Osteoarthiritis (OA) is a progressive joint disease, which primarily affects the weight-bearing joints, is characterized by a loss of articular cartilage, and pain on movement. Hyaluronan is a major component of the synovial fluid, cartilage, and synovial membrane that plays an important role in regulating the biochemical balance in the joints. In Osteoarthritis, there is a reduction in both the average molecular weight and the concentration of hyaluronan in the joints. Hyalgan is a highly purified, concentrated viscous solution of natural sodium hyaluronate salt extracted from rooster combs.
Research suggests that Hyalgan administered either as a single or repeat course, is an effective and well- tolerated therapy for the long-term treatment of the pain of OA. Hyalgan can provide sustained relief of pain, and can improve everyday function and may slow down the disease progression in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.
References
Listrat V, Ayral X, Patarnello F, Bonvarlet J, Simonnet J, Amor B, Dougados M. Arthroscopic evaluation of potential structure modifying activity of hyaluroan (hyalgan) in osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthr Cartilage. 1997;5:153-160.
Kolarz G, Kotz R, Hochmayer I. Long-Term Benefits and Repeated Treatment Cycles of Intra-Articular Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyalgan) in Patients With Osteoarthritis of the Knee. Semin Arthritis and Rheu. 2003;32(5):310-319.
Teng-Le H, Chi-Ching C, Chian-Her L, Shih-Ching C, Chien-Hung L, Ching-Lin T. Intra-articular injections of sodium hyaluronate (Hyalgan®) in osteoarthritis of the knee. a randomized, controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial in the Asian population. Musculoskelet D. 2011;12:221-229.