Over the past decade intra-articular 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel (2.5% iPAAG, Arthramid®) has gained wide clinical adoption in equine and canine practice, with more than 300,000 horses and countless dogs treated worldwide. Many show long-lasting improvement after one injection, but Contura Vet has continued to invest in rigorous scientific research to understand the mechanisms, safety, and long-term outcomes associated with 2.5% iPAAG. 

Unlike traditional joint therapies such as corticosteroids—which provide transient symptom relief without addressing the underlying synovial pathology—2.5% iPAAG integrates into the synovial membrane, improving its structural integrity and function. Restoring joint mechanics supports normal function downstream. 

Research Pipeline Through 2025 

A hallmark of Contura Vet’s approach is its commitment to advancing the science behind 2.5% iPAAG. By 2025’s end, peer-reviewed presentations will span equine, canine, and human medicine. 

International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society World Congress—October 

• The Symptom and Disease Modifying Effects of Intra-articular (IA) 2.5% Polyacrylamide Gel in an Equine Preclinical Osteoarthrosis Model 
• Synovial Transcriptomic Response to IA 2.5% Polyacrylamide Hydrogel in an Equine Osteoarthritis (OA) Model 
• Shear Stiffness of Equine Synovial Membrane in OA and Response to Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Treatment 
• Nine human-focused presentations with Arthrosamid® (human product. 
• Presenters: Erin Contino, DVM, Dipl. ACVSMR; Lynn Pezzanite, DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl. ACVS; Markus Wimmer, PhD 

American College of Veterinary Surgeons Surgery Summit–October 

• 2.5% Polyacrylamide Gel in Canine Elbow OA (0–84-Day Data) 
• Owner-Reported Outcomes: IA 2.5% iPAAG Injection is Well Tolerated and Reduces OA Signs in Dogs 
• 2.5% Hydrogel in an Equine OA Model 
• Arthramid® and the One Health Continuum: Translational Insights in Synovitis and  Osteoarthritis 
• Presenters: Katie Seabaugh, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMR; Matthew Brunke, DVM, Dipl. AVSMR, CCAT; Lisa Fortier, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS; and Courtney Campbell, DVM, Dipl. ACVS. 

AAEP Convention–December 

• Revolutionizing Equine Speed Events: The Global Therapeutic Impact of 2.5% Polyacrylamide Hydrogel 
• Veterinary Innovation Focus: What Sets 2.5% iPAAG Polyacrylamide Apart in Veterinary Medical Devices 
• Retrospective Analyses of Long-Term Use of 2.5% iPAAG in Thoroughbred Racehorses (701 horses) and Sport Horses (1,000 horses) 
• Synovial Transcriptomic Response to Intra-Articular 2.5% iPAAG Therapy in Experimentally Induced Equine OA 
• Evaluating Symptom- and Disease-Modifying Effects of 2.5% iPAAG in the Osteochondral Fragment Model for OA 
• Presenters: Contino; Pezzanite; Wayne McIlwraith, BVSc, PhD, FRCVS, Dipl. ACVS, ECVS, ACVSMR; Marc Koene, DVM, IAVC/IVCA; Leigh de Clifford, BVSc, CertAVP, PGDipVPS, MRCVS 

Translational Impact 

This growing body of evidence shows how 2.5% iPAAG can alter joint disease’s course, support veterinarians’ decision-making, and inform human orthopedics. 

“Many companies conclude research efforts once a product reaches market,” says Michaela Arcaro, VP of Operations, Contura Vet. “We are committed to expanding the scientific foundation of Arthramid® and Arthrosamid®, ensuring veterinarians and physicians have access to robust, high-quality data to guide care. 

“Through ongoing clinical studies and collaborative research across veterinary and human medicine, we are uncovering new insights into the pathophysiology and treatment of OA,” she adds. “The unique properties of 2.5% iPAAG offer a novel therapeutic option (and) a valuable tool for advancing our understanding of OA mechanisms, progression, and response to treatment across species. This knowledge is helping reshape how OA is approached—from early diagnosis to long-term management—improving outcomes for animals and humans.”