Spreading agent introduced to market

San Diego-Baxter Healthcare Corp. has launched its hyaluronidase human injection (Hylenex recombinant) for use in enhancing the absorption and dispersion of injected ophthalmic anesthetics.

The 1-ml single-dose vials contain 150 units of animal-derived hyaluronidase, which is designed to increase the speed of anesthetic onset, enhance its intensity, and decrease the volume of anesthetic required.

The product is a human protein derived from a recombinant source, helping to mitigate concerns about inter-species pathogen transmission and the potential for immunological reactions, the company said. Because it is a recombinant protein, the company expects the supply to be more sustainable than typically associated with animal-derived product, it added.