Orthobiologics: what they are and why they matter
Orthobiologics are derived from natural substances found in the body and are used to support healing. When trauma occurs to a joint or soft tissue, it triggers the inflammatory cascade, including the release of protease enzymes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Left unchecked, proteases and cytokines can cause more tissue damage.
Alpha-2-macroglobulin: the horse's own anti-inflammatory molecule
Alpha-2-macroglobulin (α2M) is a naturally occurring protein in the blood. It blocks the destructive effect of these enzymes by capturing them in a "trap" when they cleave the molecule's "bait" region. α2M has a unique multi-modal mechanism of action: non-specific protease inhibition, cytokine and growth factor modulation, and gene regulation.
Alpha2EQ®: targeting inflammation at the source
Alpha2EQ® is powered by AlphaActive™ filtration. In a few simple steps, your veterinarian processes plasma from your horse's own blood into an acellular product focused on α2M, removing the cells and other proteins that remain in many other autologous products. The result is the only orthobiologic shown to deliver functionally isolated, active α2M to the site of inflammation.
- Easy on-site processing, in about an hour
- Multi-dose kit: several sites in one visit
- Freezable for up to 12 months
- Drug-free, not a corticosteroid, no banned substances
Talk to your veterinarian about Alpha2EQ®. Alpha2EQ® is only available through veterinarians. If your veterinarian is new to Alpha2EQ®, we are happy to send them the information and materials they need. If you do not have a veterinarian, contact us and we will help you find one nearby who uses Alpha2EQ®.
Where it is used
Clinical benefits have been seen across multiple sites and conditions, including but not limited to:
- Osteoarthritis
- Soft tissue lesions
- Hock joints
- Suspensory ligament
- Synovitis
- Coffin joints
- SI joints
- Deep digital flexor tendon
- Bursitis
- Navicular bursa
- Cervical facets
- Collateral ligaments
- Stifle joints
- Fetlock
- Carpal joints
- Airway inflammation
Already tried another therapy?
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 ahead of other therapies. Discuss the options with your veterinarian, and read the frequently asked questions.