SUPARTZ®

About Supartz®

Supartz® is a purified sodium hyaluronate viscosupplement indicated for the treatment of pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. It is used in patients who have not responded adequately to conservative non-pharmacologic therapy — including exercise or physical therapy — and simple analgesics such as acetaminophen. The product is administered by intra-articular injection into the knee joint by a qualified healthcare professional. [1][3]

The formulation has a well-established clinical and market history in hyaluronic acid viscosupplementation. The original Supartz® PMA was approved by the FDA in 2001, and the product has since been supported by randomized controlled trials and substantial post-market experience in treating knee osteoarthritis. Supartz® FX is the current U.S. presentation distributed by Bioventus and approved via a PMA supplement under P980044. The formulation uses purified, high-molecular-weight sodium hyaluronate derived from an avian source, positioning it within the broader category of avian-derived HA viscosupplements with a documented clinical and regulatory history. [1][3]

Supartz® Technology: How Sodium Hyaluronate Works in the Joint

In healthy joints, synovial fluid functions as both a lubricant and shock absorber, enabling the knee to move smoothly under load. In osteoarthritis, the viscoelastic properties of synovial fluid may decline as hyaluronic acid concentration and molecular weight decrease, reducing the fluid’s capacity to protect articular cartilage and cushion the joint during activities that place mechanical stress on the knee. Supartz® works by supplementing the depleted hyaluronic acid in synovial fluid, helping restore some of its viscoelastic properties and reducing pain associated with joint loading. [1]

Supartz® FX is a sterile, viscoelastic, non-pyrogenic solution of purified, high-molecular-weight sodium hyaluronate. FDA documentation describes the molecular weight range as approximately 620,000 to 1,170,000 daltons, with the active substance extracted from chicken combs. Each 2.5 mL prefilled syringe contains 25 mg of sodium hyaluronate in physiological saline. Supartz® is not a steroid; it is a medical device classified as a hyaluronic acid viscosupplement, entirely distinct from corticosteroid injections in both mechanism and drug class. [1][3][5]

Supartz® Product Range

Unlike brands with highly fragmented product lines, the Supartz® family centers entirely on a single active formulation: purified sodium hyaluronate. This focused portfolio allows medical practices to streamline inventory management while utilizing a well-characterized option for staged weekly intra-articular administration.

• Unified Active Formulation: The family encompasses both the original presentation and the current Supartz® FX distributed by Bioventus. Because both options share the identical active formulation, clinics can maintain a uniform clinical standard while adapting the injection schedule to patient tolerance and specific payer criteria.
• Comprehensive Clinical Inventory: Sourcing a single, reliable brand simplifies procurement logistics. Practices building out their knee osteoarthritis treatment inventory can buy orthopedic injections through Doctor Medica’s broader catalog of related viscosupplementation and joint-support products.

Most Popular Supartz® Products

The Supartz® portfolio focuses on a single, standardized active formulation optimized for structured weekly intra-articular injection protocols.

Supartz® / Supartz® FX 2.5 mL Prefilled Syringe

• Composition: 25 mg of purified sodium hyaluronate in 2.5 mL of physiological saline per syringe.
• FDA Treatment Protocol: Approved under PMA P980044 as a 5-injection weekly series, making it ideal for clinics prioritizing a staged approach to monitor patient tolerance and clinical response incrementally.
• Clinical Nuance: While the full 5-dose course aligns with the primary manufacturer’s labeling and strict payer criteria, published clinical data indicate that some patients may experience meaningful therapeutic benefit after 3 injections.

Market Note: Supartz FX is the current commercial trade name distributed in the United States by Bioventus. Both the original branding and the FX presentation share the identical active formulation and molecular profile.

Supartz® Treatment Areas and Clinical Indications

Supartz® FX is FDA-indicated strictly for the treatment of pain associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA) in patients who have failed to respond adequately to conservative, non-pharmacologic therapy (e.g., exercise, physical therapy) or simple analgesics like acetaminophen.

• Clinical Candidate Profile: Individuals presenting with persistent knee pain, joint inflammation, or reduced mobility—particularly those whose daily or occupational activities subject the knee to repetitive mechanical stress.
• Anatomical Restrictions: While viscosupplementation is occasionally discussed off-label for the hip, shoulder, or foot, US labeling is restricted exclusively to knee osteoarthritis.
• Prerequisite Screening: Prior to administration, clinicians must rule out active knee joint infections, skin disease at the injection site, known hypersensitivity to hyaluronate preparations, or suspected avian (poultry, egg, or feather) allergies.

