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SYNVISC

Science Behind SYNVISC®

All viscosupplements contain hyaluronan (sodium hyaluronate), a natural complex sugar of the glycosaminoglycan family. Hyaluronan (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.

However, the composition of SYNVISC is unique. Unlike other viscosupplements, SYNVISC is a mixture of two hylan polymers derived from native chicken comb HA. Hylans are produced by chemically cross-linking HA in two steps, as shown in the adjacent 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. Animal pharmacokinetic studies have shown that cross-linking results in a longer intra-articular residence time than for native hyaluronan.

Treatment of knee OA patients with SYNVISC has been shown to increase the elastoviscosity of synovial fluid, and reduce pain, which may lead to improved functionality.

The science behind SYNVISC (hylan G-F20) vs sodium hyaluronate

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




Important Safety Information

SYNVISC® (hylan G-F 20) is indicated for the treatment of pain in osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee in patients who have failed to respond adequately to conservative nonpharmacologic therapy and simple analgesics, e.g., acetaminophen. In clinical trials, the most commonly reported adverse events were transient local pain, swelling, and/or effusion in the injected knee. In some cases, these symptoms have been extensive. Other side effects such as rash have been reported rarely.

SYNVISC is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to hyaluronan products or patients with infections in or around the knee. Use caution when using SYNVISC in patients allergic to avian proteins, feathers, or egg products; who have evidence of venous or lymphatic stasis in the leg to be treated; or who have severe inflammation in the knee joint to be treated. Patients should be advised to avoid strenuous or prolonged weight-bearing activities after treatment. Strict adherence to aseptic technique must be followed to avoid joint infection. The safety and effectiveness of SYNVISC in children and in pregnant or lactating women have not been established. It is unknown whether SYNVISC is excreted in human milk.

View the Complete Prescribing Information for SYNVISC (PDF, 146k)