Helix Medicine

ARA-290

  • ARA-290 is a synthetic, non-erythropoietic peptide engineered to mimic a specific region of erythropoietin (EPO). It is designed to activate tissue repair and anti-inflammatory pathways without stimulating red blood cell production.

    Structure: 11-amino acid sequence: Glu-Ala-Lys-Glu-Ala-Glu-Asn-Leu-Tyr-Leu-Phe.

    Mechanism of Action ARA-290 functions as a selective agonist for the innate repair receptor (IRR), a heterodimer of the erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) and the beta-common receptor (βcR). Its binding triggers key cytoprotective pathways:
  • Anti-inflammation: Inhibits NF-κB signaling, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine release (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6).
  • Tissue Repair & Cell Survival: Activates JAK2-STAT3 and PI3K-Akt signaling cascades, promoting anti-apoptosis and reducing oxidative stress.
  • Pain Modulation: Modulates inflammatory signaling in damaged nerves, alleviating neuropathic pain.

    Indications
    ARA-290 is an investigational drug and is not approved for general medical use. It has been studied in clinical trials for conditions involving inflammation and nerve damage, including: Small Fiber Neuropathy Neuropathic Pain Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Sarcoidosis)

BPC-157


BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic peptide derived from a protective protein found in gastric juice. It is investigational and is noted for promoting tissue repair, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory effects without direct hormonal activity.

Structure: Synthetic peptide
Sequence: 15 amino acids — Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val

Mechanism of Action:
BPC-157 influences multiple pathways involved in tissue repair and protection:

  • Angiogenesis & tissue repair: Upregulates VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), promoting blood vessel formation and healing in muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
  • Anti-inflammation: Reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulates NO (nitric oxide) pathways to protect tissues.
  • Gastrointestinal protection: Supports healing of gastric ulcers and mucosal integrity.
  • Neurological benefits: Shows potential neuroprotective effects in animal models of nerve injury.


Indications:

Tendon, ligament, and muscle injuries
Gastric ulcers and gut inflammation
Nerve injuries and neuropathic pain

TB-500


TB-500 is a synthetic peptide derived from Thymosin Beta-4, a naturally occurring peptide that regulates actin dynamics and tissue repair. It is investigational and used for enhancing wound healing, reducing inflammation, and improving tissue flexibility.

Structure: 43 amino acids (fragment of full Thymosin Beta-4)

Mechanism of Action:
TB-500 facilitates tissue repair and cell migration through:

  • Actin regulation: Promotes cell motility, cytoskeletal remodeling, and angiogenesis.
  • Wound healing & tissue regeneration: Enhances migration of endothelial cells, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts to injury sites.
  • Anti-inflammatory effects: Reduces inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in damaged tissues.
  • Hair and cardiac tissue support: May stimulate hair growth and protect cardiac cells in preclinical studies.


Indications:

Muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries
Post-surgical healing
Cardiac tissue repair and organ protection (animal models)

 

GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Copper) is a naturally occurring tripeptide complexed with copper. It is known for its wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and regenerative properties, and is widely used in skincare as well as experimental tissue repair applications.

Structure:

Type: Naturally occurring peptide-copper complex
Sequence: Gly-His-Lys bound to Cu²⁺

Mechanism of Action:
GHK-Cu exerts its effects through multiple pathways:

Tissue regeneration: Stimulates collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, supporting skin, connective tissue, and bone repair.
Anti-inflammatory & antioxidant: Reduces TNF-α and IL-6, scavenges reactive oxygen species, and modulates metalloproteinase activity.
Wound healing & angiogenesis: Enhances blood vessel formation and tissue remodeling.
Cellular signaling: Modulates gene expression related to repair, antioxidant defense, and cellular proliferation.

Indications:

Skin aging and cosmetic applications
Wound healing and tissue repair
Hair growth stimulation
Anti-inflammatory and regenerative therapy