ARA-290, known scientifically as cibinetide, is one of the most interesting repair peptides for nerve pain. It comes from erythropoietin (EPO), the body’s own tissue-protection hormone, but it was designed to keep EPO’s repair signal without its effect on red blood cells. This guide explains what ARA-290 is, how it works, what the research shows for small fibre and diabetic neuropathy, how a course works, and how to start on a doctor-led programme in South Africa.
Everything here was reviewed by Dr Chris van Zyl (registered as M.C. van Zyl, HPCSA MP0287067), who is licensed to both prescribe and dispense medicines under a Section 22C dispensing licence. ARA-290 is dispensed on a valid script after a medical questionnaire, with a consultation arranged when your screening calls for one.
What is ARA-290 (cibinetide)?
ARA-290 is a small peptide of 11 amino acids, modelled on a part of the EPO molecule. EPO is best known for raising red blood cells, but it also protects tissue under stress. ARA-290 was built to keep only that protective, repair side. It acts on a receptor that appears on injured and inflamed tissue, which is why it is studied for nerve damage and nerve pain.
How does ARA-290 work?
It binds the Innate Repair Receptor, a combination of the EPO receptor and the beta common receptor that the body switches on when tissue is stressed or injured. Activating it calms inflammation, protects cells from oxidative stress and programmed cell death, and supports nerve regeneration and healthy small blood vessels. In simple terms, it amplifies the body’s own repair response where it is needed.
Is ARA-290 the same as EPO?
No. EPO raises red blood cells, which thickens the blood and carries real risks. ARA-290 does not act on red blood cell production, so it does not raise your blood count or thicken the blood. That separation is the whole point of the molecule.
What is ARA-290 used for?
Most interest is in small fibre neuropathy: burning, tingling, pins and needles or numbness, often in the feet and hands. This includes neuropathy linked to diabetes and to sarcoidosis. It is also studied for nerve regeneration and microcirculation. It is not a painkiller in the usual sense; the aim is to support the nerves themselves.
What does the research show?
In a randomised, placebo-controlled trial in sarcoidosis-related small nerve fibre loss, ARA-290 increased small nerve fibre abundance in the cornea and skin over 28 days. Patients with moderate to severe pain also reported less pain, although that result did not reach statistical significance. It has also been studied in people with type 2 diabetes for metabolic control and neuropathic symptoms. These are phase 2 studies, and ARA-290 is not yet approved as a medicine anywhere, so it is fair to call the evidence promising but early.
How is a course of ARA-290 used?
The standard course is 2mg once a day for 28 days, injected under the skin of the lower abdomen, thigh or upper arm. On the mobivIVe pen that is 10 clicks. One 60mg pen holds 30 doses, so one pen is one full course. Our doctor advises whether a second course is worthwhile.
How long does it take to notice a difference?
Nerve repair is slow. Some people notice less burning or tingling within the first few weeks, while changes in nerve fibres take the full course. Because neuropathy has many causes, results are individual, and managing the underlying cause, such as blood sugar in diabetes, remains important.
Is ARA-290 safe, and are there side effects?
In clinical studies ARA-290 was well tolerated. The most common side effect is mild redness or itching at the injection site, which usually settles within hours. As with any peptide, tell our doctor about your conditions and medicines so it can be checked first.
Who should avoid ARA-290?
ARA-290 needs medical guidance, and may not be suitable, for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and for people with serious heart, kidney or liver disease or high blood pressure that is not under control, unless a doctor advises otherwise. That is why it is dispensed on a script after a questionnaire and doctor review.
How do I get ARA-290 in South Africa?
ARA-290 is a prescription item, so it starts with a short medical questionnaire that our registered doctor reviews, with a consultation arranged when your screening calls for one. Once a script is issued, your prefilled pen is couriered anywhere in South Africa with clear dosing instructions. Pricing and the full breakdown are on our ARA-290 page.
How to start, in 3 simple steps
- Message us on WhatsApp. Tell our doctor-led team your goal.
- 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.
- Delivered to your door. Your prefilled pen is couriered anywhere in South Africa, with clear dosing instructions.
Medically reviewed by Dr Chris van Zyl This guide 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.