Intracameral Sustained Release Implants for Glaucoma
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional topical eye drops for glaucoma treatment result in fluctuating intraocular pressure (IOP) due to peak and trough therapeutic agent levels, leading to inadequate nocturnal control and non-compliance issues, which can contribute to progressive visual field loss and IOP fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
Intracameral biodegradable sustained release implants are placed in the anterior chamber of the eye, releasing therapeutic agents like latanoprost, bimatoprost, or travoprost at a steady rate to maintain low IOP fluctuations throughout the day and night, bypassing scleral drug clearance mechanisms and avoiding the need for regular compliance with topical drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If topical eye drops are used for glaucoma treatment, then the therapeutic agent can be administered easily, but the intraocular pressure fluctuates due to peak and trough levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sustained-release implants that continuously release therapeutic agents into the anterior chamber, eliminating the intermittent peak-trough pattern of topical drops. This continuous release mechanism maintains steady drug concentrations in the aqueous humor, thereby stabilizing intraocular pressure throughout the treatment period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces biodegradable polymer implants as an intermediary delivery system between the therapeutic agent and the aqueous humor. These implants bypass scleral drug clearance mechanisms and directly release drugs into the anterior chamber, providing more stable drug levels compared to topical administration.
2Speed
If topical eye drops are used for glaucoma treatment, then the treatment can be initiated quickly, but patient compliance deteriorates due to frequent dosing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements sustained-release implants that are pre-loaded with therapeutic agents and designed to release drugs over extended periods (weeks to months). This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for frequent patient dosing actions, thereby significantly improving compliance while maintaining rapid treatment initiation through a single implantation procedure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If sustained release implants are used for glaucoma treatment, then intraocular pressure stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes biodegradable polymer materials that change their physical and chemical parameters over time, including molecular weight, crystallinity, and erosion rate. These parameter changes control the sustained release profile of the therapeutic agent, providing stable intraocular pressure control while maintaining relatively simple implant structures.
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 implants provide continuous, steady-state drug concentrations in the aqueous humor, significantly reducing IOP fluctuations both day and night, thereby alleviating the complications of topical administration and improving glaucoma management.
Implementation Method 1
The implants release about 100 ng per day of the at least one bioactive agent for a period greater than about 1 month
Implementation Method 2
providing at least two biodegradable sustained release implants containing at least one therapeutic agent
Implementation Method 3
Once implanted, the at least two biodegradable sustained release implants can settle out in the inferior angle within 24 hours of implanting within the anterior chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are intracameral implants including at least one therapeutic agent for treatment of at least one ocular condition. The implants described herein are not anchored to the ocular tissue, but rather are held in place by currents and gravity present in the anterior chamber of an eye. The implants are preferably polymeric, biodegradable and provide sustained release of at least one therapeutic agent to both the trabecular meshwork and associated ocular tissue and the fluids within the anterior chamber of an eye.