<i>In vitro</i> study of the gel cohesivity and persistence to hyaluronidase degradation of a novel stabilized composition of 26 mg/mL of high molecular weight HA

Aim: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is extensively used in injectable skin quality products due to its documented role in skin rejuvenation. The rapid in vivo degradation of HA by the enzyme hyaluronidase necessitates the development of advanced formulations to ensure the efficacy and longevity of the treatments. In this context, a novel 2.6% high molecular weight HA (H-HA)/3.2% sorbitol composition has been introduced, featuring stabilization through hydrogen bonds rather than traditional crosslinking. Methods: The stabilized composition was evaluated through two in vitro enzymatic degradation tests. In the first test, the efficiency on the gel degradation was followed by rheology and compared with two crosslinked HA products available on the market. In the second test, the effect on the gel structure of a less diluted hyaluronidase dose was followed by rheological and cohesivity measurements. Results: In vitro study demonstrates that, before its complete degradation into a liquid-like state, the stabilized composition exhibits high elasticity and cohesivity during the enzymatic degradation process, surpassing traditional crosslinked HA products. Conclusion: The stabilization provided by the sorbitol in the stabilized composition effectively enhances product properties and protects them during gel degradation. These attributes indicate significant potential for improved clinical outcomes in skin quality treatments.