IMPROVED HYALURONAN AND MODIFIED-HYALURONAN IN BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS

Disclosed are methods and compositions for reducing the rate and/or extent of degradation of endogenously-generated and/or exogenous hyaluronic acid (HA), or a modified-HA composition, by the administration, topically and/or by injection, of sodium copper isochlorin e4 or oxidized sodium copper isochlorin e4. The methods and compositions extend the shelf-life of HA or modified-HA (i.e., prior to therapeutic use) and improve therapeutic outcomes including (i) improving the appearance of the skin exhibiting rhytids, grooves, furrows, creping, sagging, or otherwise appearing hollow, (b) reducing skeletal pain in and around the knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows, wrists, distal phalanges, and spine (including facet joints and intervertebral discs), and extending the duration of such improvement in skin appearance and reduction of pain.