Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid—HA) products have been used successfully for years to treat non-infectious synovitis and osteoarthritis in several species including the horse. HA is a normal component of joint fluid and cartilage and serves many functions. Many HA products can only be given as intra-articular injections, directly into the joint space. Legend^® can be given intravenously (I.V.) and has proven beneficial results.¹ Legend^® is the only FDA approved intravenous joint therapy product available.
 

How Hyaluronic Acid Works

One benefit of HA is that it can stimulate the synoviocytes to produce the joint's own high molecular weight joint fluid.² Joint fluid helps "lubricate" the soft tissue structures of the joint. It also contributes to the exclusion of the plasma components and white blood cells that cause inflammation within the joint and are involved in the breakdown of joint cartilage.³

Legend^® is pure hyaluronic acid, the same polysaccharide present in normal joint fluid. Joint fluid helps protect and lubricate joint cartilage and soft tissues. Legend^® is produced by a patented biofermentation process. It is purified through a 12-step microfiltration process resulting in such purity that it can be given intravenously for immediate bioavailability.

A Colorado State University study demonstrated an intravenous administration of Legend^® significantly decreased the synovial fluid concentrations of prostaglandins, glycosaminoglycan (GAG), and total protein that are associated with non-infectious synovitis and osteoarthritis in the horse.¹ The intravenous administration of Legend^® also decreased the severity of cellular infiltration and vascularity in the synovial membrane (i.e., decreased inflammation at the synovial membrane level). This study demonstrates the intravenous administration of Legend^® decreases inflammation, destructive enzymes associated with inflammation, and the degree of lameness in horses with non-infectious synovitis and osteoarthritis.

Legend^® (4ml) and Legend^® Multi Dose (hyaluronate sodium) Injectable Solution (20ml) are approved only for i.v. use. Legend^® (2ml) is approved for i.v. and intra-articular use. The intra-articular safety of Legend^® Multi dose with benzyl alcohol has not been evaluated.

Learn More: Legend^® Benefits: The I.V. Advantage

Product Label

1 Kawcak, C. E., Frisbie, D.D., Trotter, G. W., McIllwaith, C.W., Gillette, S. M., Powers, B. E., Walton, R. M.: Effects of intravenous administration of hyaluronate sodium on carpal joints in exercising horses after arthroscopic surgery and osteochondral fragmentation. AJVR. Vol. 58, No. 10, October 1997.

2 Smith, MM; Ghosh P The synthesis of hyaluronic acid by human synovial fibroblasts is influenced by the nature of the hyaluronate in the extracellular environment. Rheumatol Int. 1987;7(3):113-22.

3 Balazs EA, Denlinger JL: Sodium hyaluronate and joint function. Equine Vet Sci 1985;5:217-228

Legend is a registered trademark of Bayer. Also sold under the trademark Hyonate® worldwide.