What is Arthrosamid and How Does It Work
Arthrosamid is an injectable 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide hydrogel (2.5 iPAAG) used for the management of osteoarthritis, which functions as a non-biodegradable cushioning agent that integrates into the synovial tissue to provide mechanical support and reduce joint pain. 1
Composition and Mechanism of Action
Arthrosamid consists of 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide hydrogel that is polymerized from acrylamide monomers into a stable, cross-linked structure 1
The hydrogel is designed to be injected directly into the affected joint where it integrates into the synovial tissue and provides a cushioning effect to reduce mechanical stress on damaged cartilage 1
Unlike hyaluronic acid injections (which are not recommended for routine use in osteoarthritis), Arthrosamid is a non-biodegradable synthetic polymer that remains in the joint long-term 2, 1
Safety Profile
In vitro neurotoxicity studies using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons demonstrated no cytotoxic or neurotoxic effects at concentrations up to 20% (w/w) for up to 96 hours 1
The product showed no statistically significant effects on cell survival, cell death, apoptosis, or neurite network formation in laboratory testing 1
Despite being polymerized from the neurotoxic compound acrylamide, the cross-linked final product (2.5 iPAAG) does not demonstrate neurotoxic properties in cellular models 1
Clinical Context and Positioning
Arthrosamid represents an emerging intra-articular intervention option for osteoarthritis, though it is not specifically mentioned in major guideline recommendations from the American College of Rheumatology or EULAR 3
Current evidence-based guidelines strongly recommend against hyaluronic acid injections for routine use in knee osteoarthritis, and Arthrosamid would need to demonstrate superior efficacy to establish its role 4, 2
Intra-articular corticosteroid injections remain the guideline-recommended intra-articular treatment for acute pain flares with effusion, providing benefits for up to 3 months 4, 2, 5
Important Caveats
The available evidence for Arthrosamid is limited to safety and toxicology studies, with no published randomized controlled trials demonstrating clinical efficacy for pain reduction, functional improvement, or structure modification in osteoarthritis 1
Patients considering Arthrosamid should first exhaust evidence-based treatments including exercise programs, weight loss, topical NSAIDs, oral NSAIDs with gastroprotection, and intra-articular corticosteroid injections 3, 4
The product is also marketed under related brand names (Arthramid, Bulkamid, Mictamid) for different indications including female urinary incontinence, all using the same 2.5 iPAAG formulation 1