ARA-290 vs AICAR
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- ARA-290 is a synthetic 11-amino acid peptide derived from the helix B region of erythropoietin (EPO). Unlike EPO, it selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR) without stimulating hematopoiesis, providing tissue protection, anti-inflammation, and neuropathy relief.
- AICAR is a cell-permeable AMP analog that activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) — the master metabolic switch that triggers fat burning, mitochondrial biogenesis, and adaptations normally only achieved through exercise. It has been called the 'exercise in a pill' compound.
- Half-Life
- ~2–4 hours (SC administration)
- ~2–3 hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ, IV
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 4 mg (fixed dose)
- 25–50 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- 3–5 times per week
- Key Benefits
- Reduces neuropathic pain from small fiber neuropathy
- Anti-inflammatory without immune suppression
- Tissue protection after ischemia/reperfusion injury
- Promotes nerve fiber regeneration
- Improves symptoms of sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy
- May reduce insulin resistance and improve metabolic health
- Shown to improve autonomic neuropathy symptoms
- AMPK activation mimics aerobic exercise adaptations
- Increased fat oxidation and endurance
- Mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1alpha)
- Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Potential cardiac protection during ischemia
- Synergistic with actual exercise training
- Reduces hepatic glucose production
- Side Effects
- Injection site reactions
- Mild fatigue at initiation
- Transient warm sensation post-injection
- Rare: mild headache
- Hypoglycemia risk
- Lactic acidosis at high doses (animal data)
- Injection site irritation
- Stacks With
- —
- —