Hydrogel Eyedrop Composition for Longer Precorneal Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial tear and contact lens rewetting/lubricating drops provide insufficient precorneal retention time, requiring frequent application and causing irritation due to rapid clearance by tear flow and eye blinking, with ointments and gels having undesirable cosmetic effects.
Innovation Solution
Development of eyedrop compositions containing hydrogel forming polymers with specific intrinsic viscosity and concentration, exhibiting longer precorneal residence time, controlled drug release, better biocompatibility, and low viscosity for easy spreading, while maintaining stability and solubility in water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If artificial tear compositions are used to treat dry eye disease, then symptomatic relief is provided, but frequent application (more than 6 times per day) is required due to rapid precorneal clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the tear composition by incorporating polymers with specific intrinsic viscosity ranges (at least 3 dL/g) and controlling polymer concentration (at most 5 mg/ml). These parameter adjustments increase precorneal residence time while maintaining ease of application, resolving the contradiction between duration of action and application frequency.
2Duration of action of moving object
If ointments and gels are used to extend precorneal retention time, then longer retention is achieved, but irritating sensation and undesirable cosmetic outlook limit their use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the polymer concentration parameter (at most 5 mg/ml) to achieve sufficient precorneal retention without the irritating effects of higher concentration formulations. This parameter optimization allows the composition to provide extended retention time while maintaining comfort and cosmetic acceptability, avoiding the harmful effects associated with ointments and gels.
3Duration of action of moving object
If hydrogel forming polymers with high intrinsic viscosity are used, then longer precorneal residence time and controlled drug release are achieved, but higher viscosity may increase squeezing force requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the polymer concentration parameter (at most 5 mg/ml) to balance viscosity-related benefits with application ease. By controlling the concentration of high intrinsic viscosity polymers, the formulation achieves extended precorneal residence time and controlled drug release while maintaining acceptable squeezing force requirements for patient application.
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 eyedrop compositions achieve prolonged drug action, improved comfort, and reduced application frequency, with enhanced biocompatibility and cosmetic acceptability, suitable for treating dry eye diseases and contact lens discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
an eyedrop composition, comprising one or more hydrogel forming polymer having an intrinsic viscosity [η] of at least 3 dL/g
Implementation Method 2
better controlled release of drug from the eyedrop composition with longer drug action time
Data Source
AI summary
An eyedrop composition, and methods of making and using the same, may include one or more hydrogel forming polymer having an intrinsic viscosity [η] of at least 3 dL/g in the composition, wherein a concentration CT of such hydrogel forming polymer in the composition is at most about 5 mg/mL.