A new injection of hyaluonic acid directly into the knee has been approved. I promises to be of value of those for whom more traditional methods, including opiate medications, have been ineffective.

The active ingredient of this injection, hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan) has been OTC and used as an oral supplement or topical treatment. Hyaluronic acid is a component of connective tissue whose function is to cushion and lubricate and occurs throughout the body. Individuals with connective tissue disorders have less than normal amounts of the substance. The injectible form and quality control (by regulatory approval) has the value for R&D to develop treatment modalities for other connective tissue disorders.

Injection Treatment for Knee Arthritis Approved in U.S.

CHICAGO (Reuters) Feb 05 - Anika Therapeutics Inc. on Thursday said it received U.S. regulatory approval for an injectable hyaluronic acid formulation for the treatment of arthritis in the knee, which affects about 10 million Americans.

The treatment, designed to relieve pain and stiffness and improve joint mobility, is a purified, high molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid contained in a single-use syringe. It is injected directly into the knee joint.

It is indicated for patients who have not responded adequately to conservative non-drug therapy and to simple painkillers.

The product will be marketed in the United States by Ortho Biotech Products L.P., a unit of Johnson & Johnson, under the name Orthovisc. It is expected to be launched in the United States in mid-March.

Orthovisc has been sold internationally since 1996, and currently is available in Canada and various European and Middle Eastern nations.
Reuters Health Information 2004. © 2004 Reuters Ltd.

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