Synvisc-One Recommended for FDA Approval

Synvisc-One, a single injection version of Genzyme's Synvisc, has been recommended for approval by the FDA Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Devices Panel. The original formulation of Synvisc -- approved in the U.S. in 1997 to treat knee osteoarthritis in patients who failed conservative non-drug treatments and the use of simple analgesics -- is administered as a series of 3 intra-articular injections. In Europe and Canada, Synvisc is approved for the treatment other joints -- not just the knee.

Synvisc and Synvisc-One are viscosupplements. The procedure, known as viscosupplementation, involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the joint to act as a lubricant and shock absorber. Synvisc-One was approved in the European Union and several Asian and Latin American countries last year. The FDA is expected to make a final decision on the approval of Synvisc-One on December 23, 2008.

Related Resources:

• What Is Viscosupplementation?
• 25 Effective Osteoarthritis Treatments
• 16 Non-drug Treatments for Osteoarthritis
• Any Joint Can Be Affected By Osteoarthritis
• Hyaluronan Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis

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