Supartz® Injection Administration Technique

Supartz® is administered by intra-articular injection into the affected knee joint, with each syringe intended for use in one knee only. When bilateral treatment is required, a separate syringe must be used for each knee. Prior to injection, the practitioner should assess the joint and remove any excess synovial fluid or effusion where clinically appropriate. Standard aseptic technique should be maintained throughout preparation and administration. Practitioners should consult the individual product Instructions for Use for full preparation and delivery guidance. [1][3]

Both Supartz® and Supartz® FX follow a 5-injection weekly series per FDA-approved labeling, though clinical data indicate that some patients may experience meaningful benefit after 3 injections — a consideration relevant to treatment planning, patient counseling, and payer documentation. A nurse practitioner may administer Supartz® where intra-articular injection falls within their scope of practice and local regulatory authority; clinics should confirm state-specific rules, prescriptive authority, and supervision requirements before delegation. Following treatment, patients are generally advised to avoid strenuous weight-bearing activity for approximately 48 hours. Clinical improvement may begin within several weeks and may continue to develop across the full treatment course. [1][2][4]

Why Healthcare Professionals Choose Supartz®

Two aspects of Supartz® stand out for clinicians making viscosupplementation procurement decisions. The first is the flexibility offered by the Supartz® product family: with both the original Supartz® and Supartz® FX available as 5-injection weekly series under FDA approval, practitioners have a well-characterized option for multi-injection weekly protocols that allows them to monitor patient tolerance and adjust the treatment course based on individual clinical response, emerging evidence on shorter courses, and specific payer requirements. [1][2]

The second is the depth of clinical evidence and regulatory history behind the formulation. Supartz® has been supported by randomized controlled trials and has been part of the US viscosupplementation market since FDA approval in 2001. For clinicians evaluating HA injectables by regulatory standing, payer familiarity, dosing schedule, and published evidence, this market tenure and documentation history makes Supartz® a well-characterized choice among available sodium hyaluronate options. [1][3]

Supartz® Markets, Distribution, and Availability

Supartz® FX is available in the United States through authorized medical supply channels and is distributed by Bioventus under commercial agreement with Seikagaku Corporation. Bioventus has announced continued US distribution of Supartz® FX through 2028, supporting the product’s ongoing availability in the viscosupplementation market for licensed practitioners. [5]

Doctor Medica provides wholesale access to Supartz® for licensed practitioners evaluating knee osteoarthritis treatment options. Clinics reviewing wholesale buying options can confirm product availability, documentation, LOT verification, and shipping requirements before procurement. When buying online, practitioners should verify that the product is appropriate for their market, indication, and clinic purchasing criteria. [3][5]

Bioventus — About the Manufacturer

Bioventus is a US-based medical technology company headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, focused on orthobiologics and active healing solutions for musculoskeletal conditions. Its product portfolio spans bone healing, surgical orthobiologics, and joint pain management, with Supartz® FX representing a key product in its joint pain category. For Supartz® FX, Bioventus serves as the US distributor rather than the original PMA applicant — FDA documentation identifies Seikagaku Corporation as the applicant for PMA P980044, while Bioventus manages US distribution under its commercial agreement. This distinction is relevant for procurement teams reviewing manufacturer, distributor, and regulatory documentation when sourcing the product. [3][5]

Doctor Medica’s catalogue spans injectable categories beyond orthopedics for practices with multiple treatment areas. Clinicians sourcing products for facial volumization, wrinkle correction, or soft-tissue augmentation can also buy hyaluronic acid dermal fillers or buy dermal fillers through Doctor Medica’s aesthetic injectable range.

Supartz® Licensing and Regulatory Approval

Supartz® FX is regulated in the United States as an intra-articular hyaluronic acid medical device under FDA Class III classification. The original Supartz® was FDA-approved under PMA P980044 on January 24, 2001, for the treatment of pain associated with knee osteoarthritis in patients who failed to respond adequately to conservative non-pharmacologic therapy and simple analgesics. Supartz® FX was subsequently approved via a PMA supplement under the same PMA number. [3]

Medicare coverage for Supartz® injections may be available under viscosupplementation coverage criteria, subject to patient-specific medical necessity, diagnosis, documentation, and dosing requirements. CMS lists Supartz under HCPCS code J7321 per dose, at 25 mg once weekly for 3 to 5 injections per knee. Coverage under Medicare Part B or private payer plans varies by region, prior authorization requirements, and step-therapy protocols; practitioners should verify patient-specific eligibility and local documentation requirements before treatment. [4]

