Retainer for intraocular drug delivery device

Abstract

The current invention relates to a retainer provided with an annular intraocular drug delivery device for use in the treatment of glaucoma, said annular intraocular drug delivery device for use in the treatment of glaucoma having an inner circumference and an outer circumference, said retainer comprising: a retainer body at least partially closed off by a retainer cap, said retainer cap being configured to support said annular intraocular drug delivery device for use in the treatment of glaucoma, and a retainer slider, being displaceable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the retainer body, characterized in, that said retainer cap at least supports said inner circumference of said annular intraocular drug delivery device for use in the treatment of glaucoma.

Description

[0001] RETAINER FOR INTRAOCULAR DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a retainer for storing or holding an intraocular drug delivery device. In a second aspect, the present invention also relates to an injector for injecting an intraocular drug delivery device into an eye. In another aspect, the present invention also relates to a use for treating ocular diseases.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The treatment of many diseases and disorders of the eye, especially in case of degenerative or persistent conditions, poses challenges of achieving and maintaining adequate therapeutic drug concentrations within the eye and its surrounding structures.

[0006] Implantable intraocular devices have the potential to avoid the shortcomings and complications that can arise from both systemic and local therapies (i.e. topical administration or intravitreal injections). These intraocular devices are often artificial lenses, so-called intra-ocular lenses (IOL'S). Preloaded injectors or retainers have been developed for these IOL's, for example. However, these devices are all only applicable for the storage of specific lens bodies and may not be compatible with intra-ocular devices of different shapes, sizes, or rigidity. EP1659991, for example, describes a preloaded IOL injector. WO2020128755 and WO2020128757 describe IOL folding devices.

[0007] Furthermore, these devices are often designed to fold the IOL's, because they are designed to be foldable to fit through injector tips that pass through smaller incisions. Planar intraocular drug delivery devices, however, cannot be folded like non-planar intraocular (drug delivery) devices such as IOL's. Planar intraocular devices may therefore not be used in retainers or retainers as described in the prior art because for example twisting, rotating or displacing during loading or injecting may occur and give rise to problems in the OR.

[0008] The applicant notes that the above issues are especially problematic when the intraocular drug delivery device itself is extruded, and thus more fragile and prone to stress. A further issue is that of linearization, i.e. allowing the device to be compressed correctly for placement in a compact (very narrow) configuration through a simple surgery without implementing extra stress in the intraocular drug delivery device and while minimizing the manipulation steps prior to injection, which is also addressed by the invention at hand.

[0009] The aim of the invention is to provide an injector which eliminates those disadvantages.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention and embodiments thereof serve to provide a solution to one or more of above-mentioned disadvantages. To this end, the present invention relates to a retainer provided with an annular intraocular drug delivery device according to claim 1.

[0012] The annular intraocular drug delivery device has an inner circumference and an outer circumference, said retainer comprising: a retainer body at least partially closed off by a retainer cap, said retainer cap being configured to support said annular intraocular drug delivery device, and a retainer slider, being displaceable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the retainer body, characterized in, that said retainer cap at least supports said inner circumference of said annular intraocular drug delivery device.

[0013] This is advantageous, on the contrary to existing retainers, as said annular intraocular drug delivery device is not being held on the outside by hooks or gripping means which would result in twisting or turning of the annular drug delivery device. Supporting the intraocular drug delivery device on the inner circumference allows the device to rest in its annular shape without risk of early compression.

[0014] Furthermore, this allows for less contact between the retainer cap and the intraocular drug delivery device, which is beneficial for the prevention of damage.

[0015] Preferred embodiments of the retainer are shown in any of the claims 2 to 13. More particular, the retainer as described herein provides that an intraocular drug delivery device can be stored in a substantially stress-free orientation, but subsequent injection is still possible with a minimal amount of manipulation steps. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to an injector for injecting an intraocular drug delivery device into an eye according to claim 14.

[0016] In a third aspect the present invention relates to a method for loading an injector according to claim 17. In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a use for treating ocular diseases according to claim 18.

[0017] It is an object of the invention to provide a retainer and injector for receiving, storing and injecting planar intraocular drug delivery devices, such as annular (ring-shaped) intraocular drug delivery devices or intraocular drug delivery devices such as described in EP3566693.

[0018] In addition, an injector is to be provided which is optimized regarding the manipulation steps for preparing the intraocular drug delivery device and the injector. In particular, as few manipulation steps as possible should be necessary before delivery of the intraocular drug delivery device and the injector. This should reduce sources of error. This is especially true for planar intraocular drug delivery devices, which can be damaged by twisting and turning. Another object is to provide an injector which requires only small incisions in the eye in the application.

[0019] It is another object of the present invention to provide an alternative injector. In particular, it is an object to develop an injector that solves as many or all of the problems mentioned. In particular, an injector is to be developed which, taking into account the above-mentioned requirements, can be used with planar, such as annular, drug delivery devices.

[0020] A retainer according to the invention comprises a retainer cap which has the primary function of preventing the intraocular drug delivery device from rotating and displacing during storage and transport, which allows for a consistent positioning and reproducible intraocular drug delivery device delivery.

[0021] It is an object to minimize the manipulation of the intraocular drug delivery device

[0022] It is an object of the invention to exclude faulty insertion of the intraocular drug delivery device.

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention concerns a retainer provided with an annular intraocular drug delivery device.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

[0025] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

[0026] A "predetermined orientation" refers to an orientation of the intraocular drug delivery device which is necessary for injecting said intraocular drug delivery device in a correct position in the eye.

[0027] The terms "relaxed state", "relaxed planar state", "relaxed orientation", "uncompressed orientation", "resting state", and "uncompressed state" are synonyms and refer to a state or position wherein the intraocular drug delivery device is not manipulated by applied pressure or compression, and is therefore substantially planar or substantially flat, and stress-free.

[0028] The terms "injecting state", "stressed state", and "compressed state" are synonyms and refer to a state or position wherein the intraocular drug delivery device is manipulated by applied pressure or compression into a position ready for injection from the injector into the eye.

