Punctal Plugs for Sustained Ocular Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for delivering active agents to the eye, such as eye drops, are inefficient due to overflow and dilution, and systemic administration routes pose risks and side effects, while injections are invasive.
Innovation Solution
Punctal plugs with a reservoir containing a polymeric material that releases active agents into the nasolacrimal duct or tear fluid, providing sustained delivery and minimizing systemic side effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If eye drops are used to deliver active agents, then the active agents can be administered topically to the eye surface, but a substantial portion is lost due to overflow and dilution
Solution Approach 1:
The punctal plug divides the lacrimal drainage system into separate compartments, placing different active agents in different sections of the plug body. This segmentation allows targeted delivery to specific locations (eye versus nose/throat) and prevents mixing of agents, thereby reducing waste and improving delivery efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The punctal plug acts as an intermediary device placed in the lacrimal punctum to intercept tear fluid and active agents before they drain into the nasolacrimal duct. This intermediary structure allows controlled release of active agents back onto the eye surface or into specific drainage pathways, preventing overflow loss and dilution
2Quantity of substance
If active agents are administered orally or by injection, then therapeutic concentration can be achieved, but systemic side effects occur or infection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The punctal plug delivers active agents locally to specific target sites (eye, nose, or throat) through controlled release from different sections of the plug. This localized delivery achieves therapeutic concentrations at the target site while minimizing systemic exposure and associated side effects
Solution Approach 2:
The punctal plug utilizes the natural tear flow and lacrimal drainage system to deliver active agents to target sites. The device passively releases active agents through diffusion or dissolution into the tear fluid or nasolacrimal duct, eliminating the need for invasive administration while achieving targeted therapeutic effect
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 punctal plugs offer a more efficient and targeted delivery of active agents to the eye and nasal system, reducing waste and systemic exposure, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a reservoir contained within the body wherein the reservoir comprises at least one opening and contains a material that comprises at least one active agent
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides punctal plugs for the delivery of active agent to one or both of the tear fluid of the eye and to the nasolacrimal duct. The plugs of the invention have a body, a reservoir contained within the body, and optionally a collarette. The reservoir has at least one opening and contains a polymeric material and at least one active agent.