What is the difference between ARA-290 and Epithalon?

ARA-290: Non-hematopoietic EPO analogue; activates innate repair receptor (IRR/EPOR/CD131 complex) without erythropoietic effects; promotes tissue repair and nerve healing Epithalon: Epithalon is believed to activate telomerase, the enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length, with several in vitro and animal studies reporting telomere elongation.

Is ARA-290 FDA approved?

ARA-290 is investigational and not FDA approved. It is discussed for research and educational purposes only, not as medical guidance.

Is Epithalon FDA approved?

Epithalon is the subject of a favorable FDA advisory committee vote but not FDA approved, and its legal status for compounding is unchanged. It is discussed for research and educational purposes only, not as medical guidance.

How is ARA-290 administered in research settings?

In research settings, ARA-290 is typically administered via the subcutaneous or intravenous routes. PeptideBase does not provide dosing or administration instructions.

How is Epithalon administered in research settings?

In research settings, Epithalon is typically administered via the subcutaneous or intravenous routes. PeptideBase does not provide dosing or administration instructions.

Home›Research›Compare›ARA-290 vs Epithalon

Peptide Comparison

ARA-290 vs Epithalon

Name: ARA-290 vs Epithalon — Per-mg Price Comparison
Creator: PeptideBase
License: https://peptidebase.io/terms

Both are Longevity & Cellular peptides.

ARA-290

Cibinetide

LongevityInvestigationalResearch Only

Half-life: ~2 min (IV); ~10–20 min (SC)

17 providers listed

Full ARA-290 profile →

Epithalon

Epitalon

LongevityAdvisory Vote: FavorableResearch Only

Half-life: 30–60 minutes

176 providers listed

Full Epithalon profile →

Bottom line

ARA-290 has published research citations on file; Epithalon does not yet — the main evidence gap between them.

Quick Verdict

ARA-290

Half-life

~2 min (IV); ~10–20 min (SC)

Epithalon

Half-life

30–60 minutes

Which One Should You Choose?

Your goal	Better option
Has published research citations	ARA-290
Further along in FDA review	ARA-290
Less frequent dosing (longer half-life)	Epithalon
Lower typical price per mg	Epithalon
More provider options (17 vs 176)	Epithalon

Research summary only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified provider before making any decisions.

Side-by-Side Comparison

ARA-290

Epithalon

Mechanism Family

Longevity & Cellular

Half-life

~2 min (IV); ~10–20 min (SC)

30–60 minutes

FDA Status

investigational

advisory committee recommended

Admin Routes

subcutaneous, intravenous

Availability

Research Only

Providers

17 listed

176 listed

FDA Update

—

Jul 2026

Avail. Notes

Non-hematopoietic EPO analog (cibinetide) by Araim Pharma. Phase 3 for sarcoidosis peripheral neuropathy; Dutch conditional marketing authorisation applied for. No FDA approval. Investigational.

Synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) from Khavinson Institute, Russia. Telomerase activator in research. No FDA approval, no NDA or IND. Not on any FDA list. Research chemical.

Research Evidence

ARA-290

RCT · 2 key studies · most recent 2026

Epithalon

No citations on file

Research Citations

ARA-290

RCT2017 · Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science

Cibinetide (ARA 290) reduces small nerve fiber pathology in sarcoidosis patients

Animal2026 · Neurobiol Dis

Immunometabolic dysregulation drives selective executive cognitive dysfunction in male db/db mice.

Epithalon

No citations on file.

About ARA-290

Non-hematopoietic EPO analogue; activates innate repair receptor (IRR/EPOR/CD131 complex) without erythropoietic effects; promotes tissue repair and nerve healing

Research Areas

neuropathic pain relieftissue repairanti-inflammatorymetabolic improvement

About Epithalon

Epithalon is believed to activate telomerase, the enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length, with several in vitro and animal studies reporting telomere elongation. It also appears to regulate the expression of p53 and other cell-cycle control genes, modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary axis via pineal gland activity, and upregulate antioxidant defences including superoxide dismutase and catalase.

Research Areas

telomerase activation and telomere elongation in cell researchmelatonin pathway regulation via pineal gland bioregulator mechanismantioxidant and anti-aging effects (Khavinson-class tetrapeptide)subcutaneous dosing — 10–20 injection courses studied in longevity research

Safety Profile

Information below reflects published research data only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified provider before use.

ARA-290

Reported (Unverified — Pending Clinical Review)

active erythrocytosis

No established clinical contraindications

Epithalon

No established clinical contraindications. This is an investigational compound with limited human data and has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety in this context. Consult a qualified clinician.

Used Together?

Epithalon

GHK-Cu
Research suggests Epithalon and GHK-Cu may produce complementary longevity-associated effects when combined. Epithalon is studied for telomere maintenance and pineal function, while GHK-Cu is studied for antioxidant gene expression and tissue remodeling — different mechanisms in aging research.

Price (per mg)

ARA-290

$4.95/mg

$3.91 – $5.56 range

34 vendors

View price index →Find providers →

Epithalon

$3.50/mg

$2.55 – $4.18 range

51 vendors

View price index →Find providers →

Find Providers

Where to source these peptides

Providers offering

ARA-290

17 listed

Browse directory →

Providers offering

Epithalon

176 listed

Browse directory →

PeptideBase lists providers for educational research purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before obtaining or using any peptide.

More Longevity & Cellular Comparisons

Browse all peptides →

Educational research tools — not medical advice.

Cite this page

Data last updated August 26, 2026

Free to reference and republish with attribution to PeptideBase. Choose a format:

PeptideBase. (2026). ARA-290 vs Epithalon — Per-mg Price Comparison. Retrieved September 12, 2026, from https://peptidebase.io/peptides/compare/ara-290/epithalon

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