Arthrosamid Treatment in the UK

Arthrosamid® is an intra-articular polyacrylamide hydrogel injection (iPAAG) for the symptomatic treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Once injected into the inner joint cavity, it restores viscosity within the synovial fluid, improving lubrication and cushioning of the joint. Arthrosamid® also later integrates into the synovium of the inner joint capsule creating a long-term anti-inflammatory effect giving long-acting relief & improving your quality of life.

Arthrosamid® is injected into the intra-articular space as a minimally invasive, ultrasound guided out-patient procedure. You do not need to stay in hospital for treatment.

Arthrosamid® is safe for intended use and is biocompatible which allows it to integrate with the tissues in your knee. The overall safety profile of the hydrogel has undergone two decades of research and development with approximately 1,000,000 hydrogel units used for various indications in the body.

In clinical trials, patients reported a reduction in their pain levels on average by Week 4 after their injection. The reduction in pain was sustained by the majority for 3 years. Arthrosamid® trials will continue to follow the same patients for 5 years. 

Arthrosamid® is different from viscosupplementation injections such as Hyaluronic Acid (HA) or biological therapies from blood or cells in that it is classified as a medical implant. Arthrosamid® becomes an integrated part of the synovial tissue in the joint capsule and is considered permanent (non-degrading) injectable so may work for longer. 

Before you are given an Arthrosamid® injection, you will usually be given some antibiotics due to its classification as an implant. This is to minimise the risk of infection which is extremely low – less than 1 in 10000 chance. No one has seen an infected joint case yet anywhere in the world!

The injection may sting a little at the skin and when being injected into the joint. No serious adverse events linked to Arthrosamid® have been reported in studies. The most commonly reported side effects were injection related mild to moderate pain and or joint swelling, which are generally transient in nature.