[0029] The term "annular" is synonymous to "ring-shaped," "toroidal," and "doughnutshape," and refers to a shape or structure that surrounds a central space or point in a ring-like manner.

[0030] The term "longitudinal axis" refers to the imaginary straight line that runs lengthwise through the center of the retainer and the injector from its inlet to its outlet (from its distal to its proximal end).

[0031] The term "laterally" refers to a direction or orientation that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This term is commonly used to describe movements or features that are oriented side-to-side, rather than along the length of the injector. "A", "an", and "the" as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a compartment" refers to one or more than one compartment.

[0032] "About" as used herein referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of + / - 20% or less, preferably + / -10% or less, more preferably + / -5% or less, even more preferably + / -1% or less, and still more preferably + / -0.1% or less of and from the specified value, in so far such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. However, it is to be understood that the value to which the modifier "about" refers is itself also specifically disclosed.

[0033] "Comprise", "comprising", and "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "include", "including", "includes" or "contain", "containing", "contains" and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order, unless specified. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0035] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.

[0036] The expression "% by weight", "weight percent", "%wt" or "wt%", here and throughout the description unless otherwise defined, refers to the relative weight of the respective component based on the overall weight of the formulation.

[0037] Whereas the terms "one or more" or "at least one", such as one or more or at least one member(s) of a group of members, is clear per se, by means of further exemplification, the term encompasses inter alia a reference to any one of said members, or to any two or more of said members, such as, e.g., any >3, >4, >5, >6 or >7 etc. of said members, and up to all said members. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, definitions for the terms used in the description are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention. The terms or definitions used herein are provided solely to aid in the understanding of the invention.

[0038] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0039] In a first aspect, the invention provides a retainer provided with an intraocular drug delivery device, preferably for a planar intraocular drug delivery device, more preferably for an annular intraocular drug delivery device. The retainer is preferably insertable into an injector.

[0040] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the intraocular drug delivery device is a intraocular drug delivery device for use in the treatment of glaucoma.

[0041] The intraocular drug delivery device is supported by said retainer in a "preloaded" position in the unstressed state; i.e., in a state where substantially no stress acts upon the optic portion thereof. In this embodiment, the device is in the preloaded position from the time of final assembly and packaging at the manufacturing site, through shipping and actual use of the device by a surgeon. The storage position is thus the position of the intraocular drug delivery device while it is held by the retainer.

[0042] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, said retainer comprises: a retainer body at least partially closed off by a retainer cap, said retainer cap being configured to support said annular intraocular drug delivery device, and a retainer slider, being displaceable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the retainer body.

[0043] Preferably, said retainer body and said retainer cap are removably connected together.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said retainer body is suitable for at least temporarily storing said intraocular drug delivery device in a relaxed or uncompressed state. This is advantageous as the stress in the intraocular drug delivery device is reduced to a minimum.

[0045] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the retainer is provided with an annular intraocular drug delivery device, said annular intraocular drug delivery device having an inner circumference and an outer circumference. In an especially preferred embodiment said retainer cap at least supports said inner circumference of said annular intraocular drug delivery device.

[0046] This is advantageous, on the contrary to existing retainers, as said annular drug delivery device is not being held on the outside by hooks or gripping means which would result in twisting or turning of the annular drug delivery device. Supporting the intraocular drug delivery device on the inner circumference allows the device to rest in its annular shape without risk of early compression.

[0047] In one preferred embodiment, a retainer is provided having an intraocular drug delivery device preloaded therein and wherein the retainer and intraocular drug delivery device are packaged together as a single unit. In this embodiment, the retainer and intraocular drug delivery device may be packaged separately from the injector whereby the retainer and intraocular drug delivery device are attached to an injector housing at the time of surgery rather than at the time of manufacture. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, an injector is provided having a retainer provided with an intraocular drug delivery device and wherein the injector and retainer are packaged together as a single unit. At manufacturing, the intraocular drug delivery device is releasably coupled to the retainer with the intraocular drug delivery device releasably held by the retainer cap.

[0048] The retainer is then connected to the injector housing at a loading bay thereof.

[0049] The inventors have found that no additional elements or features that extend between the intraocular drug delivery device and retainer cap, such as gripping means, are necessary to prevent the intraocular drug delivery device from remaining coupled to the retainer cap. The inventors have found that the application of viscoelastic in the retainer body is enough to avoid the intraocular drug delivery device sticking to the retainer cap. This is particularly advantageous because the contact surface with the intraocular drug delivery device is minimized.

[0050] Preferably, said retainer slider is displaceable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the retainer body, said retainer slider being configured to compress said intraocular drug delivery device to a loading state. The retainer slider is advantageous because a surgeon or a nurse does not have to touch or manipulate the intraocular drug delivery device directly. This is advantageous to complete a "notouch approach" and to minimize manipulation. Furthermore, the slider ensures a correct compression and excludes faulty insertion.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retainer comprises a retainer slider which extends laterally of the retainer body, and when inserted in an injector extends laterally of the injector housing. The retainer slider is movable between fully open and fully closed positions and is in the open position when the retainer is packaged and the intraocular drug delivery device is in the storage position. Once the package has been opened and the retainer cap has been decoupled from the retainer body, the retainer slider is moved to the closed position which compresses the intraocular drug delivery device.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, said retainer slider is not displaceable towards said intraocular drug delivery device when said retainer cap is connected with said retainer body. The retainer cap thereto comprises preferably slider blocking means for blocking the retainer slider. These slider blocking means prevent use error, by preventing the slider from accidentally being pushed forward before removing the cap and potentially damaging the intraocular drug delivery device. These blocking means also allow the user to push on the slider to connect the retainer unit to the injector housing, without compromising the intraocular drug delivery device. In a preferred embodiment, the retainer cap supports the intraocular drug delivery device solely by making contact points. Preferably no gripping means or holding means which encapsule at least part of the intraocular drug delivery device are present in the retainer cap. Said retainer cap comprises preferably at most 10 contact points for making physical contact with said intraocular drug delivery device. Preferably said retainer cap comprises at most 8 contact points, more preferably at most 6 contact points, even more preferably at most 4 contact points.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the plunger is not displaceable towards said intraocular drug delivery device when said retainer cap is connected with said retainer body. Said retainer cap thereto comprises preferably one or more plunger blocking means for blocking the entrance to said retainer body. With the entrance to the retainer body being the entrance where a plunger would enter the retainer body when inserted into an injector. This is advantageous as the plunger cannot be accidentally pushed into the lumen until the retainer cap is removed.

