Synvisc-One has started to cement its place in the treatment protocol for osteoarthritis of knee amongst the orthopaedicians. Manufactured and marketed by Genzyme, Synvisc-One is the only US FDA approved single injection regimen that provides up to six months of relief from osteoarthritic (OA) knee pain. Based on the concept of 'local solution for a local problem', a single intra-articular injection provides long term pain relief without any of the side effects associated with the use of steroids and anti-inflammatory medications. Synvisc-One was launched in India five months ago.

According to Dr Surya Bhan, chief joint replacement surgeon and director orthopaedics, Primus Hospital (formerly the professor & head of Orthopaedics at AIIMS), "Viscosupplementation is an effective treatment option for patients suffering from mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients undergoing frequent and heavy dosage of oral pain relieving therapies are at an enhanced risk of developing peptic ulcers and ulcer-related upper GI complications. A single shot of Synvisc-One provides relief for six to eight months without the complications and side effects associated with the intake of common painkillers."

"In osteoarthritis, there is a breakdown of joint fluid and cartilage, the slippery disc tissue that covers and protects the ends of the bones in the joint. Most patients suffer from pain, stiffness and loss of movement. If not treated well in time, the disease can progress from a mild to a moderate to a severe stage where the bones start to rub against each other. With every progressing stage, the movement becomes increasingly challenging and painful. Viscosupplementation involves replacement of the diseased joint fluid with a biological substance that supplements elasticity and viscosity in the diseased knee joint reduces pain and improves mobility," stated Dr Bhan.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the five leading causes of disability among elderly men & women. It affects millions of Indians and is more commonly seen in women and people who are obese or those with previous knee injuries.

According to Sandeep Sahney, managing director - India & South Asia, "Genzyme is dedicated to making a major positive impact on the lives of people with serious diseases. The launch of Synvisc-One in India is a step in this direction, offering for the first time convenience of a single injection as well as reliability in patient outcomes."

One of the world's leading biotechnology companies, Genzyme is dedicated to making a major positive impact on the lives of people with serious diseases.