Irap®
Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein therapy (Irap®) has been available for only a few years but it is proving to be an effective treatment for joint lameness (inflammation/ degeneration of joints), muscle injuries, tendon and ligament injuries.
Irap® is an advanced syringe system which is used to produce autologous condition serum (ACS). By harnessing the regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties of the horse’s own (autologous) blood cells, damaged musculoskeletal tissues are encouraged to heal.
ACS contains active quantities of autologous anti-inflammatory and regenerative cytokines. Irap® technique involves the retrieval of 50ml of the horse’s own blood using a special collecting syringe containing glass beads. During a 24-hour incubation period, the blood mixes with the beads, then is spun in a centrifuge at our laboratory to separate serum from red blood cells. The serum is extracted and is re-injected into the horse from which the blood was taken, at the site(s) of injury or disease, usually over 3-4 occasions. As the serum is autologous, it carries minimal risk of an adverse reaction.
Irap® offers an exciting addition to our range of therapies for treating lameness. It is drug-free and leaves no residues – therefore, since no prohibited substance is administered, there is no withdrawal period for competition.
Further information about the product and video clips of presentations from Irap® Clinical Club, BEVA 2007 are available for those who would like more detail.