[0054] In a further embodiment, the plunger blocking means and the slider blocking means also serve as support elements for the retainer cap onto the retainer body.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said retainer cap further comprises one or more openings, preferably one opening, through which a viscoelastic can be supplied to facilitate sliding of the intraocular drug delivery device during injection and to eliminate air present in the injector. In a preferred embodiment, said retainer cap comprises a through-hole viscoelastic port, preferably a tapered through-hole viscoelastic port. The viscoelastic is particularly advantageous because it helps to avoid the intraocular drug delivery device from sticking to the retainer cap.

[0056] Possible viscoelastics can be: Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid); Chondroitin Sulfate; Methylcellulose; Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose; Sodium Alginate; Polyacrylamide; Polyvinyl Alcohol; Hyaluronic Acid Derivatives; Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate-Hyaluronic Acid Mixture; Carboxymethylcellulose; Dextran; or combinations thereof.

[0057] Preferably said retainer cap comprises a base, said base comprising an hourglassshaped indentation. The hourglass shape at the bottom of the retainer cap was chosen to allow the distribution of the viscoelastic towards the sides of the implant filament. The inventors found that this shape provides optimal guidance of the viscoelastic to and around the intraocular drug delivery device. In a preferred embodiment, said retainer cap comprises a through-hole viscoelastic port terminating at the center of said hourglass-shaped indentation.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, said retainer body comprises a first internal volume for receiving, and storing the intraocular drug delivery device. When inserted into an injector said first internal volume is in contact with the lumen of the injector housing, allowing the plunger to penetrate the retainer body. Said internal volume is present when the retainer slider is in the fully open position. Said internal volume allows the intraocular drug delivery device at least temporarily to be stored in an uncompressed state. In a further preferred embodiment, said first internal volume has a first width of between 5 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 7 mm and 15 mm, more preferably between 10 mm and 14 mm, and most preferred between 10 and 12 mm.

[0059] In a further embodiment of the invention, said first internal volume has a first length of between 5 and 30 mm, preferably between 10 and 25 mm, more preferably between 15 mm and 24 mm, eve more preferably between 15 mm and 18 mm, and the most preferably between 16 and 17 mm. Said first internal volume, as an initial position of the retainer body, allows the intraocular drug delivery device to remain uncompressed, thus relaxed. Said length, however, allows the intraocular drug delivery device also to be compressed into a compressed state. The length of the first internal volume allows the intraocular drug delivery device to fit when compressed.

[0060] A "length" as described herein refers to a distance measured along the longitudinal axis of the retainer / injector. A "width" as described herein refers to a distance measured perpendicular to that longitudinal axis.

[0061] In an embodiment of the invention, the retainer slider is suitable for reducing the internal volume of the retainer body by sliding in said retainer body and filing the first internal volume with said retainer slider, resulting in a remaining second internal volume. In an even further embodiment of the invention, the slider is suitable for reducing the width if the internal volume of said retainer body by sliding in said retainer body and filing the first internal volume with said slider, resulting in a remaining second internal volume with a second width smaller than the first width. Herein the second internal volume corresponds to the slider being in the fully closed position. In an embodiment of the invention, the retainer slider is suitable for reducing the first internal volume to a second internal volume, wherein the second internal volume is smaller than the first internal volume. Said second internal volume has preferably a length between 5 and 30 mm, preferably between 10 and 25 mm, more preferably between 15 mm and 24 mm, eve more preferably between 15 mm and 18 mm, and the most preferably between 16 and 17 mm, even more preferably said second internal volume has the same length as said first internal volume.

[0062] The second internal volume has preferably the function of a channel or lumen. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second internal volume is a longitudinal extension of the injector housing lumen. When inserted into an injector said second internal volume is in contact with the lumen of the injector housing, allowing the plunger to penetrate the retainer body. The plunger, when inserted into an injector, can then push the compressed intraocular drug delivery device through the second internal volume into the injector housing and injector tip. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second internal volume has a similar, preferably the same, height and width as the injector housing lumen as described below.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, said second internal volume has an inner width of at least 1.0 mm, preferably at least 1.10 mm, even more preferably at least 1.20 mm, even more preferably at least 1.30 mm, still even more preferably at least 1.40 mm. A smaller inner width would lead to difficulties for guiding the compressed intraocular drug delivery device.

[0064] In another or a further preferred embodiment, said second internal volume has an inner width of at most 1.60 mm, preferably at most 1.55 mm, more preferably at most 1.50 mm.

[0065] In another or a further preferred embodiment, said second internal volume has an inner width of between 1.0 mm and 1.60 mm, preferably 1.20 and 1.55 mm, more preferably between 1.40 and 1.50 mm. The inventors have unexpectedly found that this inner width allows enough room for the passing of the compressed intraocular drug delivery device, without giving it room to twist during injection. This inner width allows smooth injection of the intraocular drug delivery device.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, said second internal volume has an inner height of at least 0.30 mm, preferably at least 0.50 mm, more preferably at least 0.55 mm, even more preferably at least 0.70 mm. An inner height of at least 0.30 mm allows for compatibility with an intraocular drug delivery device with an outer diameter of 0.30 mm.

[0067] In another or a further preferred embodiment, said second internal volume has an inner height of at most 1 mm, preferably at most 0.95 mm, more preferably at most 0.90 mm, even more preferably at most 0.85 mm. The inventors have found that this inner height avoids twisting of the intraocular drug delivery device.

[0068] In another or a further preferred embodiment, said second internal volume has an inner height of between 0.30 mm and 1 mm, preferably 0.50 and 0.95 mm, more preferably between 0.55 and 0.90 mm, even more preferably between 0.70 and 0.85 mm. The inventors have unexpectedly found that this inner height allows enough room for the passing of the compressed intraocular drug delivery device, without giving it room to twist during injection. This inner height allows smooth injection of the intraocular drug delivery device.

