symptoms and corneal nerve-fiber measures in early clinical studies.
- 6
Molecular Medicine (PubMed)Mechanism of the innate repair receptor (EPOR/CD131 heterodimer) and its tissue-protective, anti-inflammatory signaling.
- 7
Peptide Storage GuideBest practices for storing lyophilized peptides (temperature, humidity and light protection).
- 8
Bacteriostatic Water GuidanceBacteriostatic water for injection: multi-dose vial stability and handling.
- 9
NCBI BookshelfBest practices for subcutaneous injection: aseptic technique and site rotation.
- 10
U.S. FDA Orphan Drug DesignationsFDA Orphan Drug designation database — orphan status is a development incentive, not a marketing approval.
- 11
Journal of Internal MedicineCibinetide reduces neuropathic pain and improves quality-of-life measures in Phase 2 sarcoidosis trials.
- 12
Frontiers in Pharmacology (PubMed)Review of ARA 290 / cibinetide development across early-phase trials; efficacy remains investigational.
- 13
ClinicalTrials.govRegistered Phase 2 trials of cibinetide (ARA 290); no Phase 3 program has been completed and the peptide is not approved.
- 14
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Subcutaneous injection technique: angle, site and no-aspiration guidance.
- 15
Subcutaneous Injection Technique (Patient Education)How to administer a subcutaneous injection: clinical technique guidelines.
- 16
Prime Lab PeptidesResearch peptide supplier — purity specifications and certificates of analysis.
Ara-290 — frequently asked questions
How do I reconstitute a 16 mg vial of Ara-290?
Wipe the stopper with an alcohol swab, then inject your bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial. Let it sit and gently swirl until dissolved — never shake. Store the mixed vial in the refrigerator and draw doses with an insulin syringe. Use the calculator above to turn any dose into syringe units.
How much bacteriostatic water should I add to Ara-290?
There is no single correct amount — more water simply spreads the same 16 mg of peptide across a larger volume, which makes small doses easier to measure accurately. 1 to 3 mL per vial is typical. Enter your chosen volume in the calculator above to see the resulting concentration and syringe units.
What do the "units" on an insulin syringe mean?
On a U-100 insulin syringe, 100 units equal 1 mL, so 1 unit equals 0.01 mL. The calculator above converts your draw volume into these units automatically so you can measure without doing the math by hand.
How should I store Ara-290 after mixing?
Keep the reconstituted vial refrigerated at roughly 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, away from light, and avoid freezing it. Reconstituted research peptides are generally used within a few weeks. Always follow the specific guidance supplied with your product.
How many doses does a 16 mg vial of Ara-290 provide?
Divide the vial strength of 16 mg by the amount you use per injection. The calculator above reports this as "doses per vial" the moment you enter a dose.
Is Ara-290 approved for human use?
No. Ara-290 is sold strictly for laboratory and research purposes and is not approved by the FDA or other regulators for human use. Everything on this page is research information, not medical advice — consult a licensed healthcare professional before any use.
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