New — Free Peptide Starter Guide (2026): 13 chapters, 34 cited studies

Get it free
ToolsCompareARA-290 vs Leuprolide

ARA-290 vs Leuprolide

Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.

Immune SupportRecovery & Repair
ARA-290
Sexual Health & Libido
Leuprolide
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.
Leuprolide is a synthetic GnRH superagonist that, with continuous administration, paradoxically suppresses LH and FSH through receptor desensitization — the opposite effect of pulsatile GnRH. Used medically for prostate cancer, endometriosis, and precocious puberty. In men's health, short-duration use for PCT and testosterone suppression rebound.
Half-Life
~2–4 hours (SC administration)
~3 hours (SC/IM), but depot formulations last 1–12 months
Admin Route
SubQ
SubQ, IM
Research
Typical Dose
4 mg (fixed dose)
7.5 mg monthly, 22.5 mg 3-monthly, or 45 mg 6-monthly
Frequency
Once daily
Per depot schedule
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
  • Medical: reduces testosterone in prostate cancer
  • Medical: suppresses estrogen in endometriosis and uterine fibroids
  • Medical: delays precocious puberty
  • Research: testosterone rebound effect after short course
  • Transgender care: hormone suppression in adolescents
  • Research: hormonal re-sensitization protocols
Side Effects
  • Injection site reactions
  • Mild fatigue at initiation
  • Transient warm sensation post-injection
  • Rare: mild headache
  • Hot flashes (with testosterone suppression)
  • Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction
  • Initial testosterone flare (first 1–2 weeks)
  • Bone density loss with long-term use
  • +3 more
Stacks With