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Comparing Equine Therapy Options: PRP vs. RenoVō®

By Bree Valensin, DVM

As equine veterinarians, we are often faced with navigating an overwhelming marketplace of biologics, supplements, and adjunctive therapies, each with varying levels of efficacy and practicality. In an industry saturated with countless products promising specialized benefits, finding something that genuinely delivers across multiple disciplines of care is rare.

RenoVo® has become one of those tools in my practice.

While many regenerative products are traditionally associated with soft tissue injury or joint maintenance alone, I have found RenoVo® demonstrates clinical utility far beyond those conventional applications. I have incorporated it into a wide range of therapeutic protocols, including ophthalmic support, nebulization therapy, and intravenous administration aimed at promoting overall systemic wellness and recovery. Having a single therapeutic option that is both accessible and adaptable across so many areas of care has proven truly invaluable.

What distinguishes RenoVo® most is its ability to integrate the most beneficial qualities of numerous regenerative and supportive therapies into one refined product. It simplifies that landscape without compromising clinical performance. Throughout my experience utilizing it in practice, I have observed meaningful improvements not only in recovery and athletic longevity, but also in the overall vitality and long-term health of my equine patients.

Perhaps most significantly, RenoVo® has proven especially valuable for aging horses and those affected by metabolic conditions where corticosteroid use may be limited or contraindicated altogether. These patients often require a far more nuanced and conscientious care strategy. Having a product that supports healing, comfort, and physiologic resilience without heavy reliance on steroids has been extraordinarily beneficial. Witnessing these horses maintain soundness, comfort, and quality of life well into their later years has been deeply rewarding.

To me, RenoVo® is an investment in the longevity, wellness, and sustained performance of the horses entrusted to our care.

 

About the Author

Bree Valensin, DVM is an equine veterinarian based in Weatherford, Texas and founder of Valensin Equine. She earned her veterinary degree from Midwestern University in Phoenix and brings extensive experience working with performance horses. She has incorporated RenoVo® into her therapeutic protocols at her discretion across a wide range of equine cases.

RenoVo® is a liquid, acellular, equine amniotic tissue allograft comprised of amnion and amniotic fluid, intended to supplement and protect tissues. Clinical decisions regarding its use are made at the discretion of the attending veterinarian.

The key difference between PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and RenoVō® lies in consistency, composition, and practical application. While PRP relies on platelets collected and processed on-site, RenoVō® is a ready-to-use, acellular equine amniotic tissue allograft prepared according to a standardized formulation that offers the beneficial proteins intrinsic to amniotic tissues, including growth factors, IL-1Ra and A2M among others. RenoVō® eliminates the variability associated with PRP, and delivers a more predictable product—making it a reliable choice for veterinarians seeking an off-the-shelf solution for tissue support.

Breaking Down the Differences: PRP vs. RenoVō®

1. Composition: What’s Inside?

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma):

PRP contains platelets that release growth factors like PDGF and VEGF, which are essential for healing. However:

- Some PRP preparations include White Blood Cells (WBCs), which may help in certain conditions but can also cause inflammation and irritation.

- Red Blood Cells (RBCs) are typically removed, but if present, they can contribute to local tissue irritation.

- PRP’s composition varies widely depending on preparation methods, such as centrifugation and platelet activation, meaning no two samples are identical.

RenoVō®:

RenoVō® is an acellular allograft derived from equine amniotic fluid and membrane. Amniotic Tissues contain:

- High levels of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (IL-1ra): A protein that blocks pro-inflammatory cytokines to reduce inflammation.

- High levels of Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (A2M) and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2): These proteins are understood to protect and support tissue during healing.

- No WBCs or RBCs, which eliminates the inflammatory risks often associated with PRP.

2. Consistency: Variability vs. Standardization

PRP:

PRP’s effectiveness depends on several factors: blood quality, draw size, and preparation methods. Variations in centrifugation techniques (single vs. double spin) and platelet activation could lead to inconsistent concentrations of growth factors and cytokines, which can impact recovery outcomes.

RenoVō®:

RenoVō® is aseptically processed and sterility tested to ensure quality and consistency across each batch. Each dose delivers a standardized formulation, providing a more predictable product.

3. Mechanism of Action

PRP:

PRP works primarily by activating platelets, which release growth factors to stimulate cell growth, angiogenesis (blood vessel formation), and tissue repair. However, PRP containing WBCs may also trigger localized inflammation, which can delay recovery in certain injuries or chronic conditions.

RenoVō®:

RenoVō® provides a broad spectrum of extracellular matrix proteins, cytokines, growth factors and anti-inflammatory proteins intrinsic to amniotic tissues, including IL-1ra and A2M. These factors provide a wide range of beneficial effects that may not be achieved with PRP without triggering an inflammatory response.

4. Practical Application: Which Is More User-Friendly?

PRP:

PRP requires on-site blood collection and immediate preparation, which can be time-consuming and impractical in field conditions. Success depends on sample quality,  proper technique, equipment, and expertise, adding variability to the treatment process.

RenoVō®:

RenoVō® is a ready-to-use product that does not require any preparation. It is easy to administer, reproducible, and saves valuable time for busy veterinarians while offering a practical solution for consistent and reliable tissue support.

Why Veterinarians Are Choosing RenoVō® Over PRP

Consistency: RenoVō®’s standardized composition eliminates the variability associated with PRP preparations.

Reduced Inflammation: with the proteins intrinsic to amniotic tissues, including IL-1ra and A2M, may minimize inflammation and offer superior clinical outcomes as compared to PRP.

Convenience: RenoVō® is ready-to-use and aseptically processed, requiring no blood draw or on-site preparation.

Reliability: Veterinarians can count on a predictable product, making RenoVō® a dependable choice for equine tissue support.

What This Means for Equine Care & Regenerative Therapy

While PRP has been a common tool in equine regenerative therapy, its variability, preparation challenges, and potential for inflammation can limit its effectiveness. RenoVō® provides an innovative, consistent, and practical alternative—delivering a standardized formulation which includes growth factors and anti-inflammatory proteins to support and protect tissue without the risks associated with PRP.

For veterinarians seeking a reliable, science-backed solution for equine tissue care, RenoVō® stands out as the clear choice.

Want to learn more? Explore RenoVō®’s Clinical Studies and success stories in equine care on our Case Studies, or Contact Us today.

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