ARA-290

What people use it for

• Small-fibre neuropathy, e.g. in sarcoidosis or diabetes (clinical trials)
• Nerve pain and inflammation (popular use)

What ARA-290 does in the body

Mimics the part of EPO that protects tissue. It activates a 'tissue repair' receptor that reduces inflammation and supports nerve repair, without stimulating red blood cell production like EPO does.

Strength of evidence

Limited: small phase 2 trials showed improvements in nerve-fibre measures and symptoms in some patients.

Look up the evidence

• Reviews on PubMed: Summaries of the published research
• Clinical trials on PubMed: Published studies in people
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Registered trials, past and ongoing

Live searches of official databases. New to the terms? See the glossary.

Reported side effects & risks

• Generally well tolerated in small trials
• Injection-site reactions
• Long-term safety unknown

Who should avoid it or take extra care

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Under 18

Not a complete list. Check with a doctor or pharmacist about your own health and medicines.

Regulatory status

Not approved; investigational.

How it's taken

Route: Injection under the skin, daily in trials

How long it lasts (half-life): Minutes, though effects outlast it

Storage

Unreconstituted (powder) vials are usually kept refrigerated or frozen and away from light. Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, keep refrigerated and do not freeze; follow the supplier's stated beyond-use date.