Controlled-Release Ocular Implants for Targeted Drug Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for administering therapeutic agents to the eye face challenges in achieving sufficient quantities and duration for effective treatment of ocular diseases, often resulting in impractical high concentrations, limited diffusion, and unwanted side effects due to systemic or topical administration.

Innovation Solution

A drug delivery ocular implant with a permeable membrane and controlled drug release mechanisms, including adjustable aperture sizes and thicknesses, allows targeted and prolonged drug delivery to intraocular targets, optionally combined with fluid drainage pathways.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If therapeutic agents are administered systemically or topically to the eye, then the drug can reach the ocular target site, but the concentration required is undesirably high and side effects increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrug concentration at ocular target siteVSAvoidside effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The implant divides the drug delivery system into segmented components: an outer shell with controlled permeability, an interior lumen containing drug reservoir, and a retention protrusion for anchoring. This segmentation allows the drug to be delivered locally at the ocular target site without requiring high systemic concentrations, thereby reducing side effects while maintaining therapeutic efficacy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The semi-permeable membrane acts as an intermediary between the drug reservoir and the ocular environment. It controls the diffusion of therapeutic agents from the interior lumen to the ocular target site, enabling localized drug delivery at therapeutic concentrations without the need for high systemic dosing, thus reducing side effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If topical administration is used, then the drug can be applied directly to the eye, but diffusion across the cornea is limited and drug is depleted by tear flow and circulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of drug administrationVSAvoidduration of drug presence in eye

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The implant performs preliminary action by pre-loading the therapeutic agent into the interior lumen before implantation. The drug is contained within the semi-permeable membrane structure, which is then surgically positioned at the ocular target site. This preliminary preparation ensures sustained drug release over an extended period without being depleted by tear flow, thereby extending the duration of action while maintaining ease of administration through a single implantation procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The implant enables continuous drug delivery through the semi-permeable membrane, which allows controlled diffusion of the therapeutic agent from the interior lumen to the ocular target site. This continuous release mechanism maintains therapeutic drug levels at the target site for an extended period, overcoming the limitation of rapid drug depletion associated with topical administration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the implant provides prolonged drug release, then treatment duration is extended, but the device complexity increases with additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of drug releaseVSAvoidnumber of implant components

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The implant applies local quality by creating a specific region of controlled drug release through the semi-permeable membrane at the ocular target site. The membrane's selective permeability properties are localized to the drug-containing interior lumen, allowing prolonged drug release exactly where needed without requiring complex multi-component systems. The retention protrusion provides localized anchoring functionality, further simplifying the overall device structure while achieving extended treatment duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The implant provides sustained and controlled drug release to ocular targets, reducing side effects and improving treatment efficacy for conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration, while minimizing systemic exposure.

Implementation Method 1

the outer shell comprises a semi-permeable membrane that is permeable to the therapeutic agent, thereby allowing the therapeutic agent to diffuse from the interior lumen to an ocular target site

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

a retention protrusion configured to anchor the implant to ocular tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical attachment: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS12427057B2Controlled drug delivery ocular implants and methods of using same

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 GLAUKOS CORP

AI summary

Disclosed herein are drug delivery devices and methods for the treatment of ocular disorders requiring targeted and controlled administration of a drug to an interior portion of the eye for reduction or prevention of symptoms of the disorder. The devices are capable of controlled release of one or more drugs and may also include structures which allow for treatment of increased intraocular pressure by permitting aqueous humor to flow out of the anterior chamber of the eye through the device.