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Similarities and Differences Between Monovisc Vs Synvisc

Published on: Jun 5, 2018

What is Monovisc?

Monovisc is a single-treatment viscosupplement that is formulated by Anika Therapeutics, an American-based company which is a pioneer in hyaluronic acid therapeutic products. This orthopaedic injectable is composed of highly concentrated, non-animal sourced hyaluronic acid. The gel has been processed to closely mimic the viscoelastic properties and actions of synovial fluid in the synovial joints, so that the debilitating symptoms of arthritis pain and stiffness can be reduced. Each box of Monovisc comes with a single 4ml syringe that is preloaded with cross-linked sodium hyaluronate gel.

What is Synvisc?

Synvisc is an orthopaedic injectable implant that is manufactured by Sanofi Genzyme, an American biotechnology company specialising in innovative medical products. This viscosupplement is made of chemically cross-linked hylan harvested from rooster combs, making it an animal-based medical device. The filler is cross-linked to mimic the actions of synovial fluid present in the joints, so as to improve the painful symptoms of arthritis. The viscosupplement is also biodegradable and biocompatible with human tissues. When you buy Synvisc, you get 3-2ml syringes preloaded with 8mg/ml of hylan, a set of labels for patient traceability purpose, and package insert.

Similarities and differences between Monovisc Vs Synvisc

Similarities

The major similarity between these 2 medical devices is their functionality. Both the brands of viscosupplements are designed to alleviate the debilitating symptoms of arthritis. This degenerative and inflammatory disease of the synovial joints is caused by wear-and-tear of the joints. Over time, the articular cartilage covering the ends of the bones in a synovial joint disintegrates, resulting in lesser production of synovial fluid and painful friction between the bones. This condition can be exacerbated by excessive weight and strenuous physical activities. Hence, these 2 brands of orthopaedic injectable gels have been formulated to act as the replacement for the synovial fluid. Once implanted, the gel lubricates the bones and reduces the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. In addition, the method of injection is similar for both the brands. The gel must be injected intraarticularly into the synovial space between the joints for proper lubrication. In addition, the 2 brands of viscosupplement are known to deliver pain-relief effects for approximately 6 to 12 months depending on the patient’s age, health status, and lifestyle habits. 

Differences

The main differences between the 2 viscosupplements is the origin of the active ingredients. While the hyaluronic acid molecules in Monovisc are extracted and purified from bacterial fermentation, the hylan polymers in Synvisc are harvested from rooster combs. Hence, patients who are allergic to animal-based medical devices can opt for Monovisc instead. Besides that, Monovisc requires only 1 convenient injection while Synvisc needs to be injected into the affected joints every week for a total of three injections for adequate correction. Synvisc is also available as a single injectable called Synvisc One.

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