- Allegro’s microparticle hydrogel hydrocelin has the potential to be a first-in-class disease-modifying injectable treatment for osteoarthritis
- Preclinical study to be presented at WCO conference shows no pyrogenicity
- Pivotal clinical trial in osteoarthritis patients on track to start in 2025
Liege, Belgium – 11 April 2025 (17:00 CET) – Allegro NV, a biomedical company developing transformative nanotechnology-based treatments for degenerative joint disease, today presented positive preclinical data demonstrating the satisfactory safety profile of its hydrocelin injectable treatment for osteoarthritis at the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (WCO) in Rome. The study, which showed that hydrocelin is non-pyrogenic, was part of a series of preclinical tests into several safety aspects for the product, all of which have yielded a satisfactory profile.
“Presenting the positive results of our preclinical safety studies with hydrocelin at WCO is important recognition of the work we are doing to apply new technologies to the treatment of osteoarthritis. The unique cross-linking properties of hydrocelin make us believe there is huge potential to help alleviate the pain and suffering of people with osteoarthritis. As Allegro’s next milestone is the start of a pivotal trial in patients, which we expect later this year, we hope to quickly see our vision confirmed,” said Lucas Decuypere, Chief Executive Officer at Allegro.
Hydrocelin contains cross-linked microparticles that are designed to act as tiny shock absorbers in the synovial fluid of the affected joints. Restoring the shock-absorbing capacity of the synovial fluid is intended to provide pain relief and protect cartilage. The product is intended to be administered by injection once yearly. In addition to the pyrogenicity study, the company has also found a satisfactory safety record in preclinical studies assessing irritation, delayed sensitization and systemic toxicity.
Poster presentation details:
Title: Pyrogenicity assessment of crosslinked hydrogel microparticles (HMPs) utilizing the rabbit pyrogen test in accordance with European pharmacopoeia guidelines
Session time and date: Friday April 11, 2025: 09:00 – 17:00 Poster viewing session I
Lead authors: J. Schelfhout and B. Gür
Poster presentation number: P293
About hydrocelin (ALG-001)
Hydrocelin is an injectable microparticle hydrogel designed as a potential disease-modifying treatment for osteoarthritis. The biodegradable gel is an inert biocomposite, which confers unique mechanical properties and naturally self-reassembles. Forming a porous cell-friendly 3D scaffolding structure, the cross-linked microparticles may act as tiny shock absorbers in the synovial fluid, even under demanding conditions. By restoring elasticity, hydrocelin should enhance impact absorption and optimize load distribution. It is designed to provide pain relief, protect cartilage, and promote joint homeostasis. The treatment is minimally invasive.
About Allegro NV
Allegro is a private biomedical company developing transformative treatments for degenerative joint diseases based on its proprietary nanotechnology platform, INTRICATE. The company’s lead product candidate, hydrocelin (ALG-001), is a potential first-in-class, disease-modifying candidate for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Allegro is preparing hydrocelin for clinical studies in humans later this year, and for a commercial launch in 2027.