Allegro NV, a biomedical company developing nanotechnology-based treatments for degenerative joint disease, has reported that its Hydrocelin injectable hydrogel demonstrates superior shock-absorbing capacity compared with four market-leading hydrogels, according to the company. The results were presented at the CellMech conference in Louvain, Belgium.
The company said that Hydrocelin significantly enhanced the shock-absorbing properties of pathological equine synovial fluid during mechanical testing. Allegro claims the hydrogel’s cross-linked particles act as micro shock absorbers, restoring synovial fluid’s cushioning function in joints, which is intended to provide pain relief and protect cartilage.
Hydrocelin is designed as a non-invasive, disease-modifying treatment for osteoarthritis, administered via annual injection. Allegro said current therapies, including hyaluronic acid, cortisone, painkillers, and surgical procedures, offer limited efficacy.
According to Allegro, Hydrocelin has shown a satisfactory preclinical safety profile, including low pyrogenicity and minimal risk of irritation, delayed sensitization, or systemic toxicity. The company plans to submit the data for peer-reviewed publication and is preparing Hydrocelin for Phase I/II clinical studies later this year, targeting a potential commercial launch in 2027.
Osteoarthritis affects roughly 650 million people worldwide, limiting mobility and causing chronic pain, social isolation, and psychological stress. The company claims that Hydrocelin could provide a first-in-class approach to mitigating these impacts.
