Bioerodible Ocular Insert for Zero-Order Vorolanib Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drug delivery methods, such as oral administration and intravenous injection, result in fluctuating drug concentrations, requiring frequent dosing and potentially high systemic levels, while implantable drug delivery inserts face challenges in achieving a constant dosing rate and often contain non-biodegradable materials that accumulate in the body.

Innovation Solution

A bioerodible ocular drug delivery insert comprising vorolanib or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, formulated with a bioerodible polymer, provides sustained release of the drug through a solid matrix core and optional coating, designed for intraocular administration to achieve a zero-order release rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional dosing methods (oral administration or intravenous injection) are used, then the drug can be administered easily, but the drug concentration fluctuates considerably requiring frequent dosing and potentially high systemic levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of administrationVSAvoiddrug concentration stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The drug is pre-loaded into an implantable insert that is inserted into the eye before treatment begins. The insert contains a reservoir of vorolanib that is released gradually over time, eliminating the need for frequent dosing decisions and actions by the patient or administrator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The implantable insert acts as an intermediary device between the drug source and the target tissue. It provides a controlled interface that regulates drug release kinetics, maintaining stable intraocular concentrations without requiring repeated systemic administration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If implantable drug delivery inserts are used to maintain constant dosing rate, then frequent dosing is reduced and systemic concentrations are avoided, but achieving zero-order release for acceptable duration is challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstant dosing rateVSAvoidduration of zero-order release
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The insert design incorporates specific parameters including a controlled reservoir size, polymer matrix composition, and release membrane properties that are optimized to achieve zero-order kinetics. The vorolanib is embedded in a bioerodible polymer matrix that controls the release rate through diffusion and erosion mechanisms, maintaining constant concentration over an extended period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The insert is constructed as a composite device with multiple components: a vorolanib-containing polymer matrix, a semi-permeable release membrane, and a biocompatible outer shell. This composite structure enables sustained zero-order release by combining diffusion-controlled and erosion-controlled release mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If implantable drug delivery inserts contain non-biodegradable materials, then the device structure is stable, but the non-biodegradable portions accumulate in the patient's body limiting repeated treatments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structural stabilityVSAvoidaccumulation of non-biodegradable material
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The insert is designed as a temporary, bioerodible device that completes its function and then degrades completely in the body. The bioerodible polymer matrix and coating gradually erode over time, releasing the drug and eventually disappearing, eliminating accumulation issues and allowing repeated treatments if necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is intentionally designed to be discarded by the body's natural erosion processes. The bioerodible materials break down into harmless byproducts that are metabolized or eliminated, with no permanent foreign material remaining in the patient's eye.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the insert size is made small for minimal discomfort, then patient comfort is improved, but the insert volume is insufficient to contain enough drug for sustained delivery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient discomfortVSAvoiddrug load capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The insert utilizes thin-film technology with a delicate, film-like structure that minimizes the physical burden in the eye. The thin release membrane and outer shell provide sufficient drug containment and controlled release functionality while maintaining a small overall device size that causes minimal discomfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The high drug loading density is achieved through the composite polymer matrix that efficiently packs vorolanib molecules. The optimized polymer-drug ratio and matrix structure maximize the amount of active ingredient per unit volume, enabling sustained release from a compact device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 insert delivers effective intraocular concentrations of vorolanib with low systemic exposure, reducing toxicity risks and providing sustained therapeutic levels for conditions like age-related macular degeneration without long-term accumulation.

Implementation Method 1

The insert delivers effective intraocular concentrations of vorolanib with low systemic exposure, providing sustained therapeutic levels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

A bioerodible ocular drug delivery insert comprising vorolanib or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, formulated with a bioerodible polymer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectErosion: Erosion

Implementation Method 3

the insert is capable of complete erosion within 365 days

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP4210682B1Bioerodible ocular drug delivery insert and therapeutic method
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 EYEPOINT INC
  • EP4210682B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4210682B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4210682B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention relates to implantable bioerodible inserts for delivering an active pharmaceutical ingredient to the eye. The invention also relates to methods of treatment using such inserts as well as methods of manufacturing such inserts.