Doctor-Led Nerve Repair Support

ARA-290 (Cibinetide)
in South Africa

ARA-290, also called cibinetide, is a repair peptide derived from erythropoietin (EPO), studied for nerve pain and small fibre neuropathy. At mobivIVe, doctor-reviewed ARA-290 is supplied as a prefilled pen at R3,980, one pen being a full 28-day course, delivered nationwide across South Africa. Below is what it does, who it suits, what it costs, and how to get started with our doctor-led team. New to ARA-290? Read our full guide on what ARA-290 is and how it works.

What ARA-290 does. ARA-290 switches on the body’s Innate Repair Receptor, a protective receptor that appears on stressed and injured tissue. Unlike EPO, it does not raise red blood cells or thicken the blood. In a randomised trial in sarcoidosis-related small fibre neuropathy, it increased small nerve fibre abundance in the cornea and skin, and it has also been studied in type 2 diabetes.

Who it suits. ARA-290 appeals to adults with burning, tingling or numb hands and feet from small fibre or diabetic neuropathy, and to people who want nerve repair support alongside their doctor’s care. To be honest about the evidence: the studies are early stage (phase 2), and ARA-290 is not yet approved as a medicine anywhere.

How to start, in 3 simple steps

  1. Message us on WhatsApp. Tell our doctor-led team your goal.
  2. Medical questionnaire. Complete a short questionnaire, reviewed by our registered doctor. A consultation is arranged when your screening calls for one. If it is safe and suitable, a script is issued.
  3. Delivered to your door. Your prefilled pen is couriered anywhere in South Africa, with clear dosing instructions.

Is ARA-290 right for me? ARA-290 suits people with nerve pain who want a defined 28-day repair course as part of a medically-guided plan. Neuropathy usually has an underlying cause, such as diabetes, so our doctor asks about your conditions and current medicines before anything is dispensed. Tell us if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have serious heart, kidney or liver disease.

ARA-290 options & pricing

ARA-290 60mg – Prefilled Pen

Price: R3,980 (incl. VAT)

Strength: 12mg/0.6ml (3ml pen) – 60mg total

Approx. doses: 30 doses at 2mg (one 28-day course)

What it is

ARA-290 (cibinetide) is an 11-amino-acid peptide derived from erythropoietin (EPO), the body’s own tissue-protection signal. Unlike EPO, it does not stimulate red blood cell production and does not thicken the blood. It activates the Innate Repair Receptor, which switches on the body’s anti-inflammatory and tissue repair pathways after injury, low oxygen or metabolic stress. It is used for nerve pain, especially small fibre and diabetic neuropathy, nerve repair and better microcirculation. Each prefilled pen holds 60mg: one 2mg dose daily for a full 28-day course.

Used for

  • Nerve pain, including small fibre and diabetic neuropathy
  • Nerve repair and regeneration
  • Better microcirculation and blood vessel function
  • Neuropathy linked to sarcoidosis (under medical care)
  • Clients who want a defined 28-day repair course

Frequently asked questions

What is ARA-290?

ARA-290, also called cibinetide, is an 11-amino-acid peptide derived from erythropoietin (EPO). It activates the body’s Innate Repair Receptor, which switches on anti-inflammatory and tissue repair pathways after injury or stress, without the blood-thickening effect of EPO.

Does ARA-290 help with neuropathy?

It is studied mainly for small fibre neuropathy. In a randomised trial in sarcoidosis-related small fibre neuropathy it increased small nerve fibre abundance in the cornea and skin. Pain also improved, although that result did not reach statistical significance. The evidence is promising but early stage, so results are individual.

Is ARA-290 the same as EPO?

No. ARA-290 is a small fragment designed to keep EPO’s tissue-protective signal while leaving out its effect on red blood cells, so it does not raise your blood count or thicken the blood.

How is ARA-290 used, and how long is a course?

One 2mg dose (10 clicks on the pen) is injected under the skin once a day for 28 days. One 60mg pen covers the full course. Our doctor advises whether a second course is needed.

How much does ARA-290 cost, and do I need a prescription?

At mobivIVe, doctor-reviewed ARA-290 is R3,980 per prefilled pen, a full 28-day course, delivered nationwide. Yes, it is dispensed on a valid medical script after a questionnaire reviewed by our registered doctor, with a consultation arranged when your screening calls for one.

Medically reviewed by Dr Chris van Zyl This page was written and reviewed by mobivIVe’s medical team, led by Dr Chris van Zyl, an HPCSA-registered medical doctor (registered as M.C. van Zyl, HPCSA reg. no. MP0287067) who is licensed to both prescribe and dispense medicines under a Section 22C dispensing licence. Last reviewed October 2026. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease; individual results vary. Consult your healthcare provider.