Compositions and methods for stabilized polysaccharide formulations

Abstract

Compositions and methods are provided for treating joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis and/or the pain associated therewith. The compositions and methods utilize a first component, namely hyaluronic acid (“HA”), in combination with at least one stabilizer. The composition can include a stabilizer that increases the stability and shelf-life of the HA. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods can also include an additional component, such as one or more glycosaminoglycans (“GAG”) or GAG precursors. Examples of GAGs or GAG precursors can include chondroitin sulfate (“CS”), dermatan sulfate, heparin, heparan sulfate, keratan sulfate, and glucosamine (“GlcN”).

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A composition for treating a joint condition, comprising:
 a formulation comprising high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA); and   at least one stabilizer, wherein the stabilizer increases stability of the formulation.   
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the high molecular weight HA has a molecular weight in the range of about 1 MDa to 6 MDa. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the HA is present at a liquid concentration of at least about 1 mg/ml. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the HA is lyophilized. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of tocopherol, tocopherol derivatives, mannitol, sucrose and trehalose. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one stabilizer is trehalose. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one stabilizer is present in a range of about 0.1% to 50% by weight of the composition. 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the formulation is stable at room temperature. 
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one additional component. 
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 9 , wherein the additional component is selected from the group consisting of a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and a GAG precursor and is present within the composition at a ratio of HA to additional component in the range of about 1:0.005 to 1:100. 
     
     
         11 - 22 . (canceled)