GENERAL FAQs

Q: Where and how are the products manufactured? And where do the ingredients come from?

A: Final product is manufactured and tested in Salt Lake City, UT and is a ISO 13485  certified manufacturer. ISO 13485 is a regulatory standard that certifies the company is  meeting rigorous regulatory requirements and maintaining the effectiveness of the QMS  (Quality System Management). It demonstrates a commitment to safety and quality of  medical devices. BioHAnce is created by making two modifications to hyaluronic acid.

We purchase medical grade hyaluronic acid made by a fermentation process that is free  of animal products, which is modified and purified prior to use in our dermal and ocular formulations. CoA’s for all raw materials are kept at our facility as part of our  documentation procedure. Following the final purification, the solution of BioHAnce is  sterile filtered and aseptically crosslinked to form the final HA gel product.

Q: Where are lot numbers and expiration dates found?

A: On the back of the carton or on the bottle label

 

Q: How long after expiration can the product be used?

A:  We do not recommend use after product expiration. It will be rare if product is available  post expiration but because there are no preservatives or efficacy studies beyond the  current establish time frame, we can not confirm product performance.

 

Q: Are there any allergens or dyes in the products?

A: No

Hyaluronic Acid vs BioHAnce

Q: What is different about BioHAnce cross-linked HA and can I just compare the concentration to other HA containg products?

  • HA is a naturally occurring substance in the bodies of humans and animals.
  • HA plays a key role in hydration, tissue lubrication and healing processes.
  • Rapid degradation of naturally occurring HA has limited it application and effectiveness.
  • Medical grade HA is further processed and bioengineered with advanced covalent bonding techniques that create a patented molecular matrix/gel of cross-linked HA.
  • This cross-linked HA matrix produces cellular scaffolding with unique physical and chemical properties that enhances hydration, accelerates the body’s own healing processes and extends the duration of each application.
  • Thus a lower volume/concentration of HA is now more effective and longer lasting.

OCUNOVIS FAQs

Q: How often does Ocunovis need to be applied?

A: Excellent results with just twice daily application, but can be applied up to four times daily if required.

Q: Do I need to use an antibiotic with Ocunovis?

A: It does not contain an antimicrobial, so if infection is a risk or is suspected, appropriate therapy should be initiated alongside Ocunovis. Consult your veterinarian.

Q: How long does Ocunovis last once opened?

A: There are no preservatives in Ocunovis and this should be considered in relation to the shelf life. It is advised that a bottle is disposed one month after opening.

Q: Can I use Ocunovis in place of cyclosporine?

A: Ocunovis is intended to be used alongside licensed medications such as cyclosporine. It does not slow down the progressive immune destruction of the lacrimal glands as is the licensed indication of cyclosporine. In many cased KCS gland destruction is advanced by the time of diagnosis, so therapy slowing down the destruction of the lacrimal glands may be less effective1, and provision of drops that hydrate and lubricate the eye surface will also be required. Even in dogs that respond well to treatment with cyclosporine, additional tear supplementation is still recommended as this helps keep the eyes as comfortable and pain-free as possible. Consult your veterinarian.

1 Hadzi Milic M, Dordevic J, Krstic N. Cyclosporine A (CsA) treatment of chronic autoimmune-mediated keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs. Acta Veterinaria (Beograd). 2013; 5-6(63): 677-685.6.

Q: Are all gel eye drops the same?

A: One of the limitations of many eye drops currently available is the need for very frequent administration (often four to six times daily). This can be a barrier to pet owner compliance whereas the unique structure of Ocunovis application only requires application twice daily2. In addition Ocunovis uses the BioHAnce™ technology. This technology allows for greater HA application in less volume while lasting longer. This technology has proven in clinical studies to help dramatically reduce symptoms associated with dry eye, irritation, discharge and overall eye health.

In addition this technology creates a shear thin layer of protection that is less likely to interfere with a pet’s comfort when applied and thus a greater likelihood they will more readily allow future applications.

2 Williams D, Mann B. A crosslinked HA based hydrogel ameliorates Dry Eye symptoms in dogs. International Journal of biomaterials Volume 2013 Article ID 460437

Q: But are Hyaluronic Acid eye drops the same as Ocunovis and BioHAnce?

A: The main component in Ocunovis is hyaluronic acid (HA), a non-immunogenic molecule found widely throughout human and animal tissues, HA fulfills many biological functions including: promoting wound healing and helping to reduce scarring3, cushioning and lubrication3, maintaining tissue hydration3. However the rapid degradation of naturally occurring HA in vivo has traditionally limited is clinical applications4. Through advanced technology used in Ocunovis (BioHAnce) it has become possible to modify HA by crosslinking the molecules. The cross-linked HA in Ocunovis is more resistant to degradation4 and thus can last longer than traditional eye drops. In addition the cross-linking technology allows for greater application of HA in less volume that is not achievable with standard HA. Ocunovis is the only gel eye drops specifically designed for pets that has supporting clinical studies.

