Genzyme asks European regulators to expand Synvisc usage

Biotechnology company Genzyme Corp. said today that it asked European regulators to expand approved usage of its Synvisc pain treatment for osteoarthritis.

The drug is currently approved for pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee and hip. The company is requesting that Synvisc also be allowed to treat osteoarthritis in the shoulder and ankle.

The European review is expected to be complete by the end of the year, the company said.

In the United States, the drug is approved for knee pain and the company is also pursing expansion to include hip pain relief.
(AP)