Alpha2 EQ

Alpha2EQ®: A Regenerative Therapy for Joint Health and Airway Inflammation in Horses

Alpha2EQ® is an advanced regenerative therapy used in equine medicine to help manage joint pain, soft tissue inflammation, and equine asthma. Unlike traditional medications that simply suppress symptoms, Alpha2EQ® works by harnessing the horse’s own biology to reduce inflammation, protect tissues, and support long-term soundness. This article is the first in our client education series and is designed to help horse owners understand what Alpha2EQ® is, how it works, and when it may be an appropriate option for their horse.

What Is Alpha2EQ®?

Alpha2EQ® is an autologous biologic therapy that concentrates a naturally occurring protein called alpha-2-macroglobulin (α2M) from the horse’s own blood.

α2M plays a critical role in the body’s natural defense system by:

• Binding inflammatory enzymes

• Blocking cartilage-degrading proteins

• Reducing ongoing tissue damage

• Helping preserve joint and soft tissue health

By increasing the concentration of this protective protein at the site of injury or inflammation, Alpha2EQ® targets the underlying drivers of disease, not just the symptoms.

How Does Alpha2EQ® Work?

1. Blood Collection A small volume of blood is collected from the horse.

2. Processing and Concentration The blood is processed using a specialized filtration system that isolates and concentrates α2M while removing inflammatory mediators.

3. Targeted Administration The final Alpha2EQ® product can be:

   • Injected directly into joints

   • Applied to soft tissue structures such as tendons or ligaments

   • Administered via nebulization for horses with airway inflammation or equine asthma, when appropriate

Because the product is derived from the horse’s own blood, it is drug-free and biocompatible.

Conditions Alpha2EQ® May Help Address

Alpha2EQ® is commonly used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for:

• Osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease

• Early joint inflammation and synovitis

• Soft tissue injuries involving tendons and ligaments

• Repetitive stress injuries in performance horses

• Airway inflammation, including equine asthma

• Horses requiring alternatives to corticosteroids

It may be used alone or alongside other therapies depending on the horse’s condition and performance goals.

Why Choose Alpha2EQ® Over Traditional Joint Medications?

Traditional treatments such as corticosteroid joint injections can be very effective, but repeated use over time may contribute to cartilage degeneration and other unwanted effects.

Alpha2EQ® offers several advantages:

• Uses the horse’s own biological material

• Steroid-free and drug-free

• Focuses on protecting cartilage and tissues

• Suitable for long-term joint management strategies

• Often associated with longer-lasting results

• Typically competition-friendly, with no required drug withdrawal (always confirm with governing bodies)

What to Expect After Treatment

Most horses tolerate Alpha2EQ® very well. Depending on the area treated, your veterinarian may recommend:

• Short periods of reduced workload

• Gradual return to training

• Monitoring for mild, temporary soreness at injection sites

Many horses show improvement within days to weeks, with benefits that may last several months or longer.

Who Should Consider Alpha2EQ®?

Alpha2EQ® may be a good option for horses:

• With early or chronic joint pain

• Experiencing repetitive athletic stress

• Recovering from soft tissue injuries

• With equine asthma or airway inflammation

• Needing a steroid-free approach to managing inflammation: horses with metabolic syndrome and Cushing's Disease (PPID)

• Young horses in training, where early joint or soft-tissue inflammation is present and using regenerative therapy early may help delay or reduce the need for corticosteroids, supporting healthier joints over the course of a long athletic career

We can help you determine whether Alpha2EQ® is appropriate based on your horse’s age, workload, diagnosis, and long-term goals.

A Proactive Approach to Long-Term Soundness

Alpha2EQ® represents a shift toward proactive, regenerative care in equine medicine. By addressing inflammation early and supporting the body’s natural protective mechanisms, it allows veterinarians and owners to focus on preserving performance, comfort, and longevity, rather than reacting to advanced disease. If you have questions about whether Alpha2EQ® is right for your horse, our team is always happy to discuss individualized treatment options.