Hyaluronan--a review of the recent patent literature.

A review of patent literature surrounding the use of hyaluronan (HA) and its derivatives, or agents capable of modulating endogenous levels, is presented. Indications are many and varied and include arthritis, abnormal wound healing, neoplasia, prevention of surgical adhesions and dermatological disorders. In many cases, it is the physicochemical and biological properties of HA itself that have been exploited. For example, HA and/or its derivatives have been suggested as a synovial fluid replacement, a vehicle for topical application of drugs, a matrix for sustained drug release and a putative drug delivery system (targeting HA receptors at sites of pathology). In each of these examples, the lack of toxicity of HA and its biocompatability are important considerations.