Viscosupplementation Market Companies Analysis: Rising Innovation and Competition in a US$10.16 Billion Industry by 2033

Osteoarthritis continues to evolve as one of the most significant global public health challenges, particularly affecting aging and active populations. In recent years, viscosupplementation—an intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) derivatives—has gained momentum as a safe and effective alternative to conventional anti-inflammatory therapies, particularly for knee, hip, and hand joints.

According to Renub Research, the global viscosupplementation industry is positioned for robust expansion, rising from US$ 4.66 Billion in 2024 to US$ 10.16 Billion by 2033, supported by a strong 9.02% CAGR between 2025 and 2033. This acceleration reflects increasing osteoarthritis cases, demand for minimally invasive treatments, product innovations in HA molecular weight technologies, and expanding reimbursement structures across developed markets.

This editorial takes a detailed look at the leading companies shaping this industry, their strategies, SWOT insights, sustainability measures, and recent developments — offering readers a comprehensive view of the competitive dynamics fueling this fast-advancing medical segment.

What Drives the Global Viscosupplementation Market?

Viscosupplementation involves injecting exogenous hyaluronic acid into the synovial space to restore lubrication, reduce friction, and improve joint function. Its therapeutic benefits include:

Acting as a shock absorber

Reducing inflammation

Enhancing joint mobility

Restoring rheological performance of synovial fluid

Offering chondroprotective and analgesic support

As surgical procedures remain expensive and invasive, HA-based injectables have become a preferred option—especially for moderate-stage osteoarthritis patients seeking long-lasting relief without surgery.

Leading Companies in the Viscosupplementation Market

Below is an editorial-style review of the top corporations shaping this global market.

1. Smith & Nephew PLC

Est. 1856 | United Kingdom | Revenue: US$5.8B (2023)

A global leader in medical technology, Smith & Nephew has a diversified orthopedic and sports medicine product portfolio. Its viscosupplementation offerings complement its joint repair and reconstruction platforms. With strong R&D capabilities and commercial presence across Europe, the Americas, and APAC, the company remains a major influencer in knee osteoarthritis solutions.

2. F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd

Est. 1896 | Switzerland

Roche is globally recognized for its extensive biologics ecosystem, advanced diagnostics, and research leadership. While not historically dominant in viscosupplementation, its biotechnology expertise and therapeutic innovations provide structural advantages in HA research and formulation technologies.

3. Sanofi

Est. 1973 | France | Revenue: US$47.9B (2023)

Sanofi’s strong biologics pipeline, immunomodulators, and global drug distribution network position it as a potential heavyweight in HA-based solutions. Its global reach in more than 100 countries facilitates accelerated penetration in emerging markets where osteoarthritis cases are growing rapidly.

4. Chugai Pharmaceutical Co.

Est. 1925 | Japan | Revenue: US$8.1B (2023)

A Roche subsidiary and biotechnology pioneer, Chugai specializes in immunology, oncology, and bone-joint therapeutic innovation. Its advanced biologic formulations and deep R&D focus make it a strong player in next-generation viscosupplementation products.

5. Lifecore Biomedical

Est. 1965 | United States

Lifecore is a global leader in sodium hyaluronate manufacturing and sterile injectable formulation. Its expertise in high-viscosity materials and CDMO capabilities has made it a trusted partner for companies developing advanced HA-based injectables.

6. LG Life Sciences Ltd (LG Chem Life Sciences)

A powerhouse in chemicals and life sciences, LG specializes in biologics, vaccines, and specialty pharmaceutical ingredients. With a fully integrated R&D-to-manufacturing ecosystem, LG is increasingly influential in HA-based product development.

7. DePuy Synthes (Johnson & Johnson MedTech)

DePuy Synthes holds one of the most comprehensive orthopedic device portfolios in the world. Its products such as ATTUNE™ Knee and VELYS™ robotic-assisted technologies support its dominance in joint reconstruction, positioning it as an attractive partner for future viscosupplementation solutions.

8. Fidia Farmaceutici S.p.A

A global HA technology leader with 1,500+ patents, including 1,250 HA-specific patents, Fidia is one of the most influential companies in the viscosupplementation sector. Its innovations in high-molecular-weight HA and cross-linked HA compounds provide unmatched competitive strength.

Other Key Participants

Zimmer Biomet

Seikagaku Corp.

Ferring Pharmaceuticals B.V.

OrthogenRx, Inc.

Bioventus LLC

Wellchem Pharmaceuticals Pte Ltd

Anika Therapeutics Inc.

All these organizations play essential roles in the global HA-injection ecosystem through innovation, manufacturing, distribution, and clinical research contributions.

