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.

<p>Cingal’s Place in the Treatment Pathway</p>
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