[0069] The ratio of the width of the second internal volume to the height of the second internal volume is advantageously between 1.5 and 5, preferably between 1.5 and 4, more preferably between 1.5 and 3, even more preferably between 1.5 and 2. The inventors have found that between these ratios twisting of the intraocular drug delivery device during implantation is avoided. A ratio lower than 1.5 or higher than 3 would increase the risk of implant twisting. In a preferred embodiment, these dimensions are the same as the dimensions of the injector housing the retainer is inserted into.

[0070] The intraocular drug delivery device is preferably an extruded intraocular drug delivery device. Alternatively, said intraocular drug delivery device is preferably a planar, and more preferably an annular (ring-shaped), intraocular drug delivery device. More preferably, said intraocular drug delivery device is an extruded and planar, preferably annular, intraocular drug delivery device. In some embodiments, the intraocular drug delivery device comprises withdrawal assisting means.

[0071] Said intraocular drug delivery device is preferably a sustained release intraocular drug delivery device configured for the sulcus of the eye, comprising:

[0072] (a) a polymeric matrix core into which at least one therapeutic agent is mixed, and;

[0073] (b) a polymeric coating completely surrounding said polymeric matrix material. In an embodiment of the invention, said intraocular drug delivery device is a intraocular drug delivery device removable from the eye. For example, said intraocular drug delivery device can be injected into the eye and be removed after 1, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 or 36 months in the eye.

[0074] In an embodiment of the invention, the intraocular drug delivery device comprises withdrawal assisting means, preferably fixedly attached to the intraocular drug delivery device. In a further and preferred embodiment, said withdrawal assisting means is adapted to assist the withdrawal of said intraocular drug delivery device. It is advantageous when using intraocular drug delivery devices comprising withdrawal assisting means that the withdrawal assisting means are located somewhere in the eye where it can easily be found by the surgeon. To that end it may be advantageous to insert the intraocular drug delivery device into a predetermined orientation into the eye. This is advantageous, so a surgeon can remove the intraocular drug delivery device, without burden, even after for example 1, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 or 36 months in the eye.

[0075] In a second aspect of the invention, the invention provides an injector for injecting an intraocular drug delivery device into an eye, preferably into the sulcus of the eye.

[0076] The injector of the invention comprises an injector housing, a plunger longitudinally displaceable in the injector housing, a retainer provided with an annular intraocular drug delivery device according to the first aspect.

[0077] In a first embodiment the invention comprises a preloaded injector for injecting an intraocular drug delivery device into an eye. The term "preloaded" as used herein means that the injector housing is packaged together with an intraocular drug delivery device wherein the intraocular drug delivery device is held by a retainer in a storage position on the injector housing. In an alternate, preferred, embodiment of the invention, the injector is "semi-preloaded" meaning that the intraocular drug delivery device and retainer are coupled and packaged together but not yet coupled to the injector housing. In this alternate embodiment, the doctor or nurse attaches the retainer and intraocular drug delivery device to the injector housing at the time of surgery.

[0078] The injector comprises an injector tip at the distal end of the injector housing. Said injector tip is suitable for insertion into the eye through an incision. In a further embodiment, said injector housing comprises an injector tip along the longitudinal axis for guiding the compressed intraocular drug delivery device into the eye through the incision. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said injector tip is an oval injector tip. The inventors have unexpectedly found that an oval injector tip prevents the intraocular drug delivery device from twisting during injection, on the contrary to circular injector tips. An oval injector tip is characterized by an oval outer and inner circumference.

[0079] The injector housing comprises a longitudinal lumen extending from the distal end to proximal end thereof, the plunger being longitudinally displaceable in this lumen. The lumen may assume any desired cross-sectional shape although circular or oval shapes are preferred, and oval shapes are the most preferred. Preferably, said longitudinal lumen has an inner width A and an inner height B, the ratio A / B being between 1.5 and 5, preferably between 1.5 and 4, more preferably between 1.5 and 3, even more preferably between 1.5 and 2.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the plunger comprises at its distal end a cushion made of a deformable material, such as an elastomer. The elastomer can be a silicone elastomer, a polyurethane elastomer, natural rubber (latex), synthetic rubber (SBR, Nitrile, Neoprene) but preferably the cushion is made of a silicone elastomer. The inventors found that the silicone rubber has the ideal shore hardness and compression modulus for pushing the intraocular drug delivery device and deforming in the injector. The deformable material reduces the risk of pinching, and thus damaging, the intraocular drug delivery device. Preferably, said plunger has a width and a height, the ratio of said width to said height being between 1.5 and 5, preferably between 1.5 and 4, more preferably between 1.5 and 3, even more preferably between 1.5 and 2.

[0081] The expression "oval" refers to a two-dimensional geometric shape characterized by its curved outline. It encompasses a variety of shapes that share this basic characteristic, including those that closely resemble a true ellipse as well as shapes that exhibit some degree of asymmetry or distortion while still maintaining a general elongated elliptical form, and stadium-shapes.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said injector tip has an inner circumference and an outer circumference, and wherein the outer circumference at a distal end of the injector tip is at most 5.5 mm, preferably at most 5 mm. This allows a smaller incision size in the eye and prevents the intraocular drug delivery device from twisting during injection.

[0083] The injector tip, as an extension of the longitudinal lumen of the injector housing, comprises an inner height B and an inner width A determining an inner circumference. The inner width A is large enough to allow place for two times the filament diameter of the annular intraocular drug delivery device.

[0084] The ratio A / B is advantageously between 1.5 and 5, preferably between 1.5 and 4, more preferably between 1.5 and 3, even more preferably between 1.5 and 2. In a more preferred embodiment, the ratio A / B is between 1.6 and 5, preferably between 1.6 and 4, more preferably between 1.6 and 3.5, more preferably between 1.6 and 3, even more preferably between 1.6 and 2.5. The inventors have found that between these ratios twisting of the intraocular drug delivery device during implantation is avoided. A ratio lower than A / B = 1.5 or higher than A / B = 3 would increase the risk of implant twisting. Further, the absolute values of A and B are advantageously minimized as these also determine the retainer outer perimeter which has a direct correlation with the corneal incision size.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, said longitudinal lumen and said injector tip have an inner height B of at least 0.30 mm, preferably at least 0.50 mm, more preferably at least 0.55 mm, even more preferably at least 0.70 mm. A smaller inner height would lead to difficulties during injection molding in the manufacturing process.

