OPKO Health has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, OPKO Health Spain, has completed development of Enko 1, a patented intra-articular injectable hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate complex to relieve pain and improve mobility in patients with degenerative and traumatic changes in the knee and other joints, as occurs in osteoarthritis. Enko 1 will be submitted for approval as a Class III medical device with the goal to market it throughout the European Union. The market for hyaluronic acid for this use is $2 billion globally; and $1 billion in Europe.

OPKO Health Spain believes Enko 1, because of its unique physicochemical characteristics, offers significant advantages such as less frequent injections, as few as one per year.

OPKO Health Spain projects the launch of Enko 1 in Europe in the first half of 2018. Enko 1 is also currently being evaluated for use in companion animals for OPKO Health Spain's animal health business, as well as OPKO's new United States-based Animal Health division.

OPKO Health Spain is a Barcelona-based company engaged in the development, manufacturing and sale of a robust line of pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and veterinary products in Europe.