The capsule drug device: Novel approach for drug delivery to the eye

• Published in: Vision research (Oxford) 2010-03, Vol.50 (7), p.680-685
• Main Authors: Molokhia, Sarah A., Sant, Himanshu, Simonis, Jacquelyn, Bishop, C.J., Burr, R.M., Gale, Bruce K., Ambati, Balamurali K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Age-macular degeneration; Angiogenesis Inhibitors - administration & dosage; Angiogenesis Inhibitors - pharmacokinetics; Antibodies, Monoclonal - administration & dosage; Antibodies, Monoclonal - pharmacokinetics; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Bevacizumab; Biological and medical sciences; Delivery. Postpartum. Lactation; Drug delivery; Drug Delivery Systems - instrumentation; Drug Delivery Systems - methods; Drug Implants - standards; Eye and associated structures. Visual pathways and centers. Vision; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Implant; Macular Degeneration - drug therapy; Materials Testing; Medical sciences; Ophthalmology; Permeability; Pharmacokinetics; Polymethylmethacrylate; Retinopathies; Semi-permeable membrane; Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs
• ISSN: 0042-6989; 1878-5646
• DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2009.10.013

Treatment of age-macular degeneration requires monthly intravitreal injections, which are costly and have serious risks. The objective of this study was to develop a novel intraocular implant for drug delivery. The capsule drug ring is a reservoir inserted in the lens capsule during cataract surgery, refillable and capable of delivering multiple drugs. Avastin ® was the drug of interest in this study. Prototypes were manufactured using polymethylmethacrylate sheets as the reservoir material, a semi-permeable membrane for controlled delivery and silicone check valves for refilling. The device showed near zero-order release kinetics and Avastin ® stability was investigated with accelerated temperature studies.