Strategic SWOT Insights for Key Companies

Below are summarized editorial analyses highlighting each company’s positioning within the viscosupplementation landscape.

LG Life Sciences Ltd

Strength: Integrated R&D & Manufacturing Power

LG Chem Life Sciences operates with full control over the pharmaceutical value chain—from molecule development and biologics manufacturing to global commercialization. This enables efficiency, scalability, and superior product quality.

Opportunity: Expansion in Emerging Biopharma Markets

Growing healthcare access in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa presents major opportunities. LG’s strong biologics infrastructure positions it to meet rising demand for minimally invasive osteoarthritis solutions.

DePuy Synthes

Strength: Extensive Orthopedic Ecosystem

With one of the world’s largest orthopedic portfolios, DePuy Synthes offers integrated joint-care solutions, including reconstruction, trauma, spine, and robotics. Such synergy enhances the clinical utility of viscosupplementation therapies.

Opportunity: Growth in APAC and Latin America

Rapid urbanization, improved hospital infrastructure, and aging populations provide substantial expansion opportunities for DePuy’s orthopedic offerings, including viscosupplementation-aligned treatments.

Fidia Farmaceutici S.p.A

Strength: Global Leadership in Hyaluronic Acid Technology

With 1,500 patents—making it a global HA pioneer—Fidia leads the industry in innovative HA development, enabling it to maintain dominance across viscosupplementation, ophthalmology, and wound care sectors.

Opportunity: Penetration of High-Growth Markets

Expanding into regions with rising osteoarthritis prevalence—especially APAC and Latin America—offers the company strong commercial upside.

Recent Developments Shaping the Market

Anika Therapeutics (March 2025): Streamlined its business by divesting Parcus Medical, sharpening its focus on HA-based pain relief solutions.

Bioventus (October 2024): Sold its Advanced Rehabilitation business to Accelmed Partners for US$45 million, signaling a pivot toward core HA and orthobiologic offerings.

Zimmer Biomet (January 2024): Launched VISCO3, a three-dose high-molecular-weight HA injection with clinical data showing:

52% pain reduction at 12 weeks

Safety for moderate osteoarthritis

Relief sustained for up to six months

These corporate actions underscore the growing shift toward specialized HA-based solutions and portfolio optimization across the orthopedic and medtech sectors.

Viscosupplementation Market & Forecast Overview

Historical Trends

The market has steadily expanded due to rising OA incidence, improved treatment awareness, and the shift toward outpatient care.

Forecast Analysis

Renub Research estimates strong growth at 9.02% CAGR (2025–2033), fueled by:

Premiumization of cross-linked HA solutions

New multi-injection and single-injection formats

Increased physician adoption

Favorable reimbursement changes

Market Share Insights

Companies that own patented HA technologies, strong distribution capabilities, and orthopedic pipelines (such as Fidia, Anika, Zimmer Biomet, and Ferring) hold significant shares.

In-Depth Company Analysis Framework (Available for All Listed Companies)

Below is the editorial-style structure summarizing the analytical dimensions influencing each company’s performance.

1. Overview

Company history

Mission and vision

Therapeutic areas served

2. Business Model & Operations

R&D focus

Manufacturing capabilities

Global commercial distribution

3. Workforce & Key Management

Executive leadership

Operational heads

Board members

4. Corporate Strategy & Recent Developments

Mergers & acquisitions

New partnerships

Investments in biologics or HA technologies

Digital and robotic healthcare integrations

5. Sustainability Measures

Renewable energy use

Waste reduction initiatives

Sustainable packaging

Water conservation programs

6. Product Analysis

Product profiles

Pipeline innovations

Quality certifications

Benchmarking with competitors

7. Strategic Assessment (SWOT)

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunities

Threats

8. Revenue Analysis

Segment-wise performance

Geographical revenues

Growth expectations

This framework applies to all companies:

Anika Therapeutics, Zimmer Biomet, Smith & Nephew, Roche, Sanofi, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Lifecore Biomedical, LG Life Sciences, DePuy Synthes, Fidia Farmaceutici, Seikagaku Corp., Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Wellchem, OrthogenRx, Bioventus LLC.

Final Thoughts

The viscosupplementation market stands at a transformative point. As demand for non-surgical, long-lasting osteoarthritis treatments grows, companies are racing to innovate through advanced HA molecular weight technologies, extended-release formulations, and improved injection techniques.

With a projected value of US$10.16 billion by 2033, the industry is set to witness fierce competition, deeper R&D investments, strategic partnerships, and broader global penetration.

From orthopedic giants like DePuy Synthes and Zimmer Biomet to HA innovators like Fidia and Lifecore, each player is contributing to a future where osteoarthritis treatment becomes safer, more effective, and more accessible worldwide.