Did you know that when someone has osteoarthritis, the hyaluronic acid in their affected joint becomes thinner? This reduction in HA compromises the joint’s natural lubrication and cushioning, leading to pain, inflammation, and limited mobility—common symptoms of this degenerative disease.
Viscosupplementation therapy, which involves injecting HA directly into the knee joint, is often recommended by medical professionals to address these issues. Among the leading options, Hymovis stands out for its unique HA formulation, offering effective relief from osteoarthritis symptoms, improving joint function, and enhancing quality of life.
In this article, we’ll explore the active ingredient in Hymovis, its properties, how it works to lubricate joints and relieve pain, and its role in managing osteoarthritis.
Key Takeaways
- Fidia Farmaceutici S.p.A offers a viscosupplement that capitalizes on a new hyaluronan derivative called HYADD4®.
- The safety and effectiveness data summary showed that a pre-filled 3 mL Hymovis injection contains hyaluronan or HYADD4® at an 8 mg/mL concentration.
- Hymovis injection’s high-molecular-weight hyaluronan acts as a lubricant and shock absorber for the joints, improving the viscoelastic properties of the synovial fluid and reducing cartilage friction.
- Highly purified hyaluronan can restore the viscoelastic properties of the joint’s synovial fluid, making it ideal for treating OA.
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What is Hymovis Active Ingredient?
Hymovis is a viscosupplement developed by Fidia Farmaceutici S.p.A., designed to alleviate symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (OA). It features a unique hyaluronan derivative, HYADD®4, distinguishing it from other hyaluronic acid treatments.
The key ingredient in Hymovis is highly purified hyaluronan, a high-molecular-weight viscoelastic hydrogel. This formulation is engineered to mimic the natural synovial fluid in the knee joint, helping to restore the joint’s natural lubrication and shock-absorbing properties. By enhancing the viscosity and elasticity of the joint fluid, Hymovis offers extended relief from OA symptoms through its two-injection regimen, administered one week apart via intra-articular injection.
Properties of Highly Purified Hyaluronan
According to Snetkov et al. (2020), hyaluronan’s molecular weight depends on its source. Hymovis uses bacterial fermentation for its hyaluronan, which typically weighs between 1000 and 4000 kDa. Additionally, a review article highlighted that hyaluronan is a polysaccharide of repeating disaccharides containing units of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine.
However, the specific molecular weight and structure of Hymovis’s hyaluronan component are unavailable. The safety and effectiveness data summary showed that a pre-filled 3 mL Hymovis injection contains hyaluronan or HYADD4® at an 8 mg/mL concentration.
Viscosity and Lubricating Properties
Hymovis’s hyaluronic acid provides high viscosity, which is critical for its lubricating properties. These properties help reduce joint friction, enhance mobility, and alleviate pain in osteoarthritis patients. The gel-like consistency of hyaluronan acts as a shock absorber, providing cushioning during movement.
Biocompatibility and Safety
Hyaluronic acid (HA), the active ingredient in Hymovis, is naturally found in the body, making it biocompatible and biodegradable. This ensures that Hymovis, like other HA-based products such as Euflexxa and Hyalgan, is non-toxic and non-immunogenic. Its safety profile allows its wide use in medical and cosmetic treatments without eliciting adverse immune responses.
Role of Highly Purified Hyaluronan in Joint Lubrication and Pain Relief
Hymovis, like other viscosupplements, improves the viscoelastic properties of synovial fluid in osteoarthritic joints. The high-molecular-weight hyaluronan in Hymovis acts as both a lubricant and a shock absorber. This mechanism reduces friction between cartilage surfaces during movement, thus minimizing joint degradation and providing smoother mobility.
- Alleviating Pain and Inflammation: Hyaluronan injections help alleviate pain and inflammation associated with degenerative joint disease. By neutralizing free radicals and inhibiting inflammatory mediators in the joint, the hyaluronan works to reduce swelling and pain. This anti-inflammatory effect provides significant relief for patients, allowing them to regain pain-free movement and improved joint function.
- Improving Joint Function and Mobility: Highly purified hyaluronan in Hymovis helps restore the lubrication and cushioning properties of synovial fluid. This enhanced joint environment promotes better mobility, flexibility, and a wider range of motion for individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis. Over time, patients often experience improved joint functionality, leading to a more active and comfortable lifestyle.
Highly Purified Hyaluronan in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis
Fortunately, Hymovis and other viscosupplements innovated to utilize hyaluronan as a treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA). According to the Hymovic prescribing information, the US Food and Drug Administration approved this injection to treat knee OA in patients who have not responded to first-line conservative therapies.
Highly purified hyaluronan can deliver symptomatic relief when targeted into the affected knee joint. Its ability to restore the viscoelastic properties of the joint’s synovial fluid makes it ideal for treating OA. It mimics the hyaluronic acid to stimulate its production for lubrication and shock absorption.
According to a systematic review, patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who don’t find relief with topical or oral medications and physical therapy may opt for this viscosupplementation. It is generally safe and effective and can provide adequate pain relief and functional improvement for up to six months.
Furthermore, Bowman et al. (2018) stated that hyaluronic acid stands out for its ability to reduce the side effects of osteoarthritis. It works through various mechanisms, such as lubrication, anti-inflammatory properties, and chondroprotective effects. The medical field can find more benefits and long-term efficacy of viscosupplementation through further innovations in this treatment.
Highly purified hyaluronan offers minimal downtime, quick procedure, superior pain relief, and joint function improvement compared to other osteoarthritis treatments. While only providing temporary effects, individuals can expect effective results lasting for six months, with maintenance sessions to sustain symptomatic relief.
Conclusion
Hymovis’ unique formulation of highly purified, high-molecular-weight hyaluronan makes it a powerful viscosupplement for addressing knee osteoarthritis symptoms. By restoring the synovial fluid’s viscoelastic properties, it acts as a lubricant and shock absorber, reducing friction in the joints and enabling smoother, pain-free movement. With its biocompatibility and proven safety, Hymovis effectively reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation while enhancing joint mobility.
For those seeking non-surgical relief from mild to moderate osteoarthritis, discussing Hymovis treatment options with a healthcare provider offers a promising solution.
FAQs
1. What is the active ingredient in Hymovis?
The active ingredient in Hymovis is highly purified hyaluronan, a high-molecular-weight viscoelastic hydrogel.
2. What are the properties of highly purified hyaluronan in Hymovis?
Highly purified hyaluronan in Hymovis exhibits high viscosity and excellent lubricating properties, providing an efficient solution for reducing joint friction in knee osteoarthritis. Additionally, hyaluronan is biocompatible, non-toxic, and non-immunogenic, making it suitable for various medical and cosmetic applications.
3. How does Hymovis work in treating knee osteoarthritis?
Hymovis injection’s high-molecular-weight hyaluronan acts as a lubricant and shock absorber for the joints, improving the synovial fluid’s viscoelastic properties and reducing cartilage friction. Thus, it alleviates pain and inflammation and improves joint function and mobility.
References
- Dunkin, M. A. (n.d.). Osteoarthritis and Hyaluronic Acid Injections. WebMD. Retrieved September 26, 2024, from https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/hyaluronic-acid-injections-for-osteoarthritis
- Snetkov, P., Zakharova, K., Morozkina, S., Olekhnovich, R., & Uspenskaya, M. (2020). polymers Hyaluronic Acid: The Influence of Molecular Weight on Structural, Physical, Physico-Chemical, and Degradable Properties of Biopolymer. Polymers, 12(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12081800
- Chavda, S., Rabbani, S. A., & Wadhwa, T. (2022). Role and Effectiveness of Intra-articular Injection of Hyaluronic Acid in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review. Cureus, 14(4), e24503. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.24503