Supartz® Alternatives — Comparing Viscosupplements

Hyalgan vs Supartz®

Hyalgan and Supartz® are both avian-derived sodium hyaluronate viscosupplements indicated for knee osteoarthritis, making the comparison especially relevant for clinics with an established preference for avian-source HA. The products differ in molecular weight range and may vary in injection schedule depending on applicable payer criteria. Practices that stock Supartz® alongside avian-derived alternatives can buy HYALGAN® through Doctor Medica for side-by-side procurement. [1][4]

Synvisc® vs Supartz®

Synvisc® is based on hylan G-F 20, a cross-linked hyaluronic acid derivative, while Supartz® contains non-cross-linked sodium hyaluronate. Synvisc® is available in both multi-injection and single-injection presentations, while Supartz® follows a 5-injection weekly protocol per FDA-approved labeling. Clinics that carry both cross-linked and non-cross-linked HA options can buy SYNVISC® through Doctor Medica’s orthopedic injectable catalogue. [1]

Orthovisc® vs Supartz®

Orthovisc® is a high-molecular-weight hyaluronan product typically administered over a 3- to 4-injection course, whereas Supartz® is delivered as a 5-injection weekly series per FDA-approved labeling. The choice between them may hinge on molecular profile, injection frequency, and payer access. Practitioners who want to buy ORTHOVISC® through Doctor Medica can evaluate both products from a single verified source. [1][4]

Euflexxa® vs Supartz®

Euflexxa® is produced via biofermentation rather than avian extraction, making it a non-avian sodium hyaluronate option for patients with hypersensitivity to avian proteins, feathers, or eggs — a clinically important distinction when choosing between the two. Both are administered as multi-injection viscosupplementation courses for knee osteoarthritis. Clinics that need a non-avian HA alternative alongside Supartz® can buy EUFLEXXA® through Doctor Medica. [1]

Monovisc® vs Supartz®

Monovisc® is a single-injection hyaluronan product, while Supartz® requires a 5-injection weekly series per FDA-approved labeling. When reducing patient visit burden is a priority, a single-injection format may be preferred; when a staged weekly approach is clinically appropriate or required by payer criteria, Supartz® may be the better fit. Practices that offer both formats within their viscosupplementation protocols can buy MONOVISC® through Doctor Medica. [1][4]

Supartz® Safety Profile and Side Effects

The safety profile of Supartz® FX is broadly consistent with other intra-articular hyaluronic acid viscosupplements. Localized, transient adverse reactions are common following administration and typically resolve within a few days. Because its mechanism of action is entirely mechanical, it lacks the systemic metabolic effects associated with corticosteroid therapies.

Common & Potential Adverse Events

• Localized Injection-Site Reactions: Transient pain, swelling, warmth, redness, mild bruising, and temporary knee discomfort.
• Systemic & Adjacent Tissue Symptoms: Less frequently, patients may experience headaches, arthralgia, back pain, or bursitis.
• Localized Immune Response: In rare instances, severe inflammation, effusion, or hypersensitivity reactions may occur, requiring immediate clinical evaluation to rule out infection.

Contraindications & Clinical Screenings

• Active Infections: Do not administer if there is an active joint infection, systemic infection, or open skin disease at the injection site.
• Avian Hypersensitivity: Contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivities to hyaluronate preparations. Because the active substance is extracted from chicken combs, pre-treatment screening for poultry, egg, or feather allergies is mandatory.
• Blood Pressure Considerations: Systemic hypertension is not a recognized adverse effect in core product labeling. Any post-injection blood pressure fluctuations should be evaluated clinically in light of the patient’s existing comorbidities and concomitant medications.

Supartz® Regulatory Status

Supartz® FX is classified as a Class III medical device by the US Food and Drug Administration and is regulated under the PMA pathway. The approved indication covers intra-articular treatment of pain associated with knee osteoarthritis in the US market. Seikagaku Corporation holds PMA P980044, with Bioventus managing US distribution and commercialization. All claims regarding FDA approval status, device classification, and approved indications are supported by publicly available FDA documentation. [3]

Where Can I Purchase Verified Supartz® Products?