[0086] In another or a further preferred embodiment, said longitudinal lumen and said injector tip have an inner height B of at most 1 mm, preferably at most 0.95 mm, more preferably at most 0.90 mm, even more preferably at most 0.85 mm. The inventors have unexpectedly found that this inner height avoids twisting of the intraocular drug delivery device. A larger inner height will allow twisting of the intraocular drug delivery device during injection.

[0087] In another or a further preferred embodiment, said longitudinal lumen has an inner height B of between 0.30 mm and 1 mm, preferably 0.50 and 0.95 mm, more preferably between 0.55 and 0.90 mm, even more preferably between 0.70 and 0.85 mm. The inventors have unexpectedly found that this inner height allows enough room for the passing of the compressed intraocular drug delivery device, without giving it room to twist during injection. This inner height allows smooth injection of the intraocular drug delivery device. In a preferred embodiment, said longitudinal lumen and said injector tip have an inner width A of at least 0.70 mm, preferably at least 0.80 mm, more preferably at least 0.90 mm, even more preferably at least 1.0 mm, preferably at least 1.10 mm, even more preferably at least 1.20 mm, even more preferably at least 1.30 mm, still even more preferably at least 1.40 mm. A smaller inner width would lead to difficulties for guiding the compressed intraocular drug delivery device.

[0088] In another or a further preferred embodiment, said longitudinal lumen and said injector tip have an inner width A of at most 1.60 mm, preferably at most 1.55 mm, more preferably at most 1.50 mm. A maximum inner width is desirable to minimize the necessary incision size.

[0089] In another or a further preferred embodiment, said longitudinal lumen and said injector tip have an inner width A of between 1.0 mm and 1.60 mm, preferably 1.20 and 1.55 mm, more preferably between 1.40 and 1.50 mm. The inventors have unexpectedly found that this inner width allows enough room for the passing of the compressed intraocular drug delivery device, without giving it room to twist during injection. This inner width allows smooth injection of the intraocular drug delivery device through without increasing the necessary incision size.

[0090] In a working state, said plunger is advanced at the proximal end of the injector causing the cushion of the plunger to engage the proximal end of the compressed intraocular drug delivery device. As the plunger is advanced further, the intraocular drug delivery device is pushed through the distal end of the injector housing through the injector tip and expressed into the eye in the intended manner.

[0091] The design of the injector tip is especially advantageous for delivering an intraocular drug delivery device into the sulcus of the eye. Placement in the sulcus of the eye positively affects the effectiveness of the intraocular drug delivery device especially in the use for treatment of glaucoma. Its specialized shape and structure are essential for navigating the confined space of the eye (sulcus), ensuring accurate placement of the intraocular drug delivery device while minimizing potential trauma to the sensitive ocular tissues. Moreover, this injector tip facilitates controlled deployment of the device, crucial for its effective functioning, and enhances patient comfort and safety by reducing the risk of post-operative complications. This design makes the injector an advantageous for successful application of intraocular drug delivery devices in ocular treatments, and specifically glaucoma. In a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for loading an annular intraocular drug delivery device into an injector.

[0092] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the method comprises the steps of, preferably the sequential steps of: a. inserting a retainer provided with an annular intraocular drug delivery device according to the first aspect into an injector; b. providing a viscoelastic in said retainer, preferably the viscoelastic is provided via the through-hole in the retainer cap; c. removing said retainer cap from said retainer; and d. displacing said retainer slider perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the injector, thereby compressing said annular intraocular drug delivery device.

[0093] Preferably the retainer provided with an annular intraocular drug delivery device according to the first aspect is inserted into a loading bay of the injector;

[0094] In another embodiment the method comprises the steps of, preferably the sequential steps of: i. providing a viscoelastic in said retainer, preferably the viscoelastic is provided via the through-hole in the retainer cap; ii. removing said retainer cap from said retainer; iii. inserting a retainer provided with an annular intraocular drug delivery device according to the first aspect into an injector; and iv. displacing said retainer slider perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the injector, thereby compressing said annular intraocular drug delivery device.

[0095] Once the retainer is ready to be used, the package is opened in a sterile field of the surgical room and viscoelastic is applied about the intraocular drug delivery device and / or injector housing according to the desires of the surgeon and / or directions for use provided with the packaging. The retainer cap is then detached from the injector device. This may be done by manually pulling the retainer cap apart from the retainer body. In this regard, handles or other feature is provided on the retainer cap to facilitate manual decoupling of the retainer cap from the retainer body. Once fully released from the retainer, the intraocular drug delivery device is in the "loaded" position within the retainer body and is ready to be compressed and delivered through a small incision into an eye. The retainer and injector are preferably a retainer and an injector according to the first and second aspect respectively.

[0096] In this method the retainer slider is not displaceable towards the intraocular drug delivery device as long as the retainer cap is present on the retainer body.

[0097] In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a use of an injector according to the second aspect for treating ocular diseases, wherein said injector is for injecting an intraocular drug delivery device into an eye.

[0098] As used herein, the term "ocular disease" refers to any condition which affects or involves the eye or one of the parts or regions of the eye. Broadly speaking, the eye includes the eyeball and the tissues and fluids which constitute the eyeball, the periocular muscles (such as the oblique and rectus muscles) and the portion of the optic nerve which is within or adjacent to the eyeball.

