For the past couple of decades, orthobiologics has been quietly transforming the landscape of veterinary medicine. From repairing soft tissue injuries to enhancing reproductive health, the impact of these therapies is profound. As veterinarians and researchers collaborate to push the boundaries of what is possible, the equine industry is not only improving horse health but also paving the way for future innovations.

Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture

At this year’s American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention, Lisa Fortier, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, James Law Professor of Surgery at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, in Ithaca, New York, will kick off nearly four days of educational sessions with her Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture, “The Equine Community Leading the Way in Orthobiologics.” During this cornerstone presentation, she’ll review the evolution of orthobiologics and how they can be leveraged to go beyond relieving pain to restoring biological function.

Fortier received her DVM degree from Colorado State University in 1991. Then she completed an equine surgery internship at Illinois Equine Hospital. She completed her surgical residency and PhD at Cornell University. There she has been on clinical faculty for more than 30 years. She is also the AVMA chief publications officer and editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Journal of Veterinary Research. Fortier’s primary clinical and translational research interests are equine orthopedic surgery, tendinitis, and arthritis with expertise in regenerative medicine including platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cells, and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IRAP). She has authored more than 200 scientific papers and book chapters on topics related to regenerative medicine, arthritis, and tendinitis.

‘The Equine Community Leading the Way in Orthobiologics’

In her Milne Lecture, Fortier will walk audience members through orthobiologics’ emergence in equine practice nearly two decades ago and how it has progressed over that time. This is a transformation she has both witnessed and contributed to. Then, she’ll describe uses and considerations for therapies such as PRP, autologous conditioned serum/IRAP, autologous protein solution, bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMC), and mesenchymal stem (stromal) cells. She will also include the published research behind them. Fortier will also delve into future directions for orthobiologics, including secretome products, off-the-shelf options, and FDA approvals.

“Orthobiologics are on track to be the new normal for musculoskeletal disease treatment,” says Tracy Turner, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMR, AAEP president-elect and 2024 convention program chair. “This exciting area of science brings a lot of hope for joint disease and soft tissue injuries as well as other disease processes in the horse. What a great time to be an equine veterinarian!”