The present invention pertains to chitosan beads consisting of chitosan cross-linked with citrate ions. The present invention furthermore pertains to a filler comprising such chitosan-citrate beads. In one embodiment of the instant invention the filler is a dermal filler. In one further embodiment of the present invention the dermal filler is for the treatment of wrinkles and/or folds. In another embodiment of the instant invention the filler is for use in the treatment of a medical condition. The filler provided in the present invention may further comprise one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients. Further, the present invention pertains to a process for preparing the filler as claimed herein.