Hyaluronic acid, a natural component in Halevox™ HA products

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the major constituent of articular cartilage extracellular matrix and synovial fluid1. HA is a biopolysacharide – it consists of a number of sugar molecules bonded together into a long chain1.

HA is a crucial structural component of the synovial joint as it acts as a lubricant, shock absorber, filler, and metabolic agent2. OA in animal development diminishes the lubricating and shock absorption abilities of synovial fluid mainly by degradation of naturally produced HA3.

Viscosupplementation, so intra-articular injection of HA, is a scientifically and clinically approved practice for reducing joint pain in animals , improving the functional condition of OA-affected joint, protecting cartilage, and finally delaying progression of the disease4.

Intra-articular mechanism of action

  • HA restores viscoelastic properties of OA-affected synovial fluid thus improving lubrication
  • HA induces synthesis of natural hyaluronic acid thus contributing to recovery of joint homeostasis1
  • HA binds to special receptors – CD44 on cartilage and synovial cells to support matrix production2 and inhibit inflammation
  • HA affects OA-related nerve oversensitivity and reduces hyperalgesia3
  • HA diminishes inflammatory processes by reduction of proinflammatory mediators’ production and action4

Optimal chains length  

Only high molecular weight HA is fully biologically functional

  • Only optimally high molecular weight HA possesses the ability to protect against articular cartilage damage by restoring  joint lubrication and joint homeostasis1
  • Only optimally high molecular weight HA can reduce OA-related pain5
  • Only  HA with optimally high molecular weight HA can reduce OA-related inflammation processes6
  • Only optimally high molecular weight HA can protect articular cartilage from OA-related degenerative changes and show clinical benefits7
    1. Millward IR. (2017). Multimodal Management of Canine Osteoarthritis, Second Edition. N Z Vet J., 65(4), 224.
    2. Johnston SA. (1997). Osteoarthritis: Joint anatomy, physiology, and pathobiology. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 27(4), 699-723.
    3. McCarthy G, et al. (2007). Randomized double-blind, positive-controlled trial of two glucosamine–chondroitin sulfate compounds in osteoarthritis of the knee. Arthritis & Rheumatology, 58(1), 16-34.
    4. Brien S, Prescott P, Coghlan B, Bashir N, Lewith G. (2008). Systematic review of the nutritional supplements for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Rheumatology International, 28(8), 681-698.
    5. Moreland LW. (2003). Intra-articular hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) and hylans for the treatment of osteoarthritis: mechanisms of action. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 5(2), 54-67.