Allegro NV, a Belgium-based company specializing in nanotechnology-based solutions for joint diseases, has secured €2 million ($2.35 million) in new funding to drive preparations for clinical trials of its novel treatment for osteoarthritis, hydrocelin.
The company intends to use the funding proceeds to prepare Hydrocelin for a feasibility study in osteoarthritis patients in 2026, which will be succeeded by a global registration trial. The financiers included Annie Vereecken, representing Heran B.V. on Allegro’s board; Noshaq S.A., a life sciences investment firm based in Liege; Belgian entrepreneur Jürgen Ingels, founder of Smartfin; and Piet Van Waes of investment company Tilleghem.
“I am grateful for the trust in Allegro’s mission that our investors are showing with this capital commitment,” said Lucas Decuypere, CEO of Allegro. “This funding enables us to prepare hydrocelin for a feasibility study next year. Our goal is to deliver a first-in-class, disease-modifying and non-invasive treatment for osteoarthritis—an area where patients currently face limited options.”
Hydrocelin: A Novel Nanotechnology-Based Therapy
Hydrocelin (ALG-001) contains cross-linked microparticles engineered to act as tiny shock absorbers within the synovial fluid of osteoarthritic joints. By restoring the shock-absorbing properties of the fluid, hydrocelin is intended to cushion joint movement, reduce pain, and slow down cartilage degradation.
Hydrocelin is based on Allegro’s proprietary INTRICATE platform—a nanotechnology system designed to develop injectable microparticle hydrogels for degenerative joint diseases. INTRICATE enables the creation of cross-linked microparticles with specific mechanical properties, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into the synovial fluid and restore its viscoelasticity.
The therapy is designed for administration once a year via injection, offering a convenient and less invasive alternative to current treatment regimens. Preclinical studies have shown a clean safety profile, with no signs of toxicity observed over 4- and 13-week periods.
The findings were presented at the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (WCO) in Rome earlier this year. Additional studies on pyrogenicity, irritation, delayed sensitization, and systemic toxicity have further confirmed hydrocelin’s favorable safety data.
Addressing Unmet Needs in Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis
Osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis represent two of the most prevalent and disabling musculoskeletal disorders worldwide, affecting hundreds of millions of people and straining healthcare systems. OA is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and synovial fluid deterioration, leading to chronic pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. It is the most common cause of disability in older adults and is projected to rise sharply with aging populations.
Despite its prevalence, OA management remains limited to pain relief through analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and, in severe cases, joint replacement surgery. None of these approaches modifies the disease course, and invasive procedures are often not suitable for all patients.
Similarly, osteoporosis—a condition marked by the loss of bone density and strength—poses serious risks of fractures and long-term disability, particularly in postmenopausal women and the elderly. While several therapies exist, adherence and long-term efficacy remain challenges.