[0099] An anterior ocular disease is any condition which affects or which involves an anterior (i.e. front of the eye) ocular region or site, such as a periocular muscle, an eye lid or an eye ball tissue or fluid which is located anterior to the posterior wall of the lens capsule or ciliary muscles. Thus, an anterior ocular disease primarily affects or involves the conjunctiva, the cornea, the anterior chamber, the iris, the lens or the lens capsule and blood vessels and nerve which vascularize or innervate an anterior ocular region or site. Examples of anterior ocular diseases which can be treated using the sustained release intraocular drug delivery device of the present application include astigmatism; blepharospasm; conjunctival diseases; conjunctivitis; corneal diseases; corneal ulcer; dry eye syndromes; eyelid diseases; lacrimal apparatus diseases; lacrimal duct obstruction; myopia; presbyopia; pupil disorders; refractive disorders and strabismus. Glaucoma and ocular hypertension may also be considered to be an anterior ocular disease because a clinical goal of glaucoma treatment can be to reduce ocular hypertension, caused by excess of aqueous fluid in the anterior chamber of the eye (i.e. reduce intraocular pressure).

[0100] A posterior ocular disease is any condition which primarily affects or involves a posterior ocular region or site such as choroid or sclera (in a position posterior to a plane through the posterior wall of the lens capsule), vitreous, vitreous chamber, retina, optic nerve (i.e. the optic disc), and blood vessels and nerves which vascularize or innervate a posterior ocular region or site. Examples of posterior ocular diseases which can be treated using the sustained release intraocular drug delivery device of the present application include acute macular neuroretinopathy; Behcet's disease; choroidal neovascularization; diabetic uveitis; histoplasmosis; infections, such as fungal or viral-caused infections; macular degeneration, such as acute macular degeneration, non-exudative age related macular degeneration and exudative age related macular degeneration; edema, such as macular edema, cystoid macular edema and diabetic macular edema; multifocal choroiditis; ocular trauma which affects a posterior ocular site or location; ocular tumors; retinal disorders, such as central retinal vein occlusion, diabetic retinopathy (including proliferative diabetic retinopathy), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), retinal arterial occlusive disease, retinal detachment, uveitic retinal disease; sympathetic opthalmia; Vogt Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome; uveal diffusion; a posterior ocular condition caused by or influenced by an ocular laser treatment; posterior ocular conditions caused by or influenced by a photodynamic therapy, photocoagulation, radiation retinopathy, epiretinal membrane disorders, branch retinal vein occlusion, anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, non-retinopathy diabetic retinal dysfunction, retinitis pigmentosa, and glaucoma. Glaucoma may be considered a posterior ocular condition because the therapeutic goal is to prevent the loss of or reduce the occurrence of loss of vision due to damage to or loss of retinal cells or optic nerve cells (i.e. neuroprotection).

[0101] As used herein, the terms "treat", "treating", or "treatment", refer to reduction, resolution or prevention of an ocular disease, ailment or condition, or to promote healing of injured or damaged ocular tissue. A treatment is usually effective to reduce at least one symptom of an ocular disease, ailment or condition.

[0102] The present invention will be now described in more details, referring to examples that are not limitative.

[0103] EXAMPLES AND DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0104] The following numbering refers to:

[0105] 1 : Retainer

[0106] 2: Intraocular drug delivery device

[0107] 3: Retainer cap

[0108] 4: Retainer body

[0109] 5: Slider

[0110] 6: Longitudinal axis

[0111] 7: First internal volume

[0112] 8: Relaxed state / uncompressed state 9: Compressed state

[0113] 10: Second internal volume

[0114] 11: Withdrawal assisting means

[0115] 12: Distal end of the retainer (body)

[0116] 13: Proximal end of the retainer (body)

[0117] 14: Viscoelastic port

[0118] 15: Steps

[0119] 16: Blocking means; (A,B) slider blocking means, (C) plunger blocking means

[0120] 17: Retainer cap handles

[0121] 18: Contact points

[0122] 19: Recess

[0123] 20: Injector

[0124] 21: Injector housing

[0125] 22: Plunger

[0126] 23: Injector tip

[0127] 24: Distal end of the injector

[0128] 25: Proximal end of the injector

[0129] 26: Base

[0130] 27: Hourglass-shaped indentation

[0131] With as a goal illustrating better the properties of the invention the following presents, as an example and limiting in no way other potential applications, a description of a number of preferred applications of the method for examining the state of the grout used in a mechanical connection based on the invention, wherein: Figure 1 presents a retainer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] Figure 2 presents a retainer body and retainer cap according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] Figures 3a and 3b present a retainer body and retainer slider according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] Figures 4-10 present in more detail a retainer cap according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] Figures 11-14 present an injector comprising a retainer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] FIG. 15-16 present embodiments of the injector tip of an injector according to the current disclosure.

[0137] Figures 1-10 In figure 1 a retainer 1 according to an embodiment of the invention in the form of an insertable into an injector is shown.

[0138] The retainer 1 is suitable for at least temporarily storing an annular intraocular drug delivery device 2 in a relaxed state. The retainer 1 comprises a retainer cap 3 and a retainer body 4. The retainer cap 3 ensures a predetermined orientation of the intraocular drug delivery device 2. The retainer cap 3 is for at least temporarily fixing said intraocular drug delivery device in a relaxed planar predetermined orientation. By using said retainer 1, faulty insertion of the intraocular drug delivery device 2 can be excluded.

[0139] The retainer body 4 comprises a retainer slider 5 movable perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 6. The slider 5 is configured to compress the intraocular drug delivery device 2.

[0140] In figure 2 a retainer 1 according to an embodiment of the invention in the form of an insertable into an injector is shown without a retainer slider 5 for clarity purposes.

[0141] In figures 3a and 3b a retainer body 4 is shown, wherein the retainer cap 3 is removed. After the removal of the retainer cap 3, the intraocular drug delivery device 2 lies in an uncompressed / relaxed state in a first internal volume 7 of the retainer body 4. Figure 3a shows the fully open position of the retainer slider, while figure 3b shows the fully closed position of the retainer slider.

[0142] The retainer body 4 comprises a first internal volume 7 wherein the intraocular drug delivery device 2 is stored in an relaxed state 8. The retainer body 4 further comprises a slider 5 which can compress the intraocular drug delivery device 2 to a compressed state 9. The slider 5 will thereby reduce the internal volume to a second internal volume 10.

