Viscosupplementation Market

Viscosupplementation Market Size

The global viscosupplementation market size was valued at USD 4.5 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 4.9 billion in 2025 to USD 10.1 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 8.4%. The growth of the market is attributed to the rising cases of osteoarthritis (OA), particularly knee OA. Due to increasing age, the geriatric population is more susceptible to arthritis which is demanding effective treatments.

A study published on Lancet of Rheumatology indicated a steep rise of 132% in osteoarthritis from 1990 to 2020. Patients older than 30 years have osteoarthritis. The forecast suggests that by 2050 there will be an estimated 1 billion cases of osteoarthritis, with knee OA accounting for 74.9%. This growing case expects to drive the demand for effective osteoarthritis drugs such as viscosupplements agents.

Formulations of hyaluronic acid (HA) have been developed with more focus on enhancing the favorable characteristics of HA, while Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) increased endorsement of new HA-based injections alongside recent research activity which has led to expansion of the market. Also, higher use of HA viscoelastic in sports medicine and orthopedics, as well as the rising need for pain management solutions are few other factors that propel the growth of the market.

Viscosupplementation is a medical procedure used for OA treatment by injecting HA into the affected muscle joints, particularly knee OA. These therapies restore joint lubrication, educing friction, and alleviating pain, enhancing mobility and delaying the need for surgical interventions. It is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery, viscosupplementation widely used in orthopedic and sports medicines.

Viscosupplementation Market Trends

• Growing research efforts focusing on cross-linked HA to enhance viscosity, prolonged joint lubrication, improving the durability of injections, and reduction in the treatment frequency has significantly fueled the advancement in HA formulations.
  
• The advancement in HA formulations, providing pain relief and mobility improvement in osteoarthritis patients has diverted shift towards an alternative treatment to surgery.
  
• Also, ongoing emphasis on improving HA properties through cross-linking technology reinforces its therapeutic potential, appealing to high investment in R&D leading to intense competition with innovative formulations.
  
• For instance, in November 2022, Anika Therapeutics announced a study results demonstrating superiority of Cingal, a combination of cross-linked HA based single injection viscosupplements over the triamcinolone hexacitonide steroid. The study showed that Cignal demonstrated 71% of pain improvement baseline signifying strong clinical benefits. These findings are expected to prompt certainty in combination therapies for OA pain, thereby driving the market demand.
  
• Additionally, several advantages such as extended efficacy minimizing healthcare cost, and long-term outcomes have made the viscosupplementation as the preferred choice for OA treatment. As a result, the healthcare providers are increasingly shifting towards advanced HA formulations.
  
• However, the high treatment cost and limited reimbursement policies for OA treatment and viscosupplementation procedures may limit its adoption in the market. Similarly, the availability of alternative therapies along with stringent regulatory challenges for new formulations are expected to hinder market growth.
  

Viscosupplementation Market Analysis

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Based on the product, the global market is segmented into single injection, 3 injections, and 5 injections. The 3 injections segment generated the largest market revenue of USD 2.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4.8 billion by 2034, witnessing its prominence throughout the forecast period at a CAGR of 8.5%.

• The effectiveness of the three-injection regimen in alleviating OA symptoms and enhancing joint’s function is well documented clinically. Therefore, it is the standard treatment protocol for viscosupplementation for coming years.
  
• Also, the increasing adoption of three injections can be attributed to its optimal treatment duration, flexibility in dosage and administration, convenient treatment schedule, and widespread clinical acceptance. Owing to these factors, this segment is expected to significantly grow over the forthcoming years.
  

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Based on source of origin, the viscosupplementation market is categorized into avian origin and non-avian origin. The non-avian origin segment accounted for the highest market share of 71.6% in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 7.1 billion revenue by end of 2034.

• High growth can be attributed to factors such as reduced risk of allergic reactions, ethical and environmental considerations, as well as the assurance of consistency and purity. Its wider acceptance in the market contributes to its increasing popularity and adoption in viscosupplementation. 
  
• Moreover, as demand for non-animal-derived products continues to rise, non-avian viscosupplements are poised to play an increasingly significant role in meeting patient needs and preferences. For instance, products such as Monovisc, Durolane, and Neovisc are all non-avian based. Each of these is a member of the most recent generation of HA injection products and has a high molecular weight relative to initial HA formulations.
  
• Therefore, advances in biotechnology and fermentation processes for production of non-avian products are anticipated to bolster market growth.
  

Based on the end use, the viscosupplementation market is categorized into hospitals, orthopedic clinics, ambulatory surgical centers (ASCS), and other end users. The hospitals segment is expected to witness high growth of 8.6% and is poised to reach USD 4.9 billion by 2034.

• The growing prevalence of OA along with the presence of sophisticated medical technology and equipment increases the segment dominant in the market.
  
• Also, the growing preference for non-surgical treatments and the increasing demand for pain management solutions contribute to the market's growth. Viscosupplements are seen as a viable alternative to surgery, providing relief to patients without the risks associated with invasive procedures.
  
• Hospitals offer a varied range of services, including specialized treatment for arthritis like viscosupplementation, surgical procedures, and various others. Their broad base of resources enables the hospital to act as the 'first port of call' for surgeries including knee OA treatments, thereby increasing the number of patients with OA seeking care.              
  

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In 2024, the U.S. held a significant position in the North America viscosupplementation market and was valued at USD 1.8 billion.

