CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Genzyme Corporation has announced findings from an independent study which investigated effectiveness and patient satisfaction following viscosupplementation treatments with Synvisc and Hyalgan in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. This landmark study demonstrated that Synvisc provided longer knee pain relief and a higher rate of patient satisfaction. This study was led by orthopaedic surgeon Raghu Raman and a team of doctors from the Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics at Hull Royal Infirmary.
Synvisc is injected into the knee joint. It provides a cushioning and lubricating effect, and relieves knee pain associated with osteoarthritis, one of the most common forms of arthritis.
The study showed Synvisc had significantly better knee pain relief which began earlier and lasted for longer than the Hyalgan group. Additionally, in measuring patient satisfaction and health-related quality of life, only Synvisc showed statistically significant improvement over the long term for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Patient satisfaction was consistently higher for Synvisc, particularly at three months and beyond. Overall study results identified that clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction are superior with Synvisc over Hyalgan.
About Synvisc
Synvisc is the top selling viscosupplementation treatment on the market. It received FDA approval in 1997 and has been used to treat over 5 million knees in the U.S. Synvisc is indicated for the treatment of pain due to osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee in patients who have failed to respond adequately to conservative nonpharmacologic therapy and simple analgesics, for example, acetaminophen. It may provide relief from pain for up to six months. This treatment is injected directly into the knee joint over the course of three visits, each one week apart.
About Genzyme
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. Since 1981, the company has grown from a small start-up to a diversified enterprise with more than 9,000 employees in locations spanning the globe and 2006 revenues of $3.2 billion. Genzyme has been selected by FORTUNE as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work for” in the United States.
With many established products and services helping patients in nearly 90 countries, Genzyme is a leader in the effort to develop and apply the most advanced technologies in the life sciences. The company’s products and services are focused on rare inherited disorders, kidney disease, orthopedics, cancer, transplant, and diagnostic testing. Genzyme’s commitment to innovation continues today with a substantial development program focused on these fields, as well as immune disease, infectious disease, and other areas of unmet medical need.
Important Safety Information
SYNVISC is used to relieve knee pain due to osteoarthritis (OA). It is for patients who do not get enough relief from simple painkillers such as acetaminophen, or from exercise and physical therapy.
SYNVISC is generally well tolerated. However, it may not work for everyone. The side effects most commonly seen when SYNVISC is injected into the knee were pain, swelling and/or fluid buildup around the knee. Cases where the swelling is extensive or painful should be discussed with your doctor. Other side effects such as rash have been reported rarely. Before trying SYNVISC, tell your doctor if you are allergic to products from birds – such as feathers, eggs or poultry – or if your leg is swollen or infected. Talk to your doctor before resuming strenuous weight-bearing activities after treatment. SYNVISC has not been tested in children, pregnant women or women who are nursing. You should tell your doctor if you think you are pregnant or if you are nursing a child.
SYNVISC and GENZYME are registered trademarks of Genzyme Corporation. Hyalgan is a registered trademark of Fidia Farmaceutical S.p.A. CONTACT: Sarah Faith The Castle Group, Inc. (617) 337-9518 [email protected]
Genzyme Corporation
CONTACT: Sarah Faith of The Castle Group, Inc., +1-617-337-9518,[email protected]
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