[0143] In this embodiment, the intraocular drug delivery device 2 has an annular body. The intraocular drug delivery device 2 may also comprise withdrawal assisting means 11, which are configured to assist the withdrawal of said intraocular drug delivery device 2 from the eye. The withdrawal assisting means 11 is positioned in the distal orientation, so that when the intraocular drug delivery device 2 is compressed by the retainer slider 5, the withdrawal assisting means 11 is positioned at the distal end 12 of the retainer body 4. When the retainer slider 5 has compressed the annular intraocular drug delivery device 2, the first internal volume 8 of the retainer body is reduced to a second internal volume 10.

[0144] The retainer body 4 has a distal end 12 and a proximal end 13. When placed in an injector, from the proximal end 13, a plunger is pushed into and through the second internal volume 10 of the retainer body 4 to the distal end 12 of the retainer body 4.

[0145] In figures 4-10 a retainer cap 3 configured for restricting the movement of the intraocular drug delivery device 2 is shown. The intraocular drug delivery device 2 is also shown to show the relative relation between the two components, as it would be in the retainer.

[0146] The retainer cap 3 comprises one or more openings 14, through which a viscoelastic or lubricating fluid can be supplied to facilitate sliding of the intraocular drug delivery device 2 during injection. The openings are through-holes which function as a viscoelastic port. Preferred is one through-hole viscoelastic port, more preferred is a tapered opening so various sizes of needles can fit.

[0147] The retainer cap 3 preferably has a multi-step design 15 which allows for loading the intraocular drug delivery device 2 in an oval configuration onto the retainer cap 3 during manufacturing of the retainer 1. The retainer cap 3 may also comprise a recess 19 for withdrawal assisting means to allow the implant to fit in this oval configuration.

[0148] The retainer cap 3 further comprises blocking means 16 on which the retainer cap 3 rests when placed on the retainer body 4. The blocking means 16 of the retainer cap 3 also contain usability features to prevent use error. Two of the blocking means are slider blocking means 16A, 16B which prevent the retainer slider 5 from accidentally being pushed forward before removing the retainer cap 3 and potentially damaging the intraocular drug delivery device 2. These two slider blocking means 16A, 16B also allow the user to push on the slider 5 to connect the retainer 1 to the injector housing.

[0149] A third blocking means is a plunger blocking means 16C, and positioned at the entrance of the retainer body 4 internal volume and has the function of blocking the entrance so that the plunger (not shown) cannot be accidentally pushed into the retainer body 4 until the retainer cap 3 is removed.

[0150] The retainer cap 3 also comprises handles 17 for gripping and pulling the retainer cap upwards from the retainer body 4. The dimensions allow enough grip when pulling it upwards by the users with two fingers.

[0151] The retainer cap 3 is further provided with a base 26. The base 26 is positioned in the retainer body 4 and is configured to restrict the movement of the intraocular drug delivery device 2. The base 26 comprises an hourglass-shaped indentation 27. The hourglass shape at the bottom of the retainer cap was chosen to allow the distribution of the viscoelastic towards the sides of the implant filament. The inventors found that this shape provides optimal guidance of the viscoelastic around the intraocular drug delivery device. This viscoelastic will provide more adhesion between the retainer body and intraocular drug delivery device filament, so that the intraocular drug delivery device is not likely to stick to the retainer cap during its removal.

[0152] When the intraocular drug delivery device 2 is in its resting position, the retainer cap 3 has four contact points 18 on either side (total of eight contact points) of the intraocular drug delivery device 2 to keep it in place. The inventors found that instead of having a flat surface (large contact surface) in contact with the intraocular drug delivery device 2, these contact points to minimize the risk of the intraocular drug delivery device 2 sticking to the retainer cap 3 when the user detaches it from the retainer body 4. A recess 19 for the withdrawal assisting means is there to prevent the implant from rotation during storage.

[0153] Figures 11-17

[0154] The retainer 1 is shown in the form of an insertable into an injector 20. Alternatively, the retainer 1 can be part of an injector 20 or can be integrated or formed in the injector 20. In figures 11-14 an injector 20 with inserted retainer 1 is shown, wherein the retainer cap 4 is removed.

[0155] The retainer 1 of this embodiment is designed as a retainer insertable into an injector housing 21 of an injector 20. In the shell of the injector housing 21 is preferably a recess, e.g., slot, into which a retainer 1 is loadable / insertable. An injector 20 for injecting an intraocular drug delivery device 2 comprises an injector housing 21, a plunger 22 longitudinally 6 displaceable in the injector housing 21, and a retainer 1 for receiving an planar, preferably annular, intraocular drug delivery device 2. The plunger 22 is longitudinally displaceable in said injector housing 21, wherein the plunger 22 is to be guided in translation along the longitudinal axis 6 so as to move a distal end of the plunger through the retainer 1, thereby pushing the intraocular drug delivery device through the rest of the injector housing 21 and an injector tip 22 at a distal end 18 of the injector 20 into the eye. The injector 20 in this embodiment also comprises a handle 19 for easy handling by a surgeon.

[0156] The plunger 22 comprises at its distal end a cushion (not shown) made of a deformable material such as an elastomer. The elastomer can be a silicone elastomer, a polyurethane elastomer, natural rubber (latex), synthetic rubber (SBR, Nitrile, Neoprene) but preferably the cushion is made of a silicone elastomer. The inventors found that the silicone rubber has the ideal shore hardness and compression modulus for pushing the intraocular drug delivery device and deforming in the injector. The cushion (not shown) makes contact with the intraocular drug delivery device 2 when it is pushed through the retainer 1.

[0157] The plunger 22 is mounted in a starting position in the injector housing 21, preferably locked so that it is not in the way when inserting the retainer 1 in the case where the retainer 1 and the injector housing 21 are two separate components.

[0158] The retainer body 4 has a distal end 12 and a proximal end 13. In an injector 1, from the proximal end 20, the plunger 4 is pushed into and through the retainer body 6 to the distal end 12 of the retainer body 6 and further into an nozzle channel 8.

