How ADEQUAN works: ADEQUAN (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is characterized as a "disease modifying osteoarthritis drug". ADEQUAN inhibit certain catabolic enzymes which have increased activity in inflamed joints, and degradation of cartilage in your or horse. ADEQUAN stops collagen degradation on your dog or horse. ADEQUAN inhibit some catabolic enzymes such as elastase, stromelysin, metalloproteases, cathepsin B1, and hyaluronidases, which degrade your dog or horse collagen , proteoglycans, and hyaluronic acid in degenerative joint disease. ADEQUAN effects include ability to stimulate the synthesis of protein, collagen, proteoglycans, and hyaluronic acid on your dog and/or horse.