Randomized controlled trial demonstrates the benefit of RGTA® based matrix therapy to treat tendinopathies in racing horses.
Authors: Jacquet-Guibon Sandrine, Dupays Anne-Gaelle, Coudry Virginie, Crevier-Denoix Nathalie, Leroy Sandrine, Siñeriz Fernando, Chiappini Franck, Barritault Denis, Denoix Jean-Marie
Journal: PloS one
Summary
# Editorial Summary: RGTA® Matrix Therapy for Equine Tendinopathy Superficial digital flexor tendonitis remains a career-threatening injury in racing horses, prompting investigation of novel regenerative approaches beyond conventional therapies. Researchers conducted a blinded, randomised controlled trial across multiple centres, treating 22 French Standardbred Trotters with acute flexor tendonitis via single intralesional injection of either Equitend® (RGTA®-based matrix therapy, n=14) or placebo (n=8), with ultrasonographic monitoring over four months and racing performance tracking for two years post-treatment. Within one month, the Equitend® group demonstrated significantly reduced cross-sectional area of the lesion (p=0.04), with 4-month data showing substantially more treated horses achieving improved tendon dimensions compared to placebo controls (p=0.036). Most strikingly, Equitend®-treated horses returned to competitive racing with 2.3 times higher race participation rates and 3.3 times lower recurrence incidence (16.6% versus 71.4%) than placebo recipients over the two-year follow-up period. These findings suggest intralesional RGTA® therapy may offer meaningful clinical benefit for acute flexor tendonitis in racing stock, though the mechanism—whether through enhanced matrix remodelling, reduced inflammatory cascade, or improved neovascularisation—warrants further investigation to optimise treatment protocols and patient selection in equine and potentially human orthopaedic practice.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •RGTA-based therapy shows strong clinical benefit for SDFT tendonitis in racing horses, with treated horses returning to racing significantly more often and with fewer re-injuries than placebo controls
- •Single intralesional injection approach is practical for field application and demonstrates durable benefits over 2 years, making it a viable treatment option for valuable racing stock
- •The low recurrence rate (16.6%) in treated horses versus high rate in controls (71.4%) suggests RGTA therapy may fundamentally improve tissue quality rather than simply masking symptoms
Key Findings
- •RGTA-based matrix therapy (Equitend®) produced significant reduction in cross-sectional area of lesions by month 1 (p=0.04) and at 4 months (p=0.036) compared to placebo
- •Treated horses returned to racing 2.3 times more frequently than placebo-treated horses (p=0.014) and won significantly more races (p=0.042)
- •Recurrence of tendon injury was 71.4% in placebo group versus 16.6% in Equitend® group (p=0.024), representing a 3.3-fold reduction in recurrence
- •Single intralesional injection of Equitend® maintained pre-injury performance levels over 2-year follow-up period in racing Standardbred Trotters