For HealthcareProfessionals

View Patient Site (opens in a new tab)
Molecular structure model showing connected atoms and bonds in metallic blue tones, representing chemical compounds or nanotechnology.

Comparison to Other Therapies

How Cingal compares to corticosteroid-only, hyaluronic acid-only, and sequential injection approaches and where it fits within the intra-articular treatment pathway for knee OA.

Comparing Intra-Articular Injection Approaches

A summary of key clinical and procedural features across the principal intra-articular injection options for knee OA. Cingal is the only single-injection approach that combines both rapid anti-inflammatory and sustained viscosupplementary effects.

Feature Cingal Corticosteroid (CS) Only (e.g. Kenalog®) Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Only [Viscosupplement] Sequential CS + HA [Two injections]
Rapid pain relief (within days) Cingal Corticosteroid (CS) Only Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Only Sequential CS + HA
Sustained relief (up to 6 months) Cingal Corticosteroid (CS) Only Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Only Sequential CS + HA
Single injection Cingal Corticosteroid (CS) Only Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Only Sequential CS + HA
Reduced repeat steroid exposure Cingal Corticosteroid (CS) Only Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Only Sequential CS + HA Partial
Injection events per treatment course Cingal 1× Corticosteroid (CS) Only 1× Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Only 1× Sequential CS + HA 2×
Favourable cost-utility vs. sequential 3 Cingal Corticosteroid (CS) Only Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Only Sequential CS + HA Higher burden
  • feature supported by data
  • not a primary feature of this approach

Comparison based on published data and product characteristics. Clinical outcomes vary by patient and clinical context. References available on request.

Head-to-Head Comparison

A closer look at how Cingal compares to each injection approach across the dimensions most relevant to clinical decision-making.

Cingal vs. Corticosteroid-Only Injection

Cingal

  • Equivalent rapid symptom relief from triamcinolone hexacetonide (TH) component1
  • Extended benefit through HA viscosupplementation: sustained up to 6 months1
  • Reduces need for repeat steroid exposure to maintain symptom control
  • Single injection, single visit

Corticosteroid Only

  • Rapid symptom relief within days
  • Limited sustained benefit: patients may require repeat injections
  • No viscosupplementary component
  • Single injection, single visit

Equivalent rapid onset: Cingal adds sustained viscosupplementary benefit without additional injections.

Cingal vs. Hyaluronic Acid-Only Injection

Cingal

  • Faster onset of effect from TH component: relief within days rather than weeks1
  • Comparable long-term outcomes with earlier functional improvement1
  • Non-animal HA source (bacterial fermentation)2
  • Single injection, single visit

HA Only

  • Slower onset: HA mechanical effect develops over weeks
  • Sustained viscosupplementary benefit
  • No rapid anti-inflammatory component
  • Single injection, single visit

Cingal bridges the early post-injection period with TH while HA provides the sustained mechanical benefit without additional injections.

Cingal vs. Sequential Corticosteroid + HA Injections

Cingal

  • One sterile, pre-mixed injection eliminates second procedure
  • Reduced clinic visits and procedural burden for patients and clinicians3
  • Demonstrated favourable cost-utility versus two-injection regimens3
  • Both rapid onset and sustained relief in one visit1

Sequential CS + HA

  • Two separate injections required; two clinic visits
  • Higher procedural burden and associated costs3
  • Both components available separately
  • Two separate sterile procedures increase cumulative infection risk

One injection. One visit. Both mechanisms with demonstrated favourable cost-utility versus the two-injection approach.

Cingal’s Place in the Treatment Pathway

Cingal sits within the intra-articular injection step of the knee OA management pathway, after conservative treatment has been optimised and before surgical intervention is considered.

Cingal may be considered for patients who:

  • Have persistent knee OA symptoms despite conservative treatment
  • Require rapid symptom improvement to maintain activity or enable rehabilitation
  • Are managed within orthopaedic, rheumatology, pain, or MSK clinics
  • Prefer a single-visit, minimally disruptive intervention
  • Aim to delay surgical or more invasive options

For full patient selection criteria, contraindications, and OA staging guidance, see the Patient Selection Guide.

Cingal’s Place in the Treatment Pathway
Flowchart showing progressive treatment options for knee osteoarthritis severity grades 0-4, from paracetamol to TKA, with Cingal highlighted at grade 2-3.

A clinically differentiated single-injection solution

Cingal is a clinically differentiated, next-generation, non-opioid knee OA pain management injection combining fast anti-inflammatory relief with sustained viscosupplementation. Its convenience supports use across orthopaedics, rheumatology, pain medicine, and musculoskeletal care.

View Clinical Evidence Patient Selection Guide