Provided herein are pre-formulations forming a biocompatible hydrogel polymer comprising at least one nucleophilic compound or monomer unit, at least one electrophilic compound or monomer unit, and optionally a therapeutic agent and/or viscosity enhancer. In some embodiments, the biocompatible hydrogel polymer covers a wound in a mammal and adheres to the surrounding skin tissue. In other embodiments, the hydrogel polymer is delivered into a joint space to treat joint disease or navicular disease.