Punctal Plug Implant for Sustained Ocular Drug Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for ocular pathologies face challenges in delivering therapeutic agents to the eye in sufficient quantities and duration, leading to inefficiencies and side effects from systemic or topical administration, and there is a need for a controlled and targeted ocular drug delivery system.

Innovation Solution

Implantable drug delivery devices, such as punctal plugs, designed for insertion into the punctum, provide controlled and targeted release of drugs to specific ocular tissues, minimizing trauma and reducing the need for frequent topical applications by using a drug eluting implant that can be positioned near the target site within the eye.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If systemic or topical administration methods are used to deliver therapeutic agents to the eye, then the treatment can be easily applied, but the drug cannot reach sufficient therapeutic levels at the target site without causing side effects or requiring frequent administration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic agent concentration at target siteVSAvoidfrequency of administration

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The punctal plug is pre-loaded with therapeutic agent reservoirs and insertion tools before use. The device is prepared in advance with the drug already contained in controlled-release reservoirs, allowing for sustained delivery over time without requiring frequent re-administration by the patient

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The punctal plug acts as an intermediary device that bridges the administration route and the ocular target site. It delivers the therapeutic agent through the punctum directly to the tear film and ocular surfaces, mediating between the drug reservoir and the eye to achieve sustained therapeutic levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If high concentrations of drug are administered systemically to reach therapeutic levels at the ocular target site, then sufficient drug quantity can be delivered, but side effects increase and treatment becomes impractical and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic agent concentration at target siteVSAvoidside effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The therapeutic agent is delivered locally to the ocular target site through the punctal plug, concentrating the drug where it is needed. The controlled-release reservoirs provide localized drug delivery to the tear film and ocular surfaces, avoiding the need for high systemic concentrations that would cause side effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The punctal plug serves as an intermediary delivery system that bypasses systemic circulation and delivers the therapeutic agent directly to the ocular target site through the punctum, eliminating the need for high systemic drug concentrations and associated side effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If topical administration is used to deliver drug to the eye, then the application is simple, but the drug is diluted by tear action and depleted by ocular fluid flow before reaching the target site

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of applicationVSAvoidtherapeutic agent concentration at target site

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The punctal plug provides continuous controlled-release of the therapeutic agent through the punctum into the tear film. The sustained release mechanism maintains continuous drug delivery over time, counteracting the dilution and depletion effects of tear flow and ocular fluid movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The punctal plug acts as an intermediary reservoir that delivers the therapeutic agent directly into the tear film through the punctum, positioning the drug release site at the interface where it can effectively counteract dilution by tear action and maintain therapeutic concentrations at the ocular target site

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 implantable devices offer sustained, controlled drug delivery to ocular tissues, reducing patient discomfort and side effects, while maintaining therapeutic levels without the peaks and valleys associated with traditional administration methods.

Implementation Method 1

provide controlled and targeted release of drugs to specific ocular tissues

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

drug eluting implant that can be positioned near the target site within the eye

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution:

Data Source

PatentEP4041129B1Punctal implants

Publication Date: 2025.12.03 GLAUKOS CORP

Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~2F

AI summary

An implantable drug delivery device includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an elongate portion disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The proximal portion is angled, relative to the elongate portion. The distal portion is angled, relative to the elongate portion. The drug delivery device is configured for insertion into a punctum of an eye, such that at least the distal portion and the elongate portion fully reside in the punctum of the eye when the drug delivery device is inserted.