Long term safety and efficacy of a functionalized nanogel with endothelin-1 and bradykinin receptor antagonist peptides for treatment of osteoarthritis of the metacarpophalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints in horses: a descriptive clinical pilot study.
Authors: Terlinden Antoinette, Jacquet Sandrine, Manivong Seng, Coudry Virginie, Tallaj Amelie, Cullier Aurélie, Legendre Florence, Garcia Araceli Ac, Moldovan Florina, Sirois Pierre, Banquy Xavier, Galéra Philippe, Audigié Fabrice, Roullin Gaëlle, Demoor Magali, Bertoni Lélia
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary Researchers at multiple French institutions have evaluated a novel intra-articular nanogel delivery system designed to treat osteoarthritis in the metacarpophalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints of sport horses. The functionalized chitosan-hyaluronic acid nanogel carries two peptide antagonists—BQ-123 (endothelin-1 receptor blocker) and R-954 (bradykinin B1 receptor blocker)—which target inflammatory pathways previously shown to be chondroprotective in laboratory models. This uncontrolled descriptive pilot study administered the nanogel to naturally lame horses with confirmed joint OA, prioritising assessment of safety profile, feasibility of injection, and preliminary clinical and diagnostic imaging outcomes over statistical power. The combination approach is noteworthy because it addresses two distinct inflammatory cascades simultaneously: endothelin-1's role in fibrosis and pain signalling, and bradykinin's contribution to acute inflammation and nociception. For equine practitioners, this represents an incremental advance in targeted intra-articular therapeutics that may eventually offer superior anti-inflammatory duration compared to conventional corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid alone, though the pilot design means findings require validation in controlled clinical trials before widespread adoption would be justified.
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Practical Takeaways
- •This emerging intra-articular drug delivery technology offers a potential new treatment option for joint OA in sport horses, moving from laboratory success to clinical application
- •The peptide-functionalized nanogel addresses a clinical need for more targeted, sustained anti-inflammatory therapy within affected joints
- •Further controlled studies will be needed to establish efficacy and safety protocols before clinical adoption, but this pilot demonstrates the approach is technically feasible in live horses
Key Findings
- •Peptide-functionalized nanogel delivery system was administered intra-articularly to sport horses with naturally occurring OA
- •Study provides proof of concept for feasibility and safety of the nanogel formulation in clinical cases
- •Nanogel composed of chitosan and hyaluronic acid successfully delivered endothelin-1 and bradykinin receptor antagonists with previously demonstrated anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective properties in preclinical models