ARA-290 is a synthetic peptide derived from erythropoietin, but unlike erythropoietin, it does not stimulate red blood cell production. Instead, it acts as a selective agonist for the Innate Repair Receptor (IRR), which plays a role in tissue protection and repair. ARA-290 has shown promise in preclinical and clinical studies for treating conditions like diabetic neuropathy, sarcoidosis-related small fiber neuropathy, and potentially other neuropathic pain conditions.