Nanotechnology treatment for equine OA may soon be available

A new veterinary device that relies on nanotechnology for treating osteoarthritis (OA) in horses is expected to be available in the US in 2026. Synoglide—an intra-articular injection manufactured by biomedical company Allegro and licensed by American Regent Animal Health—is engineered to behave like biology.1,2

“We are excited [by] the potential this device offers to equine athletes, veterinarians, and horse owners as a valuable addition to the treatment continuum for osteoarthritis in horses. Synoglide ushers in a fresh perspective on how we address arthritis, reduce discomfort, and help restore movement with intra-articular care…. We look forward to seeing the impact this product will have on the well-being of our equine partners,” Andy Ferrigno, senior director, international sales and marketing, American Regent Animal Health, said in a news release.1

Equine OA is a common degenerative condition that can occur in any synovial joint. Affecting horses at any age and of any breed, it is caused by multiple factors that include repetitive trauma, historical fractures, poor coordination, and high-speed training.3

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Lameness is the predominant clinical sign of equine OA. Reduced range of motion, joint inflammation, and heat and pain with joint manipulation are other signs. Horses with OA may also be stiff when they first begin moving and appear to be more comfortable after warming up.3

"Synoglide offers a new approach to help veterinarians manage this challenging chronic condition that affects the lives of so many animals,” Paul Diolosa, CEO for American Regent, said in a news release.2

Derived from natural ingredients, Synoglide is a veterinary formulation of Allegro’s Hydrocelin, a potentially disease-modifying candidate for OA treatment that is expected to be investigated in human clinical studies in 2026. It is designed to mimic the elasticity and rheopectic behavior of synovial fluid by using cross-linked microparticle bonds that strengthen under mechanical stress and provide extra support to the joint.1

Results of an unblinded clinical study involving 29 horses showed that Synoglide helped restore biomechanics, leading to improved joint function. Researchers found that 89.6% of those horses experienced decreased lameness 4 weeks after treatment, and 72.4% experienced complete resolution of lameness, according to the news release.1

Under the agreement with American Regent Animal Health, Allegro will manufacture Synoglide in a state-of-the-art cleanroom facility that has the capacity to produce 1 million syringes per year. Lucas Decuypere, CEO and president of Allegro, will present Synoglide’s technology at the 2025 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, being held December 6-10 in Denver, Colorado. Decuypere will also take questions from attendees.1

References

1. Introducing Synoglide: a first-of-its-kind OA microparticle hydrogel. News release. American Regent and Allegro NV. December 3, 2025.
2. Allegro and American Regent sign exclusive licensing deal for Synoglide, a novel osteoarthritis treatment in animal health, valued at up to $35 million. News release. Allegro NV and American Regent. November 25, 2025. Accessed December 4, 2025. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/11/25/3194042/0/en/Allegro-and-American-Regent-sign-exclusive-licensing-deal-for-SynoglideTM-a-novel-osteoarthritis-treatment-in-animal-health-valued-at-up-to-35-million.html
3. Young A, Katzman S. Osteoarthritis. University of California-Davis, Center for Equine Health. July 29, 2021. Accessed December 4, 2025. https://ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/osteoarthritis