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Science Behind SYNVISC®

SYNVISC has a unique composition

Unlike other viscosupplements, SYNVISC is a mixture of two hylan polymers derived from American and Canadian chicken comb hyaluronan. Hylans are produced by chemically cross-linking hyaluronan in two steps (shown in figure).

SYNVISC is hylan G-F 20, meaning it is 80% hylan A fluid plus 20% hylan B gel. This composition yields a molecular weight and viscoelastic properties that closely match healthy synovial fluid.

SYNVISC treatment has been shown to:

  • Increase the elastoviscosity of synovial fluid
  • Reduce pain, which may lead to improved function*

SYNVISC (hylan G-F 20) vs. Sodium Hyaluronate

Only SYNVISC is made from cross-linked sodium hyaluronate1,2

vs Sodium Hyaluronate

Most viscosupplements have single hyaluronan

All viscosupplements contain hyaluronan (HA), or sodium hyaluronate, a natural complex sugar of the glycosaminoglycan family. HA is a long-chain polymer containing repeating disaccharide units of Na-glucuronate-N-acetylglucosamine. The HA is sourced from either chicken combs or bacterial fermentation. Research has shown that the elastic and viscous properties of articular synovial fluid are mainly due to its HA component. Most approved viscosupplements contain single HA chains.

*Well-controlled clinical trials demonstrate that reducing pain can help improve function as measured by WOMAC pain and function domains.3,4


1. Adams ME, Lussier AJ, Peyron JG. A risk-benefit assessment of injections of hyaluronan and its derivatives in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Drug Saf. 2000;23:115-130.

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2. Data on file, Genzyme Corporation.

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3. Caborn D, Rush J, Lanzer W, Parenti D, Murray C, on behalf of the Synvisc 901 Study Group. A randomized, single-blind comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of hylan G-F 20 and triamcinolone hexacetonide in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. J Rheumatol.2004;31:333-343.

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4. Brander V, Bart G, Stadler T. Functional improvement with hylan G-F 20 in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Poster presented at: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Annual Assembly. November 9-12, 2006, Honolulu, Hawaii.

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