Frequently asked questions

Alpha2EQ® is an orthobiologic, which means it is composed of biological, naturally occurring substances that support the body’s own healing process. Using a sample of your horse’s own blood, your veterinarian uses AlphaActive™ filtration to separate the plasma, then filter and functionally isolate the protein alpha-2-macroglobulin (α2M).

This protein is the key factor. When injected or applied to areas of inflammation, α2M traps and removes the damage-causing enzymes and binds pro-inflammatory cytokines, supporting the healing process and protecting against further damage.

Alpha-2-macroglobulin is a large glycoprotein found in the bloodstream of many species, including dogs, horses and humans. Its function is to bind substances that are harmful to healing within joints and tissue and eliminate them. Its molecular structure acts like a trap that captures and removes the harmful substances from the site.

α2M is found in joint fluid and other tissues throughout the body, but because of its large size it cannot reach certain areas at a high enough concentration to be most effective. Alpha2EQ® delivers this molecule directly to the sites that need it most.

Inflammation occurs when there is irritation or damage to a site. It can affect joints, tendons, ligaments and other tissues, and if unaddressed, long-term damage can occur. Alpha2EQ® is an anti-inflammatory that can be applied to areas of inflammation to aid the body in the healing and protection of these structures.

Some conditions include tendon lesions, osteoarthritis, synovitis, bursitis and others. Some areas of use: coffin joint, navicular bursa, hock joints, SI joint, cervical facet joints, suspensory branch, deep digital flexor tendon, collateral ligament, stifle joints and many others. A nebulized protocol is also used for airway inflammation.

As with people, each horse is different. The body responds in different ways, and most of the time the response is related to the stage of injury. Prophylactic use as a chondroprotectant is recommended.

In most cases, the results of treatment can be observed within a few days of the procedure and may have long-lasting effects of 6 to 12 months. Sometimes a series of injections is needed.

When processed, each kit provides enough product for several injection sites, and excess product can be frozen for future use. Contact your veterinarian for the costs associated with Alpha2EQ® therapy. If your veterinarian needs assistance with equipment and materials, we are here to help.

Risks are inherent with any procedure or injection of any substance. Alpha2EQ® is acellular and derived from the horse’s own blood, and it is not a corticosteroid, so it does not carry the known long-term concerns associated with corticosteroid injection. Discuss your horse’s case with your veterinarian.

Alpha2EQ® is only available through veterinarians. Contact your veterinarian for availability. If your veterinarian is new to Alpha2EQ®, we would be happy to get them the information and materials they need. If you do not have a veterinarian, please contact us and we will help you get in touch with the nearest veterinarian using Alpha2EQ®.

Yes. There are no contraindications to using Alpha2EQ® before or after other therapies including PRP, IRAP, stem cells, amnion-based products or shockwave therapy. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a good choice for normalizing an inflamed environment as a pre-treatment to other therapies. Be sure to discuss these options with your veterinarian.

Alpha2EQ® is drug-free, not a corticosteroid, and native to the horse, so it can be used in horses actively competing under regulated rules, and in horses where corticosteroids should be avoided, such as pregnant mares, horses with Cushing’s (PPID), insulin-dysregulated horses, and horses previously affected by EPM. Confirm the rules of your governing body with your veterinarian.