ARA-290 (Cibinetide) vs Thymosin Beta-4
A peptide that awakens your body's natural repair system to heal damaged nerves and reduce pain
The body's natural healing peptide that accelerates tissue repair and reduces inflammation
Written by Michael Carroll — Owner, Director of Research · Reviewed by the Peptide Initiative Research Team · Editorial standards
Quick comparison
Dose range
ARA-290 (Cibinetide)
4–4 mg
Thymosin Beta-4
2–5 mg
Frequency
ARA-290 (Cibinetide)
Once daily
Thymosin Beta-4
Twice weekly
Administration
ARA-290 (Cibinetide)
Subcutaneous injection
Thymosin Beta-4
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle length
ARA-290 (Cibinetide)
Ongoing/indefinite
Thymosin Beta-4
8-12 weeks
Onset speed
ARA-290 (Cibinetide)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Thymosin Beta-4
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence level
ARA-290 (Cibinetide)
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Thymosin Beta-4
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Benefit ratings
Nerve Regeneration
Pain Management
Tissue Protection
Wound Healing
Inflammation Reduction
Tissue Regeneration
Compound specifications
ARA-290 (Cibinetide)
Molecular formula
C51H84N16O21
Molecular weight
1257.31 g/mol
Half-life
Approximately 1-2 hours in circulation, but cellular effects last much longer
Bioavailability
Subcutaneous: ~100% (complete absorption); Intravenous: Immediate
CAS number
1208243-50-8
Thymosin Beta-4
Molecular formula
C212H350N56O78S
Molecular weight
4963
Half-life
Dose-dependent (increases with higher doses)
Bioavailability
100% (subcutaneous and intravenous)
CAS number
77591-33-4
Dosing compared
ARA-290 (Cibinetide)
Subcutaneous
1 mg
Once daily · 28 days
Lowest dose tested in the phase 2 sarcoidosis nerve study. A good starting point while watching how the body responds [1].
4 mg
Once daily · 28 days
The 4 mg dose gave the strongest nerve-fiber regrowth and pain relief in the trial — better than the higher 8 mg dose [1][2].
8 mg
Once daily · 28 days
Highest daily dose studied in the sarcoidosis trial. It was safe but did not beat 4 mg for nerve outcomes [1].
Intravenous
2 mg
Three times weekly · 4 weeks
An earlier sarcoidosis pilot gave 2 mg into a vein three times a week and saw improved nerve symptoms [6].
Thymosin Beta-4
Subcutaneous injection
2-5 mg (community injectable practice for 'TB-500')
Once or twice weekly · 4-6 week loading phase, then weekly maintenance
Documented community/research-practice injectable dosing for tissue repair; thymosin beta-4 has ~100% bioavailability by the subcutaneous route [1]. Not an FDA-approved use.
Topical ophthalmic (eye drops)
0.1% (1 mg/mL) RGN-259 solution, 1 drop
Several times daily (e.g. up to 5x/day) · 4 weeks
0.1% RGN-259 ophthalmic solution used in phase III neurotrophic keratopathy and dry-eye trials, applied as eye drops several times daily for ~4 weeks [5].
Intravenous injection
450-1200 mg
IV push daily for the first 3 days, then weekly · Total of 7 doses over ~5 weeks
Doses studied in the RGN-352 acute myocardial infarction clinical program, given IV after PCI [6].
Best suited for
ARA-290 (Cibinetide)
Treating small fiber neuropathy
ARA-290 (Cibinetide) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on treating small fiber neuropathy. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Managing neuropathic pain from diabetes or sarcoidosis
ARA-290 (Cibinetide) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on managing neuropathic pain from diabetes or sarcoidosis. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Supporting nerve regeneration after injury
ARA-290 (Cibinetide) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on supporting nerve regeneration after injury. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Reducing chronic inflammation
ARA-290 (Cibinetide) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on reducing chronic inflammation. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Thymosin Beta-4
Post-Surgery Recovery
Accelerates healing of surgical wounds and reduces post-operative inflammation and scarring
Chronic Wound Management
Helps pressure ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, and other slow-healing wounds progress faster
Tissue Regeneration
Supports repair of damaged tissues from injury, burns, or degenerative conditions
Side effects
ARA-290 (Cibinetide)
Common
- Injection Site Reactions
- Headache
- Dizziness
Uncommon
- Elevated Blood Pressure
- Fatigue
Serious
- Blood Clot Formation
Thymosin Beta-4
Common
- Injection site redness
- Injection site swelling
Uncommon
- Temporary mild headache
- Mild bruising at injection site
- Transient fatigue
Serious
- Allergic reaction
Safety & evidence
ARA-290 (Cibinetide)
Evidence level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA status
Not FDA approved
Safety overview
ARA-290 is a synthetic innate repair receptor agonist that has completed Phase 2 clinical trials for small fiber neuropathy and is under active development. Animal toxicology studies show a good safety margin with no organ damage or cytotoxicity at doses far exceeding therapeutic levels. Early clinical data from Phase 2 trials demonstrate tolerability with mild injection site reactions and transient headache as primary concerns. However, immunogenicity remains a potential risk with repeated dosing of synthetic peptides, requiring anti-drug antibody monitoring. Long-term safety data beyond 12 weeks does not yet exist.
Contraindications
- Polycythemia vera or erythrocytosis
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Known hypersensitivity to peptides
- Concurrent use with certain cancer medications
Thymosin Beta-4
Evidence level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA status
Research compound
Safety overview
Thymosin Beta-4 is a naturally occurring peptide found in all cells and body fluids in the human body. Clinical trials have demonstrated excellent safety even at very high doses. IV studies showed doses up to 1260 mg were well tolerated with no serious adverse events.
Contraindications
- Active systemic infections
- Severe immunosuppression
- Hypersensitivity to thymosin or any component
- Pregnancy (insufficient safety data)
Which is right for you?
Choose ARA-290 (Cibinetide) if...
- Treating small fiber neuropathy
- Managing neuropathic pain from diabetes or sarcoidosis
- Supporting nerve regeneration after injury
- Reducing chronic inflammation
Choose Thymosin Beta-4 if...
- Recovering from injuries or surgery
- Improving wound healing speed
- Reducing inflammation
- Minimizing scar formation