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The long-lasting efficacy of Contura’s 2.5% injectable polyacrylamide hydrogel (iPAAG) for osteoarthritis treatment in horses and humans has been demonstrated in multiple published studies, and now a formal trial is underway in Australia to include dogs.1-6
Arthramid® is a Schedule 4 Prescription Animal Remedy, containing 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel with patented IL-X cross-linking and 97.5% sterile water, which is injected into synovial joints, acting as an inert bio-scaffold [Figure 1]. It was first registered in 2020 as ArthramidVet® in Australia and New Zealand for the intra-articular treatment of non-infectious lameness in horses.
The rapid resolution of lameness by a reduction in pain is paramount, but treatment should ideally also serve to slow the progression of disease.7
In horses, Arthramid® produces sustained soundness (lame-free) for many months, up to years.1-4 The treatment can be administered from acute to chronic stages, in mild to severe cases, and/or in multiple joints.
Mode Of Action
2.5% iPAAG has a targeted action on the synovial membrane itself. Once injected into the joint, it integrates into the synovial membrane within the first two weeks.8-10
Arthramid® acts as a dynamic tissue scaffold giving bio-mechanical support that increases the elasticity and tensile strength of the joint capsule. The joint has reduced stiffness and fibrosis, and improved capacity to transfer load. The primary action of the 2.5% iPAAG hydrogel alleviates discomfort and restores joint function and modulates the inflammatory response, leading to improvements in joint fluid quality.1,8,11
Equine Research
Multiple published studies worldwide have shown that Arthramid® resolves OA lameness in 66.3 to 83.3% of horses.1-4
A 2018 Australian study in racing Thoroughbreds showed that Arthramid® resulted in 83.3% of horses being sound at 6 and 12 weeks. The study’s alternative treatment groups showed at 6 weeks only 27.3% were sound after triamcinolone and 40% after hyaluronic acid [Figure 2].4
Other Species
Many years of authorised 2.5% iPAAG administration to dogs and humans in the Northern Hemisphere have demonstrated long-lasting efficacy and safety in osteoarthritis treatment across species.
A Canine Elbow Arthritis Clinical Trial has just commenced in Australia within nominated veterinary practices, with the aim of broadening Arthramid®’s current APVMA and ACVM equine lameness registrations to include dogs. Contura, the manufacturer of Arthramid®, is also working towards full TGA approval of their human equivalent Arthrosamid® in Australia.
A major priority for Contura Vet is continued research to build understanding and education. Arthramid® is a proud 2025 Global Industry Partner of VetPD. Arthramid® is a unique new technology giving medical practitioners the ability to restore joint function and manage lameness, more effectively and for longer.
For more detail on Arthramid® visit www.arthramid.com.au, phone 1800 931 812 or email sales.anz@conturavet.com.
References:
1. Tnibar A, Schougaard H, Camitz L, Rasmussen J, Koene M, Jahn W and Markussen B. An international multi-centre prospective study in the efficacy of an intraarticular polyacrylamide hydrogel in horses with osteoarthritis: a 24 month follow-up. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavia 2015; 57:20.
2. Bathe, AP, Read RM and Briggs C Intra-articular polyacrylamide hydrogel for the treatment of 20 horses with non-responsive osteoarthritis of the interphalangeal joints: a prospective study. Veterinary Orthopaedic Society 43rd Annual Conference Abstract 2016; USA.
3. de Clifford LT, Lowe JN, McKellar CD, Bolwell C and David F. Use of a 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide hydrogel in the management of joint lameness in a population of flat racing Thoroughbreds: A pilot study. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 2019; 77: 57-62.
4. de Clifford LT, Lowe JN, McKellar CD, McGowan C, David F. A Double-Blinded Positive Control Study Comparing the Relative Efficacy of 2.5% Polyacrylamide Hydrogel (PAAG) Against Triamcinolone Acetonide (TA) And Sodium Hyaluronate (HA) in the Management of Middle Carpal Joint Lameness in Racing Thoroughbreds. J Equine Vet Sci. 2021; Dec;107:103780.
5. Henriksen M, Beier J, Hartkopp A, Conaghan PG, Bliddal H. 3-year results from a prospective study of polyacrylamide hydrogel for knee osteoathritis. Osteoarthr. Cartil. 2023; 31 (5): 682-683.
6. Bliddal H, Beier J, Hartkopp A, Conaghan PG, Henriksen M. Polyacrylamide Hydrogel for Knee Osteoarthritis: Four-year results from a prospective study. EORS 32nd Annual Meeting Proceedings 2024.
7. Caron, J.P., Intra-articular injections for joint diseases in horses. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract. 2005; 21: 559-573.
8. Christensen, L.H., Camitz, L., Illigen, K.E., Hansen, M., Sarvaa, R., and Conaghan, P.G. Synovial incorporation of polyacrylamide hydrogel after injection into normal and osteoarthritic animal joints. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 2016; 24: 1999-2002.
9 Narins, R.S. and Schmidt, R., Polyacrylamide hydrogel differences: Getting rid of the confusion. J Drugs Dermatol. 2011; 10(12): 1370-1375.
10 Lowe, J., de Clifford L., Julian, A., and Koene, M. Histologic and cytologic changes in normal equine joints after injection with 2.5% injectable polyacrylamide hydrogel reveal low-level macrophage-driven foreign body response. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2024;262(5):649-657. doi: 10.2460/javma.23.10.0553.
11. Tnibar A, Persson A, Jensen H. Mechanism of action of an intraarticular 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel (Arthramid Vet) in a goat model of osteoarthritis: preliminary observations. SM J Biomed Eng 2017;3:1022.
