Buy ARA-290

ARA-290, also known by its generic name Cibinetide, is a synthetic 11-amino acid peptide derived from the structure of erythropoietin (EPO). It was specifically engineered to retain the tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory properties of EPO while eliminating its erythropoietic (red blood cell-stimulating) effects. This separation of functions is critical, as the erythropoietic action of EPO can lead to serious side effects like thrombosis, limiting its clinical use for tissue protection. ARA-290 selectively interacts with a specific receptor complex known as the innate repair receptor (IRR), making it a promising candidate for research into conditions characterized by inflammation and tissue injury, particularly neuropathic pain.

Primary Uses and Potential Benefits in a Research Context

The primary research application of ARA-290 is in the study of neuropathic pain and inflammatory conditions. It has been evaluated in both preclinical models and phase 2 clinical trials for its ability to alleviate pain and promote tissue repair.

Potential benefits observed in research settings include:

• Alleviation of Neuropathic Pain: Studies in rat models of spinal nerve injury and clinical trials in patients with type 2 diabetes and sarcoidosis-related small fiber neuropathy have shown that ARA-290 can significantly reduce pain symptoms like tactile allodynia.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: ARA-290’s mechanism involves suppressing inflammatory responses at the site of injury. It has been shown to reduce the activation of spinal microglia, which are key drivers of central inflammation in chronic pain states.
• Tissue Protection and Repair: It promotes tissue repair responses, including neurite outgrowth in the nervous system and accelerated wound healing in dermal injury models. In models of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury, it reduced markers of kidney dysfunction.
• Improved Metabolic Control: In a phase 2 trial involving patients with type 2 diabetes, ARA-290 administration was associated with an improvement in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and lipid profiles, suggesting a beneficial effect on metabolic control.
• Favorable Safety Profile: Unlike EPO, ARA-290 does not stimulate red blood cell production and has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in human volunteers and patients, with no serious side effects identified.

How it Works (Mechanism of Action)

ARA-290 exerts its effects by selectively activating the innate repair receptor (IRR). The IRR is a heterocomplex formed by the conjunction of the EPO receptor and the β-common receptor. This receptor complex is typically upregulated in tissues following injury or inflammation.

Activation of the IRR by ARA-290 initiates a cascade of intracellular signaling events that are fundamentally tissue-protective. This includes:

1. Initiation of an Anti-inflammatory Response: It suppresses the release of pro-inflammatory mediators like TNF-α and various interleukins from immune cells such as microglia.
2. Inhibition of Apoptosis: It activates anti-apoptotic pathways and inhibits death signals, preventing further cell death and tissue damage.
3. Promotion of Tissue Repair: It stimulates regenerative processes, such as the regrowth of nerve fibers (neurite outgrowth) from damaged axons.

By targeting this specific receptor, ARA-290 is not acting as a conventional analgesic agent that simply masks pain. Instead, it is believed to address the underlying inflammatory processes that drive and maintain neuropathic pain, leading to long-term relief.

Potential Side Effects in Research Studies

ARA-290 has been extensively evaluated in preclinical toxicology studies and human clinical trials and has demonstrated a high safety profile. To date, no significant safety issues, side effects, or toxicity have been identified in studies involving normal human volunteers or patients with sarcoidosis and type 2 diabetes. This lack of adverse effects is a key distinguishing feature compared to its parent molecule, EPO, which carries risks of thrombosis and endothelial cell activation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is ARA-290? ARA-290, or Cibinetide, is a synthetic peptide derived from erythropoietin (EPO). It is designed to provide the tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory benefits of EPO without stimulating red blood cell production.
• How does ARA-290 differ from EPO? While derived from EPO, ARA-290 is non-erythropoietic. It selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR) to promote healing and reduce inflammation, whereas EPO activates both the IRR and the classical EPO receptor responsible for red blood cell formation.
• What is the primary area of research for ARA-290? Its primary research focus is the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with conditions like type 2 diabetes, sarcoidosis, and nerve injury. It is also being investigated for wound healing and organ protection.
• Is ARA-290 an analgesic? No, it is not considered a traditional analgesic. Instead of blocking pain signals, it is believed to work by reducing the underlying inflammation and promoting the repair of damaged nerve fibers that cause chronic pain.