EXHIBIT 5.1

                                 June 17, 1996



Anika Research, Inc.
236 West Cummings Park
Woburn, MA 01801

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     This opinion is delivered in our capacity as counsel to Anika Research,
Inc. (the "Company") in connection with the preparation and filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
of a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement") relating
to the issuance of an additional 1,000,000 shares of common stock, par value
$.01 per share, of the Company (the "Shares"), issuable under the Company's 1993
Stock Option Plan (the "Plan").

     As counsel for the Company, we have examined the Company's Amended and
Restated Articles of Organization and By-laws, each as presently in effect, and
such records, certificates and other documents of the Company as we have deemed
necessary or appropriate for the purposes of this opinion. We have also relied
upon representations from the Company as to certain factual matters relevant to
this opinion.

     Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Shares are duly
authorized by the Company, and such shares when issued and paid for in 
accordance with the terms of the Plan will be legally issued, fully paid and 
non-assessable.

     We hereby consent to being named as counsel to the Company in the
Registration Statement and to the inclusion of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.

                                   Very truly yours,



                                   GOODWIN, PROCTER & HOAR  LLP


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