EPO-derived 11-amino-acid peptide; innate repair receptor (IRR) agonist
ARA-290 is a small peptide based on erythropoietin that is studied for reducing nerve-related pain and inflammation without erythropoietin's blood-thickening effects.
| Class / type | EPO-derived 11-amino-acid peptide; innate repair receptor (IRR) agonist |
|---|---|
| Category | Healing, Recovery & Immune |
| Status (Jul 2026) | Research use only |
It selectively activates the innate repair receptor to trigger anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective signaling, promoting nerve fiber repair and dampening inflammatory injury. Unlike EPO, it does not stimulate red blood cell production.
Studied in phase 2 trials for sarcoidosis-associated small fiber neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy, where it increased corneal nerve fiber density and reduced neuropathic pain.
Encouraging phase 2 results for neuropathic pain and nerve regeneration, an anti-inflammatory/tissue-protective profile, and no expected effect on red blood cell counts; holds FDA orphan drug and fast track designations.
Never approved; phase 3 was not completed and development stalled, so long-term safety and efficacy are unestablished. No legitimate pharmaceutical supply exists, and research-grade material is unregulated.
Users with neuropathy and chronic inflammatory conditions report interest and some anecdotal pain relief, but reports are sparse given limited availability.
NOT FDA-approved. As of 2026 it remains investigational with FDA orphan drug and fast track designations but no marketing approval; it is treated as research-use-only.