Suprachoroidal Delivery Device with Gas-Driven Sequential Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering drugs to the posterior portion of the eye, such as sub-conjunctival, Sub-Tenon's, and intravitreal injections, face challenges including rapid drug transport due to lymphatic flow, limited drug penetration, and increased intraocular pressure, making it difficult to achieve therapeutic concentrations in the posterior retina.
Innovation Solution
A delivery device with a hollow needle and dual reservoirs for gas and active agent, featuring a mechanism for sequential delivery of gas and active agent, a distal seal that opens with needle penetration, and a force element for precise administration to the suprachoroidal or supraciliary spaces, allowing controlled release and reduced intraocular pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If sub-conjunctival injections are used to deliver drug to posterior eye, then drug can be placed under conjunctiva, but rapid lymphatic transport washes drug away quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a biocompatible matrix as an intermediary carrier that absorbs the drug and provides controlled release. This matrix mediates between the injection site and the drug delivery target, preventing rapid lymphatic washout by maintaining the drug at the injection site through controlled release mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and release parameters of the drug by incorporating it into a biocompatible matrix. This transforms the drug from a freely circulating substance subject to lymphatic flow into a controlled-release formulation that maintains therapeutic levels at the target site.
2Quantity of substance
If Sub-Tenon's injections are used to place drug under conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule, then drug can reach posterior region, but many drugs do not achieve significant drug levels in retinal tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-formulating the drug in a biocompatible matrix designed for controlled release before administration. This preliminary preparation ensures that the drug is released at the optimal rate and location to achieve therapeutic concentrations in the retinal tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the release kinetics and pharmacokinetic parameters of the drug through matrix incorporation, transforming it from a rapidly clearing formulation to one that maintains therapeutic concentrations in retinal tissues for extended periods.
3Quantity of substance
If intravitreal injections are used to place drug directly into vitreous chamber, then smaller drug quantity is needed, but vitreous flow washes out drug and causes complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drug from the rapidly flowing vitreous environment by delivering it through a biocompatible matrix that retains the drug at the injection site. This separates the drug delivery function from the harmful vitreous flow environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The biocompatible matrix serves as an intermediary between the intravitreal injection site and the drug, preventing direct interaction between the drug and the flowing vitreous humor that causes washout and complications.
4Quantity of substance
If large volume injection is used for steroid delivery, then adequate drug quantity can be administered, but increased intraocular pressure causes pain and vision loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the delivery parameters by using a biocompatible matrix for controlled release, allowing the same total drug quantity to be administered over an extended period. This reduces the acute volume load and associated intraocular pressure increase while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlled release mechanism creates periodic or sustained low-level drug delivery instead of a single large-volume injection, distributing the volume burden over time and reducing peak intraocular pressure increases.
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
Enables effective delivery of drugs to the posterior eye with controlled release and reduced intraocular pressure, improving therapeutic concentrations and minimizing complications.
Implementation Method 1
a first reservoir for a volume of gas to be delivered through the needle; a gas flow path from the first reservoir to the needle lumen; a first plunger with a force element configured to pressurise the volume of gas in the first reservoir
Implementation Method 2
the distal seal is penetrable by a distal tip of the needle by the application of pressure on a tissue surface with the distal end of the device; the distal seal being penetrated is configured to open a path for flow or delivery of the gas from the first reservoir through the gas flow path to the distal end of the needle
Implementation Method 3
a second plunger or a push rod configured to provide a delivery force from the force element to the active agent containing composition
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a delivery device for administration of active agent containing compositions into the suprachoroidal space or supraciliary space. The invention provides methods of treatment of an ocular disease or condition accordingly. The invention also provides active agent containing compositions for delivery into the suprachoroidal space or supraciliary space.