Doctor Medica has supplied licensed medical professionals with verified orthopedic injectable products since 2006. Practitioners can buy Supartz online or buy Supartz wholesale through Doctor Medica’s catalog, with access to verifiable LOT numbers, product documentation, and fast shipping. To purchase Supartz or order wholesale, licensed practitioners can browse the catalog above or contact Doctor Medica’s representatives to confirm availability and receive procurement support.

FAQs

What is Supartz® used for?

Supartz® is indicated for the treatment of pain associated with knee osteoarthritis in patients who have not responded adequately to conservative therapy. This includes patients who have already tried acetaminophen, exercise, physical therapy, or other non-pharmacologic options without sufficient relief. [1][3]

How does Supartz® work?

Supartz® supplements hyaluronic acid in the knee joint, helping to restore the lubricating and shock-absorbing properties of synovial fluid that are reduced in osteoarthritis. By improving joint viscoelasticity, it supports smoother movement and reduces pain associated with mechanical stress on the joint. [1]

What is the difference between Supartz® and Supartz® FX?

Both products contain purified sodium hyaluronate at the same concentration per syringe and are FDA-approved as a 5-injection weekly series. Supartz® FX is the current US-market presentation distributed by Bioventus; clinical evidence also supports that some patients may experience benefit after 3 injections, which is relevant to treatment planning and payer documentation. [2][3]

How long does it take for Supartz® injections to work?

Response varies by patient. Some individuals may begin to notice improvement within several weeks, with clinical benefit typically assessed across the full course of the injection series rather than following a single injection. [2]

How long do Supartz® injections last?

Clinical benefit from Supartz® viscosupplementation has been reported for up to 6 months in some patients, though duration depends on the individual, disease severity, activity level, and overall response to treatment. [1]

Is Supartz® a steroid?

No. Supartz® is a sodium hyaluronate viscosupplement regulated as a Class III medical device under FDA PMA. It is not a corticosteroid and works through a fundamentally different mechanism from steroid injections. [1][3]

What is Supartz® made of?

Supartz® is made of purified sodium hyaluronate in physiological saline. FDA documentation identifies the sodium hyaluronate as extracted from chicken combs, placing it in the avian-derived category of HA viscosupplements. [3][5]

Is Supartz® covered by insurance or Medicare?

Medicare and many private insurers may cover Supartz® injections depending on patient-specific commercial or Medicare criteria, including documentation, diagnosis, and applicable payer requirements. Practitioners should verify eligibility and confirm coverage before administration. [4]

Can a nurse practitioner inject Supartz®?

A nurse practitioner may administer Supartz® when intra-articular injection falls within their scope of practice and is permitted by applicable state regulations. Clinics should confirm local prescriptive authority, supervision requirements, and any state-specific restrictions before delegating administration.

Can Supartz® cause hypertension?

Hypertension is not identified as a recognized adverse effect in the core Supartz® FX safety documentation. Clinicians should evaluate any blood pressure changes in the context of the patient’s full medical history, comorbidities, and current medications. [1][5]

What are the common side effects of Supartz® injections?

Common local reactions include injection-site pain, swelling, warmth, and redness, which are generally transient. Persistent pain, significant swelling, fever, or signs of infection following injection should be assessed promptly. [1][5]

Where can medical professionals buy Supartz® products?

Licensed medical professionals can access Supartz® through Doctor Medica, which has been supplying verified orthopedic injectable products since 2006. Doctor Medica offers wholesale pricing, verifiable LOT numbers, and product documentation support — practitioners can browse the catalogue or contact representatives to confirm current availability.

Citations

1. Bronstone A, Neary JT, Lambert TH, Dasa V. Supartz (Sodium Hyaluronate) for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Review of Efficacy and Safety. Clinical Medicine Insights: Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2019. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6463231/
2. Gusho CA, Jenson M. Patient-reported Outcomes of Short-term Intra-articular Hyaluronic Acid for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Consecutive Case Series. Cureus. 2019. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31453043/
3. S. Food and Drug Administration. Premarket Approval P980044 — SUPARTZ FX. FDA PMA Database. Last Updated 06/29/2026. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpma/pma.cfm?id=P980044
4. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis, LCD L39260. Last Updated 07/01/2022. https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/lcd.aspx?lcdId=39260&ver=5
5. What is SUPARTZ FX? Official product information. https://www.oakneepainrelief.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SUPARTZFX_IFU_Mar31_2016.pdf

For licensed medical professionals only. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

For the anchor text on hyaluronic acid fillers, please bold and apply red color to font as this link still does not exist.