Study reveals promising results of injectable polyacrylamide hydrogel for knee osteoarthritis
A recent study, published in the Journal of Orthopedic Surgery and Research, has shown promising results on the use of injectable polyacrylamide hydrogel (iPAAG) in providing sustained benefits for patients with knee OA for up to 52 weeks after a single injection. This offers new hope for those who suffer from chronic pain and limitations due to this debilitating condition.
This study conducted by Bliddal et al. enrolled patients suffering from symptomatic and radiographic knee OA. The results showed that patients experienced a substantial reduction in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score, with an average decrease of 17.7 points over a period of 52 weeks. This significant improvement indicated sustained pain relief. Additionally, the study demonstrated that iPAAG had a positive impact on other key measures such as stiffness, physical function, and patient global assessment. These findings highlight the potential of iPAAG as a treatment option to enhance the overall quality of life of patients with osteoarthritis.
At the 52-week, over 60% of patients demonstrated a positive response to treatment according to the Outcome measures in rheumatology- Osteoarthritis Research Society International criteria (OMERACT-OARSI). The study also highlighted the favorable safety profile of iPAAG, with the majority of adverse events being mild to moderate. The distinct molecular configuration of iPAAG enables seamless water exchange and integration with surrounding soft tissue while maintaining its volume. iPAAG exhibits structural stability, making it a reliable choice for diverse applications, including bulking for stress urinary incontinence and soft tissue augmentation, with a track record spanning over two decades. Furthermore, iPAAG shows encouraging prospects as a therapeutic option for symptomatic osteoarthritis.
The promising results of this study could pave the way for further research and clinical exploration of iPAAG as a viable therapeutic strategy for managing OA. Such studies offer renewed hope for a future where effective treatments can alleviate suffering and improve outcomes for millions of people around the world.
Reference
Bliddal H, Beier J, Hartkopp A, Conaghan PG, Henriksen M. Effectiveness and safety of polyacrylamide hydrogel injection for knee osteoarthritis: results from a 12-month follow up of an open-label study. J Orthop Surg Res. 2024 May 2;19(1):274.