Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan
injectable drug
Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG; sold under the brand name Adequan) is an injectable drug for dogs and horses that is used to alleviate the limpness, pain, and lowered range of motion caused by arthritis. It is made of repeat disaccharide units (comprising hexosamine and hexuronic acid), and is similar to glycosaminoglycans already present in the cartilage; PSGAG thus easily integrates itself there. In vitro studies have shown it to inhibit the enzymes that degrade cartilage and bone, as well as suppress inflammation and stimulate the synthesis of replacement cartilage. While it can cause an increased risk of bleeding, it is relatively safe and has a high LD50. PSGAG is one of the most widely prescribed joint treatments for horses.
While it is widely used, some studies still show conflicting results in terms of efficacy, causing some to claim that PSGAG is not solely responsible for the significant mitigation of arthritis seen in success cases.
Medicinal uses
PSGAG is mostly used in dogs and horses for treating traumatic arthritis and degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis). It has shown to be better at treating acute than chronic arthritis, though some studies say that its effectiveness in acute cases is still limited if degenerative enzymes have not played a role. While it is currently only FDA-approved for dogs and horses, PSGAG is also used off-label to treat lameness in swine, as a chondroprotectant ("joint protector") or treatment of interstitial cystitis in cats, and to treat arthritis in rabbits.
Available forms
PSGAG is first administered as a series of injections over several weeks, and can be continued once or twice a month thereafter.
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