• Osteoarthritis is increasingly prevalent in the U.S. population, with clinical studies stating there are over 100 types of arthritis, and osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis.
  
• The estimates suggest that the disease affects the aging population, with 43% of people suffering from osteoarthritis aged 65 & above. These elderly individuals are more susceptible to developing osteoarthritis due to factors such as cumulative joint wear and tear, age-related changes in cartilage structure, and reduced joint resilience.
  
• Thus, as the geriatric population grows, the prevalence of osteoarthritis is expected to rise, driving demand for effective management strategies, including viscosupplementation.
  
• Furthermore, expanding FDA approvals for single and multi-injection formulations along with the continuous R&D investment foster market growth in the country.
  
• Moreover, patients receiving multiple treatment cycles of Gel-One showed no increased risk of side effects. Gel-One is a viscosupplement designed specifically for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.
  
• It contains cross-linked hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid that is modified to enhance its durability and longevity within the joint. Thus, the availability of such advanced formulation is anticipated to drive the market growth
  

Germany is poised to achieve significant growth in the Europe viscosupplementation market.

• The Germany’s leadership is driven by its growing ageing population, rise in OA incidence cases, and healthcare infrastructure. According to a study published in NIH reported. 17.9% of adults over 18 were affected by OA, whereby prevalence in 21.8% women was higher than 13.9% men. This tends to increase demand for non-surgical pain management solutions like viscosupplements.
  
• Further, the country favorable reimbursement policies, regulatory support and high patient awareness for early OA treatment strengthens the Germany’s position in the market.
  

The China viscosupplementation market is anticipated to witness rapid growth in Asia Pacific market in coming years.

• The large ageing population, with rising OA prevalence and expanding healthcare infrastructure drives the China’s leadership in Asian market. As per World Health Organization (WHO), with over 300 million population aged above 50 and projected to reach 402 million by 2040, therefore the population is prone to several condition including joint pain.
  
• Also, leading domestic manufacturers and accessibility to range of HA-based injection and viscosupplementation treatments boost its adoption. Similarly, growing healthcare expenditure in the country along with surging investment in R&D activities to introduce advanced joint pain injections favors the business growth.
  

Brazil held a prominence position in the Latin America viscosupplementation market.

• The expanding healthcare infrastructure, growing ageing population with OA and high burden of musculoskeletal disorders in the country fuels the demand for minimal invasive treatment, thereby driving the demand for viscosupplementation products.
  
• Minimally invasive treatments, including viscosupplementation, can result in lower overall healthcare costs compared to traditional surgical procedures. These treatments often require fewer resources, shorter hospital stays, and decreased postoperative care, leading to cost savings for both patients and healthcare systems.
  
• Additionally, the presence of leading pharmaceutical companies and government initiative supporting orthopedic care further contributes to the country’s growth in the Latin America market.
  

Viscosupplementation Market Share

The top 5 players in the market generated ~65% of the market share. The market is highly intense with the key players focusing on innovation, product expansion, and partnerships strengthening their position in the market. The leading key players such as Anika Therapeutics, Sanofi, Fidia Pharma, and Seikagaku Corporation dominate the industry through advanced HA-based formulations and extensive distribution network. Anika Therapeutic’s Cingal, Sanofi’s Synvisc-One has exemplified the cutting -edge products with enhanced efficacy and patient outcomes.

The companies are investing in R&D for advanced formulation in HA-based injections such as combined therapy with cross-linked HA technology to improve the viscosity and prolong joint lubrication. Furthermore, the growing mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations activities with the healthcare providers are anticipated to expand the market share of the company

Viscosupplementation Market Companies

Few of the prominent players operating in the viscosupplementation industry include:

• Anika Therapeutics
• APTISSEN
• Avanos 
• Biotech Healthcare
• Bioventus
• Ferring Pharmaceuticals
• Fidia Pharma
• Premier Surgical
• Sanofi
• Seikagaku Corporation
• Stellar Pharmaceuticals
• TRB Pharma
• Zimmer Biomet
  

Anika Therapeutics possess a strong focus on the development of innovative HA products particularly in orthopedics. The company strives to develop an innovative cross-linked HA-based combination therapy addressing the need for long-term treatment outcome and joint lubrication.

Sanofi has established a strong presence in the market with its product portfolio including Synvisc-One, used to reduce pain and discomfort in knee OA.

Fidia Farmaceutici specialized in HA-based products offers a comprehensive range of viscosupplements agents tailored to treat the need of various knee OA patients. The strong R&D investment and effort to develop effective pain relief formulation has solidified the company’s position in the market.

Viscosupplementation Industry News

• In December 2021, Avanos Medical acquired OrthogenRx, an emerging leader in viscosupplementation therapies for knee OA pain. This acquisition aimed to enhance the Avanos chronic pain portfolio providing solutions for OA treatment.
  
• In August 2021, Seikagaku introduced Hylink, an intra-articular single injection viscosupplements for the treatment of knee OA in Taiwan. Hylink is an advanced cross-linked hyaluronate hydrogel formulated for the long-lasting improvement of viscoelasticity in knee joint cavities.
  

The viscosupplementation market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product

• Single injection
• 3 injections
• 5 injections

Market, By Source of Origin

• Avian origin
• Non-avian origin

Market, By End Use

• Hospitals
• Orthopedic clinics
• Ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs)
• Other end users

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina 
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE