Hyaluronic Acid
Anika Therapeutics’ products are based on hyaluronic acid (HA), also called hyaluronan or sodium hyaluronate. HA is a naturally occurring, non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan found throughout the body. In skin, it plays a role in tissue repair, while in cartilage and connective tissue, it functions as a lubricant. HA is present in the body as a polymer (a linked chain of many individual HA units), continually produced by hyaluronan synthases, and degraded naturally by a category of enzymes called hyaluronidases. A 150-pound person has approximately 15 grams of HA throughout his or her body; nearly 5 grams of which is degraded and synthesized every day.
Structure of an HA unit.
HA is one of the main lubricating components of synovial joint fluid, and it has been shown to increase the viscosity of this fluid. HA is also an important component of cartilage, where is forms complexes that absorb water and help the cartilage maintain resiliency. Age leads to a decrease in the molecular weight of HA in cartilage. HA-based products developed for osteoarthritis (called “viscosupplementation”) aid in pain relief, as well as lubrication and cushioning of the joint.
HA is also present in the skin, where it has the ability to absorb large quantities of water - over 1,000 times its weight - and to form complexes with collagen and elastin. These complexes support the structure of the skin, contribute to the skin’s elasticity, and create volume in the skin to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Age, as well as exposure to the sun and pollution, leads to decreased production of HA, resulting in decreased volume and the appearance of wrinkles. Crosslinked HA-based dermal fillers injected into the skin in the area of wrinkles help restore the skin’s natural appearance.
Anika manufactures and distributes a diverse portfolio of HA-based products that cover a broad range of therapeutic applications. To learn more about Anika’s product lines, please visit the following product sections:
