Kleinostheim, 2nd July 2009 – A presentation on the high level of effectiveness and safety of the Curavisc® hyaluronic acid preparation from curasan AG in post-operative knee arthroscopy treatment was given at the 58th Annual Conference of the North German Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. This was based on a trial carried out at the Caritas Hospital in Bad Mergentheim in Germany. The aim of the exploratory trial was to find out the effects of Curavisc® on inflammation and pain parameters after a knee arthroscopy.
This subject was examined in 2008 in 100 patients with arthrosis of the knee joint who had undergone an arthroscopic joint lavage. “In the phase immediately following the operation, the patient usually suffers from increased pain and swelling of the joint”, explains Dr. Wolf-Dietrich Hübner, Medical Director at curasan AG. The reason for this is that during arthroscopy, the body’s own hyaluronic acid present in the joint is completely rinsed out – the joint is initially dry resulting in the cartilage surfaces being in direct contact and rubbing against each other without protection. This can lead to pain and restricted mobility.
The results of the trial show that using Curavisc® as soon as the arthroscopy is completed can achieve a significant reduction in pain and earlier mobility and load-bearing capacity. The continual improvement of symptoms with regard to all parameters was documented over an examination period of 7 days following the operation. “It is true that painkillers can also have a good effect on post-operative pain after an arthroscopy; however, the frequent occurrence of gastrointestinal side effects limits their use – particularly in the case of older patients”, explains Dr. Wolf-Dietrich Hübner.
On the contrary, the trial showed that using Curavisc®, as a preparation to be inserted into the joint immediately after the knee arthroscopy, proved to be a safe and effective product which works directly on the cause of the pain. None of the patients experienced any complications resulting from the use of the hyaluronic acid preparation. Consequently, Curavisc® can be particularly recommended for routine clinical use as post-operative pain is reduced and a significant increase in patient mobility is already evident in the first seven days. curasan AG produces high-purity Curavisc® completely synthetically, which means there are clear benefits with regard to tolerance.
Consequently, the hyaluronic acid, which is produced by fermentation, does not pose any allergy risk, as may be the case with animal products. Curavisc® is a 1% viscoelastic solution with a mean molecular weight of approximately 1,200,000 – 1,400,000 Dalton (CE 0483). Curavisc® is used in the early stages of osteoarthritis to supplement synovial fluid, alleviate pain and increase mobility. Background information about curasan AG: curasan AG is publicly traded (ISIN: DE 000 549 453 8) and is one of the leading firms in the field of regenerative medicine especially in bone and tissue regeneration. In addition to the synthetic Cerasorb® bone substitution and regeneration material, the company has developed a future-oriented product pipeline. The goal during the next few years is to bring further medical products to market readiness and to market them via well-positioned contractual partners in various submarkets.
