IRAP

Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein (IRAP)

IRAP is a regenerative medicine product that is showing very positive results when used to treat inflammatory conditions of the joints, muscles and tendons/ligaments.

When tissues are damaged, they release chemicals called inflammatory mediators, which cause inflammation. Interleukin 1 is one of the major inflammatory mediators in the horse. By targeting the receptors for this chemical we can reduce the inflammatory response.

IRAP is an autologous product, that is created using the horse’s own blood, which reduces the risk of producing an adverse reaction. The blood is collected into a special syringe and incubated for 24 hours. Following this, the sample is separated and the serum containing the anti-inflammatory and regenerative agents is injected into the affected area of the horse.

This treatment contains no prohibited substances so there are no withdrawal times following treatment. It is therefore a useful adjunct to treating horses during their competition season.