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hyaluronic acid (Provisc)

✓ Approved

Novartis AG · therapeutic agent

What is hyaluronic acid?

hyaluronic acid is a therapeutic agent developed by Novartis AG. It is approved for therapeutic indications.

Drug Profile

Brand NamesProvisc
CompanyNovartis AG
StatusApproved

Therapeutic Indications

hyaluronic acid is developed for 2 unique indications across 2 therapeutic areas.

Therapeutic AreaConditionPhase
Surgical and medical proceduresAdjuvant therapy✓ Approved
Eye disordersDry eyePreclinical

Related Research Articles

PubMedCarbohydrate research2026-07-25

Enzymatic degradation of Hyaluronic acid/Poly-l-Lysine capsules for burst drug release.

Martins Luis A LA, Suesca Edward E, García-Briega María Inmaculada MI, Tatay Palmira P et al.

The aim of this study is to investigate the process by which multilayer polyelectrolyte microcapsules rupture under the action of enzymes to which the polyanion or polycation is sensitive. The capsules were prepared using a template of alginate microspheres cross-linked with calcium ions, which liquefy after the capsule has formed. The capsules are obtained via a layer-by-layer, LbL process using poly-l-lysine (PLL) as the polycation and hyaluronic acid (HA) as the polyanion. The rupture process of the capsules has been studied in media containing pronase, to which PLL is sensitive, hyaluronidase, to which HA is sensitive, or a mixture of both. The kinetics of capsule rupture are monitored by observation and counting the remaining microcapsules under a stereomicroscope or by quantifying the release of alginate into the medium. At the same time, the change in size of the microcapsules that remain intact is measured through optical microscopy, noting that the elasticity of the membrane produced by LbL allows them to swell to double their diameter before rupturing.

PubMedInternational journal of biological macromolecules2026-07-25

pH/ROS dual-responsive injectable hydrogel based on an oxidized hyaluronic acid/carboxymethyl chitosan-phenylboronic acid dynamic network for rheumatoid arthritis therapy.

Cao Jiaqi J, Wang Runze R, Zhang Rui R, Guo Youchuan Y et al.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent synovial inflammation, aberrant immune activation, and progressive joint destruction. Its pathological progression is closely associated with synovial microenvironment acidification, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and sustained release of pro-inflammatory mediators. Developing localized therapeutic systems with microenvironment responsiveness and prolonged intra-articular retention is critical for improving RA treatment outcomes. In this study, we developed a pH/ROS-dual-responsive injectable hydrogel drug delivery system with sustained release capability. It was formed by crosslinking carboxymethyl chitosan-grafted phenylboronic acid (CMCS-PBA) and oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA) through dynamic Schiff base and boronic ester bonds, and was co-loaded with dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP) and rosemarinic acid encapsulated in sialic acid-modified liposomes (RosA-SAL). The prepared hydrogel exhibited favorable injectability, self-healing capability, and biocompatibility, while enabling sustained drug release in response to the acidic and ROS-rich microenvironment. The in vitro release study showed that the cumulative release rates of DSP and RosA reached 95% and 67%, respectively, after 14 days under simulated RA microenvironment conditions. Additionally, in vitro studies demonstrated that RosA-SAL/DSP@Gel effectively reduced inflammatory cytokine expression and suppressed inflammation-related responses. Furthermore, in vivo experiments confirmed that the hydrogel system significantly alleviated joint inflammation in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats, attenuated cartilage damage and bone erosion, and provided substantial protection to joint structures. Overall, this study presents an intelligent microenvironment-responsive drug delivery strategy for localized intra-articular therapy of RA.

PubMedFrontiers in medicine2026-07-25

The evolving landscape of minimally invasive procedures in musculoskeletal diseases-part I.

Saraiva Fernando F, Naredo Esperanza E

This review aims to cover a wide array of minimally invasive musculoskeletal procedures developed to address several articular and periarticular conditions locally. Besides details related to ultrasound guidance, in part 1, we will review barbotage, botulinum toxin, corticosteroids, dry needling, gene therapy, hyaluronic acid, hydrodissection and mesenchymal stem cells. In part II, we will cover nerve blocks, ozonetherapy, platelet-rich plasma and derivatives, prolotherapy, radiopharmaceuticals, sclerotherapy, thermal ablation and intratissue percutaneous electrolysis. A review of guidelines covering these issues will also be presented.

PubMedPlastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open2026-07-25

Debunking Myths on Hyaluronic Acid Injectable Gels in Clinical Practice.

Alizadeh Navid N, Caboni Silvia S, Hasenöhrl Karl K, Lorenc Zbigniew Paul ZP et al.

Hyaluronic acid (HA)-based soft-tissue fillers are the most widely used injectables for nonsurgical facial rejuvenation, valued for their reversibility, versatility, and safety profile. Despite widespread use, misconceptions about HA gels have proliferated on social media and in clinical discourse, potentially affecting both healthcare professionals and patients. We conducted a narrative, nonsystematic review of the published literature, supplemented by clinical experience and expert opinion of 8 international specialists in aesthetic medicine. Published studies in English were retrieved from PubMed, with priority given to systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and controlled clinical trials. Evidence grading and quality assessment were applied where available. Available evidence indicates that HA gels are biodegradable and temporary, with clinical effects generally lasting 4-18 months depending on product, technique, and patient factors. They are reversible through exogenous hyaluronidase injection. Current HA products cross-linked with 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether are not associated with toxicity at clinically used concentrations. The risk of gel migration or facial overfill syndrome is not inherent to the products but linked to inadequate anatomical knowledge, suboptimal injection technique, or inappropriate patient selection and counseling. HA gel treatment has also been associated with biostimulatory effects and improvements in patient quality of life. The weight of published evidence does not support common misconceptions about HA injectable gels. However, the evidence base is heterogeneous and includes studies of variable methodological quality. Practitioner education, thorough treatment planning, and shared decision-making between healthcare professionals and patients remain important for the safe and effective use of HA injectables.

PubMedCell reports. Medicine2026-07-25

CRISPR-Cas9-producing probiotic bacteria for editing NOX2/gp91phox and treating inflammatory bowel disease.

Zhang Chen C, Li Tianyu T, Hao Huoye H, Wang Gang G et al.

The primary pathogenic mechanism of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves elevated levels of reactive oxide species (ROS) in the gut, leading to oxidative stress and damage to the intestinal barrier function. We engineered a non-pathogenic bacterial strain, Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), for oral CRISPR-Cas9 delivery to edit NOX2 (encoding the gp91phox subunit of NADPH oxidase 2), thereby alleviating IBD symptoms by reducing ROS. EcN expressing the Cas9/sgRNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP) was encapsulated in a hydrogel (composed of hyaluronic acid, chitosan, and MgCl2), which protected EcN-RNP from degradation and increased survival from 0.07% to 12%. EcN-RNP hydrogel reduced NOX2 expression by 47% and ROS by 88% in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, oral delivery of EcN-RNP hydrogel mitigated inflammation in dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis mouse models. Mechanistically, the hydrogel could activate the NRF2-HO1/GPX4 pathway by inhibiting NOX2 expression, enhancing oxidative defense, and promoting glutathione accumulation. Thus, the EcN-RNP hydrogel offers a promising therapeutic strategy for IBD.

PubMedCureus2026-07-25

Use of a Serum With the Infinite Glow® Device Improves Signs of Facial Aging: A Split-Face Case Report Using VISIA Analysis.

Rodríguez Dominique D, Rodríguez Manuel M, Andersen Christopher C

An increase in wrinkles, laxity, and dyschromia characterizes facial-skin aging. The skin is a natural barrier that prevents or limits the entry of external therapeutic compounds to the body. Enhancing the efficacy of transdermal delivery of anti-aging compounds is a key therapeutic strategy. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combined therapy that included a topical anti-aging serum and a multi-technology facial device designed to improve transdermal absorption. A 41-year-old woman with moderate facial aging was treated using a split-face design for 12 weeks. Every day, the left hemiface received a hyaluronic acid-niacinamide-Matrixyl serum. In contrast, the right hemiface received the same serum plus application of a multi-therapy device that delivered red light (630 nm), galvanic current, micro-vibration, and controlled heat. Skin changes were assessed using the VISIA Skin Analysis System (Canfield Scientific, Parsippany, New Jersey) at baseline, 6, and 12 weeks. Both hemifaces showed improvement in skin quality parameters (wrinkles, texture, and UV spots). TruSkin age decreased by five years on the treated side with the device + serum and by one year on the serum-only side. Greater improvement in wrinkle reduction was observed on the device-treated side. No adverse events were reported. As a preliminary observation, combined therapy using a topical serum and a multimodal device appears safe and attenuates aging effects, particularly in reducing wrinkles. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

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