Algo Down 0.3% as Allegro Launches Osteoarthritis Hydrogel Production

Allegro NV, a biomedical firm specializing in nanotechnology for joint disease, commenced large-scale production of its osteoarthritis hydrogel at a new cleanroom facility on January 9, 2026. The facility, located in Wallonia, is capable of producing one million prefilled syringes annually. The launch was marked by a formal ceremony attended by Wallonia’s Economy and Employment Minister, Pierre-Yves Jeholet, who underscored the region's growing prominence in life sciences innovation.

This milestone is a crucial step in Allegro’s broader strategy to advance its hydrogel technology into human clinical trials in 2026. The company is set to begin a feasibility study for its hydrogel treatment in humans during the first half of the year, with a global registration trial to follow. The hydrogel, branded as Hydrocelin, is being developed as a potential first-in-class disease-modifying therapy for osteoarthritis.

The new production capabilities will supply partner American Regent with Synoglide™, the company’s equine osteoarthritis treatment already on the market in the U.S. This commercialization effort underscores the translational potential of the technology between veterinary and human applications. Horses serve as a strong model for human joint disease, providing a valuable bridge for clinical development.

Allegro’s progress reflects a series of strategic advancements over the past year. In 2025, the company secured an exclusive licensing agreement with American Regent and demonstrated favorable safety profiles in preclinical trials. Comparative testing has also highlighted the superior shock-absorbing properties of its hydrogel, outperforming existing market solutions.

The CEO of Allegro, Lucas Decuypere, emphasized the significance of the production launch, noting the company’s rapid development since its founding in 2022. The facility marks not only a manufacturing achievement but also a step toward fulfilling Allegro’s mission of restoring mobility for patients worldwide.

Allegro NV As the firm transitions from preclinical to clinical development, the upcoming trials will be closely watched by investors and industry experts. The company’s cleanroom facility, funded with multiple millions in investment, reflects a long-term commitment to scaling production and accelerating therapeutic innovation.