Introduction

Knee osteoarthritis is a widespread, long-term condition affecting millions across the UK. It causes joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, greatly impacting everyday activities and quality of life. With the UK's ageing population and rising obesity levels, the search for effective and lasting treatments is more urgent than ever.

One promising option that has recently come onto the scene is Arthrosamid, a new injection treatment that’s attracting interest because it may provide longer-lasting pain relief. But many patients and healthcare professionals are asking: why does Arthrosamid come with such a high price tag in the UK? This article will unpack the main reasons behind Arthrosamid’s cost, compare it with more traditional treatments, and help you weigh up whether its benefits are worth the expense.

The Science Behind Arthrosamid: Unique Hydrogel Technology

What makes Arthrosamid stand out from standard knee osteoarthritis injections like steroids or hyaluronic acid is the science behind it. Arthrosamid is composed of polyacrylamide hydrogel – a jelly-like substance designed to act as a supportive scaffold inside the joint. While steroids mainly reduce inflammation temporarily and hyaluronic acid works to lubricate the joint for a short time, Arthrosamid’s hydrogel cushions the joint and promotes longer-lasting support.

This gel clings to the synovial membrane (the lining of the joint), helping it retain lubrication and absorb shocks. Research shows this can relieve symptoms for up to two years after just one injection. A recent review even describes it as “an efficacious and safe treatment option for knee OA that provides positive results for at least 2 years.” Developing such a novel treatment requires substantial research, testing, and clinical trials to confirm it is both effective and safe — all of which add to the overall cost.

Manufacturing and Regulatory Pathways: Driving Up the Price

Producing Arthrosamid is not straightforward. The process involves creating a sterile, stable hydrogel that can safely be injected into sensitive knee joints. This requires specialised equipment, strict quality control, and rigorous production standards, making it more complex — and costly — than manufacturing simpler steroid or hyaluronic acid injections.

On top of this, there are strict regulatory hurdles to overcome. In the UK and across Europe, new medical treatments must pass thorough safety and efficacy checks by organisations like the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). These involve expensive clinical trials, detailed documentation, and ongoing monitoring — all necessary to ensure patient safety but inevitably pushing up the cost. These manufacturing and regulatory demands are major arthrosamid UK price factors.

Comparing Arthrosamid Costs to Other Injections: Is It Worth It?

In private clinics across the UK, a single Arthrosamid injection typically costs between £800 and £1,200. In contrast, steroid injections can cost as little as £50 to £150, while hyaluronic acid treatments usually range from £150 to £350 per session. That’s a significant gap.

However, Arthrosamid claims to offer relief for much longer — often up to two years from just one injection. Steroids and hyaluronic acid injections usually need to be repeated several times a year to manage symptoms. A systematic review found “statistically significant data indicating the efficacy of PAAG hydrogel at one year post injection, with positive results continuing at 2 years.”

Furthermore, a 2023 study comparing Arthrosamid (polyacrylamide hydrogel) with hyaluronic acid revealed that “iPAAG approached superiority to HA across all participants at 52 weeks,” particularly in younger patients and those with less severe osteoarthritis. Another recent study found that while Arthrosamid outperformed steroids at six months, it did not significantly outperform hyaluronic acid. The study added that “iPAAG offers comparable short-term efficacy and modest advantage at 6 months, but long-term superiority is limited.”

Currently, the NHS does not fund Arthrosamid, largely due to its cost and the evolving nature of the evidence. So, when thinking about “arthrosamid cost compared alternatives” and “arthrosamid value for money,” it’s important to consider not just the price but also the length and quality of relief offered.

Long-Term Value and Patient Perspectives

Paying more upfront for Arthrosamid might make sense for some patients in the long run, especially those who want to avoid frequent injections and enjoy sustained relief. Evidence suggests Arthrosamid can reduce pain and improve joint function for up to three years after a single treatment.

Patients who have tried Arthrosamid often speak of better mobility and longer-lasting comfort, finding the lower frequency of injections a major convenience. Still, the cost remains a barrier for many, particularly since this treatment is generally available only in private care. A systematic review noted that “in a Randomised Control Trial, numerically superior data was identified compared to hyaluronic acid,” while subgroup analyses revealed significant benefits in certain patient groups based on age, body mass index, and severity of osteoarthritis.

However, as one recent study cautioned, “iPAAG may be a complementary option in individualised osteoarthritis management, and further prospective studies are needed to define its optimal use.” Those considering Arthrosamid should talk openly with healthcare providers about the value it may have in their specific case.

Conclusion: Is Arthrosamid’s Price Justified?

In brief, Arthrosamid’s higher price in the UK reflects its scientific innovation, the complex manufacturing process for injectable hydrogels, and the comprehensive regulatory hurdles it must clear to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Although cheaper options like steroid and hyaluronic acid injections remain available, Arthrosamid’s promise of longer-lasting relief offers a compelling alternative for patients who want fewer treatments and more extended comfort.

Choosing Arthrosamid is ultimately a personal and informed decision — one that should involve careful discussion with healthcare professionals to balance the benefits against the costs. By understanding what goes into Arthrosamid’s price, patients can make confident decisions about managing their knee osteoarthritis.

References

Cole, A., Maulana, R. K., Whitehead, J. P., & Lee, P. Y. F. (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

Bliddal, H., Beier, J., Hartkopp, A., Conaghan, P. G., & Henriksen, M. (2023). Polyacrylamide hydrogel versus hyaluronic acid in knee osteoarthritis: A subgroup analysis of a randomized study. Orthopaedic Proceedings, 105-B(SUPP_13), 81–81. https://doi.org/10.1302/1358-992x.2023.13.081

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(38), e44655. https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000044655