3 Chen JWY, Abatangelo G. Functions of hyaluronan in wound repair. Wound Repair and Regeneration 1999; 7:79-89.
4 Yang G, Espandar L, Mamalis N, Prestwich GD. A cross-linked hyaluronan gel accelerates healing of corneal epithelial abrasion and alkali burn injuries in rabbits. Vet Ophthalmol. 2010;13(3) :144–150.

Q: Is Ocunovis safe?

A: Ocunovis formulation is based on substances naturally occurring in the body and does not contain preservatives or ingredients that would cause pain or stinging.

Q: Can Ocunovis be used for other eye conditions?

A: Ocunovis can be used for dry, irritated eyes and other conditions where long lasting eye lubrication and hydration may be of benefit for dogs and cats.

OCULENIS FAQs

Q: How often should the solutions be applied?

A: Simply apply 1 to 2 drops directly onto the injured eye a minimum of 2 times daily until the eye injury is repaired based on your veterinarian’s recommendations.

EPISANIS FAQs

Q: How often does Episanis need to be applied?

A: A single daily application may be sufficient to help enhance healing and closure in fresh, uncomplicated wounds. More complex injuries, irritations or incisions may require further treatment to accelerate closure. Consult your veterinarian.

Q: Do I need to use an antimicrobial with Episanis?

A: It does not contain an antimicrobial, so if infection is a risk or is suspected, appropriate therapy should be initiated alongside Episanis. Episanis should follow the application of other topical medications, and at least 5 minutes should be left between the application of other products and Episanis.

Q: What makes Episanis help to achieve rapid healing?

A: The main component in Episanis is hyaluronic acid (HA), a non-immunogenic molecule found widely throughout human and animal tissues, HA fulfills many biological functions including: promoting wound healing and helping to reduce scarring3, cushioning and lubrication3, maintaining tissue hydration3.

However the rapid degradation of naturally occurring HA in vivo has traditionally limited is clinical applications4. Through advanced technology used in Episanis (BioHAnce) it has become possible to modify HA by crosslinking the molecules. The cross-linked HA in Episanis is more resistant to degradation and thus can last longer while maintaining greater HA availability. It creates a cellular matrix that naturally enhances the animal’s own healing process by optimizing the epithelial cell activity. It also provides a thin coating on the surface of the skin that helps protect the affected area.

3 Chen JWY, Abatangelo G. Functions of hyaluronan in wound repair. Wound Repair and Regeneration 1999; 7:79-89.
4 Yang G, Espandar L, Mamalis N, Prestwich GD. A cross-linked hyaluronan gel accelerates healing of corneal epithelial abrasion and alkali burn injuries in rabbits. Vet Ophthalmol. 2010;13(3) :144–150.

Q: Is Episanis safe?

A: Episanis formulation is based on substances naturally occurring in the body  and does not contain preservatives or ingredients that would cause pain or stinging.

Q: How fast does Episanis work or how fast should I see results?

A: This is variable based on the species, type of wound, size and location of the wound being  treated. A study was conducted where observations were made every 7 days.1 In  this study, the animals had experienced a significant wound or surgery. In a control study that used the gel spray, improvement in wound quality and reduction in size vs control was observed during the first observation. Overall we anticipate Episanis to start supporting rapid healing and improved dermal condition within the first week of application

Q: Can Episanis be used for other skin conditions?

A: Episanis is formulated to promote rapid wound closure. It also supports an enhanced healing process of skin from acute injuries, surgical procedures and common skin irritations in dogs and cats, including: superficial wounds (cuts, scratches and abrasions), traumatic injuries (bites, lacerations and punctures), surgical incisions and hot spots: caused by a condition called acute moist dermatitis. They are itchy, painful skin lesions that result from constant licking, biting, and scratching.

EYE LUBE PRO FAQs

Q: Does Eye Lube Pro contain hyaluronic acid?

A: Yes, Eye Lube Pro contains 0.3% Hyaluronic Acid and carbomer. See product insert for complete list of ingredients.

Q: What is the difference between Eye Lube Pro and other lubricants?

A: Eye Lube Pro contains 20% more hyaluronic acid than OptixCare. It is available in a 20 gram tube, which is larger than many other lubricant options and comes with a precise tip for more accurate dosing.

Q: How often should Eye Lube Pro be applied?

A: For Dry Eyes, Eye Lube Pro should be applied 2-4 times daily or as often as recommended by your veterinarian. For surgery or when the blink reflex is diminished, applied every 30 minutes.

Additional for Eye Lube pro on our Learn More page.

In situations where the blink reflex is reduced, Eye Lube Pro should be applied every thirty minutes.