Osteoarthitis (OA) is the number 1 muscoskeletal limitation on the current quality of life of humans. It also represents an increasing burden on the affected patients, on the health care system and to society as a whole. It is projected that, without treatment, by the year 2020 OA will become the 4th leading cause of disability in the world. For example, in US only 1.6 million people experience work limitations. The loss of economic productivity due to OA is valued at € 15.000 per patient per annum, representing 8.3% of all main conditions. Actually, orthopedic surgeons are actively searching for a regenerative treatment which is offering better prospects for the patients for pain free and subtle joint movement.
Hy2Care develops Injectable, in situ gelating and bioresorbable Hydrogels, intended for the repair of articular cartilage defects. The first product will be developed for application in the human knee joint during a single step arthroscopic procedure, thereby providing a/o bio-scaffolding, mechanical support, natural healing and reduction of further degeneration and pain.
OA is not only an unresolved health care problem for man, but also in veterinary medicine it is a rising and significant health care problem. Within the Western world, there is a rapidly increasing demand for treatment of pets and owners are willing to pay significantly in order to have their pet cured. The Injectable Hydrogels of Hy2Care can drastically change the management of osteoarthritis in companion animals. Moreover, Hy2Care’s Hydrogels have potential in stem cell therapy for treating tendonitis in equine or low back pain in dogs.