[0159] In one aspect, the invention provides a preloaded injector for injecting an intraocular drug delivery device into an eye. The term "preloaded" as used herein means that the injector is packaged together with an intraocular drug delivery device wherein the intraocular drug delivery device is held by a retainer in a storage position on the injector. In an alternate preferred embodiment of the invention, the injector is "semipreloaded" meaning that the intraocular drug delivery device and retainer are packaged together but not yet coupled to the injector. In this alternate embodiment, the doctor or nurse attaches the retainer and intraocular drug delivery device to the injector housing at the time of surgery. The connection between the injector housing and the retainer can be made similar to other IOD injectors. A plunger 22 having a distal plunger tip (cushion - not shown) and proximal thumb press 26 telescopes within the injector housing 21 for engaging and pushing the intraocular drug delivery device 2 through the retainer 1 and injector housing 21 and out of distal injector tip 23. It is understood that the overall configuration of the injector housing 21 may vary from that shown and described herein. It is furthermore understood that the components of the injector device may be made of any suitable material (e.g., polypropylene) and may be wholly or partly opaque, transparent or translucent to better visualize the intraocular drug delivery device within the injector.

[0160] Figures 18-19

[0161] The injector tip 23 according to an embodiment comprises an inner height B and an inner width A determining the inner circumference Cl. The inner width A is large enough to allow place for two times the diameter of the annular intraocular drug delivery device 2.

[0162] The ratio A / B is advantageously between 1.5 and 3. The inventors have found that between these ratios twisting of the intraocular drug delivery device during implantation is avoided. A ratio lower than A / B = 1.5 or higher than A / B = 3 would increase the risk of implant twisting. Further, the absolute values of A and B are advantageously minimized as these determine the retainer outer perimeter C2 which has a direct correlation with the corneal incision size.

[0163] Figure 19 show a injector tip 23 with a cross-section composed of two half circles and straight middle segment (stadium-shaped). This cross-section can also be an ellipse to further minimize the perimeter and reduce the incision size, as presented in figure 18. For example, an ellipse with the same inner height (for example, 0.8 mm) and width (for example, 1.5 mm) as presented will lead to an outer perimeter of 4.71 mm which is a reduction of 4.7% with respect to the first design (4.9 mm). The longitudinal lumen and the second internal volume preferably have the same cross-sections as depicted in these figures.

[0164] Prior art injectors have circular insertion tips. The change in dimension and shape to an oval or ellipse channel as shown in figurel8 and 19 prevents twisting of the annular intraocular drug delivery device 2. The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described in the examples and / or shown in the figures. On the contrary, methods according to the present invention may be realized in many different ways without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A retainer (1) provided with an annular intraocular drug delivery device (2) for use in the treatment of glaucoma, said annular intraocular drug delivery device (2) for use in the treatment of glaucoma having an inner circumference and an outer circumference, said retainer (1) comprising: a retainer body (4) at least partially closed off by a retainer cap (3), said retainer cap (3) being configured to support said annular intraocular drug delivery device (2) for use in the treatment of glaucoma, and a retainer slider (5), being displaceable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (6) of the retainer body (4), characterized in, that said retainer cap (3) at least supports said inner circumference of said annular intraocular drug delivery device (2) for use in the treatment of glaucoma.

2. Retainer (1) according to claim 1, wherein said retainer slider (5) is not displaceable towards said annular intraocular drug delivery device (2) for use in the treatment of glaucoma when said retainer cap (3) is connected with said retainer body (4).

3. Retainer (1) according to any of the preceding claims, said retainer cap (3) comprising a base, said base comprising an hourglass-shaped indentation (27).

4. Retainer (1) according to any of the preceding claims, said retainer cap (3) comprising a through-hole viscoelastic port (14).

5. Retainer (1) according to claim 4, wherein said through-hole viscoelastic port (14) is a tapered through-hole viscoelastic port.

6. Retainer (1) according to claim 3, said retainer cap (3) comprising a through- hole viscoelastic port (14) terminating at the center of said hourglass-shaped indentation (27).

7. Retainer (1) according to any of the preceding claims, said retainer cap(3) comprising at most 10 contact points (18) with the inner circumference of said annular intraocular drug delivery device (2) for use in the treatment of glaucoma.

8. Retainer (1) according to any of the preceding claims, said retainer cap (3) comprising slider blocking means (16A, 16B).

9. Retainer (1) according to any of the preceding claims, said retainer cap (3) comprising plunger blocking means (16C).

10. Retainer (1) according to any of the preceding claims, said retainer body (4) comprising a first internal volume (7) for storing the intraocular drug delivery device (2) for use in the treatment of glaucoma, and wherein said first internal volume (7) has a width of between 10 mm and 14 mm.

11. Retainer (1) according to any of the preceding claims, said retainer body (4) comprising a first internal volume (7) for storing the intraocular drug delivery device (2) for use in the treatment of glaucoma, and wherein said first internal volume (7) has a length of between 15 mm and 24 mm.

12. Retainer (1) according to any of the preceding claims, said retainer body (4) comprising a first internal volume (7) for storing the intraocular drug delivery device (2) for use in the treatment of glaucoma, and wherein said first internal volume (7) has a height of between 0.3 mm and 2 mm.

13. Retainer (1) according to any of the preceding claims, said retainer body (4) comprising a first internal volume (7) for storing the intraocular drug delivery device (2) for use in the treatment of glaucoma, wherein the retainer slider (5) is suitable for reducing the first internal volume (7) to a second internal volume (9), wherein the second internal volume (9) is smaller than the first internal volume (7), said second internal volume (9) having an inner width A and an inner height B, the ratio A / B being between 1.5 and 3.

14. A method for loading an annular intraocular drug delivery device (2) for use in the treatment of glaucoma into an injector comprising the sequential steps: a. inserting a retainer (1) provided with an annular intraocular drug delivery device (2) for use in the treatment of glaucoma according to any of claims 1-13 into an injector; b. providing a viscoelastic in said retainer(l); c. removing said retainer cap (3) from said retainer(l); and d. displacing said retainer slider (5) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (6) of the injector, thereby compressing said annular intraocular drug delivery device (2) for use in the treatment of glaucoma.

15. Use of a retainer (1) according to claim 1-13 in the treatment of glaucoma.

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