Boston Business Journal April 20, 2004

 

Anika Thera launches human trials of anti-scar treatment

Anika Therapeutics Inc. in Woburn has launched a pilot human clinical trial to test a compound that would prevent scarring and other problems following spinal surgery.

Scientists plan to test the compound, known as Incert-S, to see how safe and effective it will be with 45 patients at two sites in the United Kingdom.

Incert-S is designed to prevent tissue adhesion and scarring after spinal, cardiac, pelvic or abdominal surgery.

Adhesions can cause back pain, infertility, intestinal blockage and other problems.

Anika is developing repairs that help promote healing for bone, cartilage and soft tissue.

Last December, Anika gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration pre-market approval for Orthovisc, a treatment used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee.