Vetoquinol announces that NexHA™ (hyaluronate sodium) Injectable Solution is now available for purchase. The product returns to the market with FDA approval for the treatment of joint dysfunction of the carpus or fetlock in horses due to non-infectious synovitis associated with equine osteoarthritis.
Horses' legs in action as they race on a turf track.
Generic hyaluronic acid injection for horses was made available in March 2024 for first time since 2015.
© 2016 by Mark Higgins
“We are excited to let veterinarians and horse owners know that NexHA is back!” said Eric M. Alsup, DVM, General Manager, Vetoquinol USA. “Using affordable generics allows owners to put more money toward other important veterinary services without compromising standards of care.”
About Vetoquinol USA
A bioequivalent product to Legend hyaluronate solution (Boehringer Ingelheim), the generic therapy is indicated for the managing signs of carpus or fetlock joint debilitation in horses caused by OA-related noninfectious synovitis.1 According to the FDA, OA slowly breaks down breakdown of joint cartilage, which can result in clinical signs such as lameness, stiffness, and joint swelling. Although there is no cure for the condition, appropriate management of OA can help control these signs and improve the quality of life of affected horses.2
Hyaluronate sodium relies on hyaluronic acid as the products’ active ingredient, which acts as a lubricant for articular cartilage. The solution effectively is used to reduce inflammation in the affected joint, improve synovial fluid quality, and reduce the patient’s degree of lameness.3,4 Adverse effects from using hyaluronate sodium therapy that have been voluntarily reported include occasional depression, lethargy, and fever. The therapy has not been evaluated for use breeding horses, as well as pregnant or lactating mares according to the release.1
NexHA is an FDA-approved generic bioequivalent to Legend®. Vetoquinol acquired NexHA as part of its purchase of Bioniche Animal Health in 2014. A prescription-only product, veterinarians can order NexHA from their Vetoquinol Territory Manager or preferred distributor representative.
Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Vetoquinol USA is owned by Vetoquinol S.A., an independent, family-owned French pharmaceutical company founded in 1933. Dedicated exclusively to animal health, Vetoquinol USA is focused on the development, production, and marketing of AAFCO, NASC, EPA, and FDA-regulated pharmaceutical, nutritional, and dermatological products for small and large animals.
NexHA™ (hyaluronate sodium) Injectable Solution is indicated in the treatment of joint dysfunction of the carpus or fetlock in horses due to non-infectious synovitis associated with equine osteoarthritis.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. For use only in horses. Do not use in horses intended for human consumption.
NexHA™ (hyaluronate sodium) Injectable Solution 4 mL is approved only for intravenous use.
The safety of NexHA™ (hyaluronate sodium) Injectable Solution has not been evaluated in breeding stallions or in breeding, pregnant or lactating mares. Not for use in humans. Keep this and all other drugs out of reach of children. Post-Approval Experience: While all adverse reactions are not reported, the following adverse reactions are based on voluntary post-approval reporting for hyaluronate sodium injectable solution: Occasional depression, lethargy and fever. For full prescribing information, visit www.vetoquinolusa.com/nexha-info.
References
1. NexHA (hyaluronate sodium) Injectable Solution returns to market. News release. Vetoquinol. March 4, 2024. https://www.vetoquinolusa.com/news/nexhatm-hyaluronate-sodium-injectable-solution-returns-market
2. First injectable pentosan for equine osteoarthritis is approved by the FDA. dvm360. December 20, 2022. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://www.dvm360.com/view/first-injectable-pentosan-for-equine-osteoarthritis-is-approved-by-fda
3. Legend (hyaluronate sodium). Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. Accessed March 5, 2024. https://bi-animalhealth.com/equine/joint-health/legend
Press release by Vetoquinol USA