Introduction

Knee osteoarthritis is a common and often painful condition affecting millions across the UK. It can seriously impact mobility and quality of life, especially as people get older. Recently, Arthrosamid — a new injectable treatment designed to reduce knee pain and improve joint function — has been gaining attention. But many patients wonder: is Arthrosamid available on the NHS? In this article, we explore the NHS’s current position on Arthrosamid, why its availability is limited, how NHS decisions on new treatments are made, options for private access, and what steps patients can take if they’re interested in this treatment.

Current NHS Guidance for Arthrosamid

Arthrosamid is a gel-like injectable treatment that cushions and soothes the knee joint. It’s given as a simple injection to help reduce inflammation and ease pain from osteoarthritis. Despite its promise, Arthrosamid isn’t currently included in NHS or NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines for treating knee osteoarthritis.

At the moment, NHS England doesn’t routinely fund or provide Arthrosamid as part of its standard care. Some NHS trusts might offer it in rare or pilot cases, but this is inconsistent across the country. For most patients, Arthrosamid remains unavailable via the NHS.

Why Arthrosamid Isn’t Widely Available on the NHS

The main reason Arthrosamid isn’t widely offered by the NHS is that it hasn’t yet received full NICE approval. NICE requires strong and consistent evidence before recommending new treatments for NHS use. While early trial results are encouraging, the research is still limited and mainly covers shorter-term outcomes.

A recent systematic review noted that “statistically significant data was identified in two studies at both 52 weeks and 13 months, indicating the efficacy of PAAG hydrogel at one year post injection” (Cole et al., 2022). Another study found “numerically superior data compared to hyaluronic acid” (Cole et al., 2022). These findings are positive, but NHS decision-makers want more extensive and longer-term data before giving a green light.

Further, a 2025 study assessing arthrosamid reported that “iPAAG offers comparable short-term efficacy and modest advantage at 6 months; however, long-term superiority is limited” (Aykaç et al., 2025). This suggests Arthrosamid can be effective in the short term, but its lasting benefits over existing treatments remain uncertain.

The NHS must also balance the cost of treatments with their benefits. Given budget limits, it tends to favour therapies proven to work well and offer good value. Until Arthrosamid’s safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness are firmly established, it remains an emerging option rather than a standard one.

How NHS Decisions Are Made: Criteria and Processes

When considering new treatments like Arthrosamid, the NHS and NICE follow a thorough review process. They assess clinical trial data, focusing on aspects such as pain relief, improved movement, and quality of life. They also carefully review the cost-benefit balance to ensure the NHS invests wisely.

Reassuringly, research confirms safety. One review clearly stated that “injection of PAAG hydrogel intraarticularly into the knee has been shown to be safe with no long-lasting adverse events reported” (Cole et al., 2022). Additionally, lab studies found “2.5 iPAAG had no statistically significant effects on cell survival, non-apoptotic and apoptotic cell death, or the neurite network area” (Walmod et al., 2025), indicating no neurotoxic effects.

Safety alone, however, isn’t enough; treatments must also prove they work well and are cost-effective. The evaluation also involves consultation with healthcare experts and patient groups, which can speed up or slow down approval.

As it stands, Arthrosamid hasn’t yet been officially endorsed by NICE, and its journey towards NHS funding may still take some time. Patients and healthcare professionals should keep abreast of any updates on this front.

Comparing Private and NHS Access: Patient Options in the UK

Because NHS access is limited, many patients think about private healthcare to receive Arthrosamid. Private clinics across the UK offer the treatment with shorter waiting times but can charge hundreds or even over a thousand pounds depending on the provider.

Private treatment can be quicker but may not be affordable for everyone. Clinics should always provide clear information about the potential benefits, costs, and risks involved.

On the NHS side, access is much more restricted, often involving long waiting lists. Some patients may successfully apply for Individual Funding Requests (IFRs) in exceptional cases, but this is not guaranteed.

GPs and specialists can help weigh the options, guiding patients to select the best path based on their needs and circumstances.

What Patients Can Do Next

If you’re considering Arthrosamid, the best first step is to speak openly with your GP. They can assess whether your symptoms might benefit from standard treatments or whether referral to a specialist is needed.

If you’re keen on Arthrosamid, ask your GP about private providers and the costs involved. It’s important to get answers to questions like:

• What evidence supports Arthrosamid for my condition?
• What risks or side effects should I be aware of?
• Are there NHS alternatives available?
• How long might the benefits last?

Recent reviews have been optimistic, stating that “PAAG hydrogel seems to be an efficacious and safe treatment option for knee OA and provides positive results for at least 2 years” (Cole et al., 2022). Staying informed through trusted sources and patient organisations can help you follow new findings and NHS guidance as they develop.

Taking an active role with your healthcare team and being informed will put you in the best position to manage your osteoarthritis effectively.

Conclusion

Currently, Arthrosamid is not generally available on the NHS due to limited long-term evidence, lack of official NICE approval, and questions about cost-effectiveness. The NHS focuses on treatments with proven track records and good value for money, which leaves Arthrosamid mostly to private healthcare or exceptional NHS cases.

However, research continues, and NHS policies evolve, so there is hope that in future Arthrosamid could be more widely accessible. Patients worried about knee osteoarthritis pain should talk openly with their healthcare professionals, consider all treatment options, and stay informed about new developments.

References

• Cole, A., Maulana, R., Whitehead, J., & Lee, P. (2022). A systematic review of the novel compound Arthrosamid polyacrylamide (PAAG) hydrogel for treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Medical Research Archives, 10(8). https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v10i8.2950
• Aykaç, B., Dinç, M., Nar, Ö. O., Karasu, R., & Bayrak, H. Ç. (2025). Comparative efficacy of polyacrylamide hydrogel versus hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids in knee osteoarthritis: A retrospective cohort study. Medicine, 104(12), e44655. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000044655
• Walmod, P. S., Kusk, P., Jøhnk, N., Ankorina‐Stark, I., & Essex, A. (2025). An injectable 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide hydrogel (2.5 iPAAG) demonstrates no neurotoxicity in human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived iCell® GlutaNeurons. Frontiers in Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.3389/ftox.2025.1585430