The hyaluronidase drought might be over. Although Wydase has been discontinued, Vitrase, a highly purified, preservative-free ovine hyaluronidase, recently won FDA approval. Hyaluronidase facilitates dispersion and absorption of other drugs; it is particularly useful for retrobulbar blocks in ophthalmic surgery and in many kinds of plastic surgery. The drug works by temporarily loosening the "cement" between cells, promoting diffusion of injected fluids, says Vitrase maker ISTA Pharmaceuticals. This approval removes hyaluronidase from the FDA's drug shortage list, which it's been on since 2001. The company did not give price information.

ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(877) 4Vitrase
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