New Data Demonstrates Benefits of Viscoelastic Hydrogel to Treat Osteoarthritis Pain

Fidia Farmaceutici S.p.A., a world leader in the research, development and manufacturing of hyaluronic acid (HA)-based products, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Fidia Pharma USA Inc., will feature Hymovis (high molecular weight viscoelastic hyaluronan), which is now commercially available in the U.S., at the Annual Meeting of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, July 7-10, 2016.
 
Hymovis is a highly viscoelastic hydrogel (HYADD4) bioengineered using a proprietary process that increases lubrication and shock absorption properties and results in a natural hyaluronan similar to the hyaluronan found in the synovial fluid present in human joints. The formulation allows the unique molecule to recover its original structure, even after repetitive mechanical stress. Due to reversible hydrophobic interactions, the non-crosslinked Hymovis has increased elasticity, viscosity and residence time in the joint.
 
Hymovis will be featured at an industry symposium sponsored by Fidia Pharma USA on Thursday, July 7, from 12:30—2 p.m., at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. Distinguished faculty will present in the resort’s Colorado Hall A, including Dr. Clarence L. Shields, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles; Dr. Lawrence Bonassar, Ph.D. Professor at the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University; and Dr. Francesco Benazzo M.D., Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology at the University of Pavia in Italy.
 
Notably, the results of a prospective, multi-center study to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of Hymovis will be presented for the first time in the U.S. by Dr. Francesco Benazzo, the lead investigator.
 
“Our study clearly shows the unique viscoelastic characteristics of Hymovis translates into long-term benefits for patients with knee pain due to osteoarthritis by alleviating the knee pain and stiffness and improving physical function and quality of life,” states Dr. Benazzo.
 
Dr. Clarence L. Shields adds that “Hymovis represents an important new treatment option for orthopedic surgeon/sports medicine physicians and their patients, particularly those who are active, high-demand patients with OA knee pain.”