Hypercompressed Ophthalmic Microparticles for Sustained Drug Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ophthalmic drug delivery systems face challenges with poor absorption and frequent dosing due to rapid turnover of aqueous humor and tear film, necessitating the development of a long-acting controlled release device that maintains structural integrity and stability for extended therapeutic delivery.

Innovation Solution

A controlled release ophthalmic dispensing device comprising hypercompressed microparticles or nanoparticles of a therapeutically compatible polymer and ophthalmic therapeutic agents, designed for placement in various eye spaces to provide sustained release over an extended period without patient discomfort or active involvement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If conventional ophthalmic drug delivery systems are used, then the medication can be administered to the eye, but the absorption is poor and frequent dosing is required due to rapid turnover of aqueous humor and tear film

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of therapeutic deliveryVSAvoiddosing frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into multiple functional layers including a drug-containing core surrounded by copolymer membranes, with each layer serving a specific function in controlling drug release and maintaining structural integrity during rapid aqueous humor turnover

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses composite materials consisting of a drug-containing core made from one or more pharmaceutically active agents combined with a matrix of biocompatible polymers, creating a multilayered structure that provides both mechanical stability and controlled drug diffusion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of stationary object

If a sustained delivery system with extended release period is designed, then the need for frequent dosing is reduced, but maintaining structural integrity and stability for extended periods becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease periodVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device utilizes parameter changes in the copolymer membranes, where the membrane thickness and polymer composition are specifically adjusted to control the rate of drug diffusion while maintaining structural stability over the 7-day release period

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The device is pre-designed and sterilized with the complete multilayered structure before insertion, including the drug-containing core surrounded by copolymer membranes, so that it is ready for immediate sustained release without requiring assembly or activation in the eye

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the device is designed for long-term retention in the eye, then patient compliance is improved, but the device must remain stable during handling and placement while disintegrating to release the drug effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient complianceVSAvoiddevice disintegration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device exhibits dynamic behavior, remaining structurally intact during handling and placement but designed to disintegrate and release the drug over the 7-day period, transitioning from a stable insertion form to an active drug delivery state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 device ensures stable and prolonged release of ophthalmic therapeutic agents, maintaining structural integrity during handling and placement, and disintegrating to release the drug effectively, offering a non-toxic, biodegradable solution for chronic ocular conditions without the need for frequent replacements.

Implementation Method 1

The rate of drug diffusion is controlled by the polymer composition, the membrane thickness, and the solubility of the drug

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

a matrix that is made by hypercompressing units of microparticles or nanoparticles that comprise a therapeutically compatible polymer and an ophthalmic therapeutic agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP2160184B1Hypercompressed particles for controlled release of ophthalmic medications
Publication Date: 2018.03.07 SUSTAINED NANO SYSTEMS LLC
  • EP2160184B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2160184B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2160184B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An ophthalmic dispensing device having a polymer which is combined with an ophthalmic therapeutic agent in the form of a microparticle which is hypercompressed to form a controlled release dispensing device for ophthalmic use.