What Is Generic Adequan Equine?

Adequan (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan or PSGAG) is used in veterinary medicine to treat non-infectious degenerative joint disease (DJD) in horses. According to its manufacturer, Adequan is the only disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug on the market that is approved by the FDA.

Manufacturer

Adequan is manufactured and was developed by Luitpold Pharmaceuticals' Animal Health Division.

FDA Approval

Adequan was approved by the FDA in its intra-articular injectable form in 1984. An intra-muscular form was approved five years later.

Generics

To be considered the generic form of another drug, a drug must be an exact copy of the original. It must include the same ingredients and produce the same medical effect. It must also carry the same side effects, warnings and dangers. If the original product is FDA approved, the generic necessarily must be, as well.

FDA-Approved Generics

As of January 2010, there are no FDA-approved generics available for Adequan.

Similar Products

A number of products which claim the same health benefits as Adequan are on the market. Among these are Chondroprotec, Acetyl-D-Glucosamine, and Polyglycan.

Neutraceuticals (oral supplements) are sold with similar claims on equine joint health as Adequan. Glucosamine and chondroitin are two of these products.

References

• Adequan i.m.: Ideal Treatment
• FDA: Generic Animal Drug and Patent Term Restoration Act (GADPTRA)
• VeterinaryPartner.com: Texas Vet News by Dr. Bob Judd, DVM and Texas Farm Bureau