MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- In the majority of osteoarthritis patients, one or two affected joints drives the need for medical attention. Despite this fact, most patients are still treated with systemic COX-2 drugs that can have side effects more life-threatening than the disease itself. This highlights the importance of developing local therapies for local diseases like osteoarthritis.
Joint fluid therapy was developed based on the finding that the protective and lubricating properties of joint fluid are diminished in osteoarthritis patients. Joint fluid therapy is administered by removing the diseased joint fluid and replacing it with a fluid having improved physical properties (viscosity and elasticity).
Half of the approximately 14.5 million Americans with osteoarthritis suffer from knee pain, which can be safely and effectively treated without risk of serious complications through joint fluid therapy.
Dr. Philip Band is available to discuss safe and approved therapies, prescribed and administered by physicians for knee pain -- for use after failure of conservative, non-pharmacologic management and simple analgesia.
Available to discuss the issues involved in joint fluid therapy: Philip A. Band, Ph.D. New York University School of Medicine Department of Pharmacology (School of Medicine) Department of Orthopedic Surgery (Hospital for Joint Disease) Email: philip.band@med.nyu.edu Phone: 973-243-2736 or 212-263-6391
Smith & Nephew distributes Supartz, which is manufactured by Seikagaku Corp., and is the most used joint fluid therapy worldwide, with 119 million injections to date. Among joint fluid therapies, Supartz has the most active ingredient (hyaluronan) per series. Clinical studies have shown Supartz is as safe as a placebo.
To schedule an interview or for more information, contact: -- Victor Rocha, 901-399-6771; cell - 901-351-2709, or victor.rocha@smith-nephew.com -- Steve Richardson, 314-290-2050; cell - 314-691-4856, or srichardson@kupperparker.com
Smith & Nephew
CONTACT: Victor Rocha of Smith & Nephew, +1-901-399-6771; or cell,+1-901-351-2709, victor.rocha@smith-nephew.com ; Steve Richardson for Smith &Nephew, +1-314-290-2050, or cell, +1-314-691-4856,srichardson@kupperparker.com