Suprachoroidal Electrode Device for Ocular Gene Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ocular gene therapy methods for treating diseases like age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa face challenges due to the inefficiency of viral vectors in reaching target cells and the risks associated with subretinal injections, which can lead to macular detachment and vision loss.
Innovation Solution
An electrode device is designed to be inserted into the suprachoroidal space, deploying wires to create a large area electrode that generates an electrical field for electroporation, allowing for efficient transfection of RPE and photoreceptor cells without the need for subretinal injection, using a minimally invasive technique.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If subretinal injection is used to deliver viral vectors for gene therapy, then transfection efficiency of RPE cells is improved, but the risk of macular detachment and vision loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the suprachoroidal space as an intermediary delivery route between the vitreous and RPE cells. Instead of directly injecting into the subretinal space (which causes macular detachment), the therapeutic agents are delivered through the suprachoroidal space, allowing electrical field-mediated transfection of RPE cells without compromising macular integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical injection system (needle-based subretinal injection) with an electrical field-based system. Electroporation electrodes are inserted through the sclera to generate electrical fields that facilitate transfection of RPE cells, eliminating the need for direct mechanical penetration of the retina and macula.
2Ease of operation
If vitreous injection is used to deliver viral vectors, then the procedure is simpler, but the vectors fail to reach RPE cells effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The suprachoroidal space serves as an intermediary pathway that connects the vitreous (easy access point) to the RPE cells (target). This allows therapeutic agents to be delivered from the vitreous through the suprachoroidal space to reach RPE cells effectively, combining procedural simplicity with transfection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive viral vector diffusion from the vitreous with an active electrical field system. Electroporation electrodes generate electrical fields that actively facilitate the transfection of RPE cells, significantly improving transfection efficiency compared to passive vitreous injection alone.
3Productivity
If subretinal injection is used to target RPE cells, then transfection is achieved, but the macula must be detached which compromises central vision recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The suprachoroidal space acts as an intermediary that allows RPE cell transfection without requiring macular detachment. The electrical field electrodes are positioned to generate fields that penetrate through the choroid to reach RPE cells, maintaining macular anatomy and enabling central vision recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical macular detachment with electrical field-mediated transfection. By using electroporation electrodes inserted through the sclera, the macula remains intact while RPE cells are still effectively transfected through electrical field penetration, ensuring both treatment efficacy and vision recovery potential.
4Productivity
If viral vectors are used for gene therapy, then transfection is efficient, but long-term persistence raises safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces viral vector-based transfection with non-viral electroporation technology. Electrical fields generated by inserted electrodes facilitate direct plasmid DNA entry into RPE cells without requiring viral particles, eliminating the safety concerns associated with viral persistence while maintaining transfection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses transient, non-integrating plasmid DNA as the therapeutic agent instead of persistent viral vectors. The plasmids provide temporary expression of therapeutic proteins without integrating into the host genome, eliminating long-term safety concerns while achieving sufficient transfection efficiency for treatment.
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
This approach enables efficient and safe transfection of therapeutic nucleic acids into ocular tissues, potentially improving treatment outcomes for ocular diseases by minimizing the risk of macular detachment and enhancing gene therapy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode device having an insertion part adapted to be inserted into the suprachoroidal space of an eye so as to reach a service position, and an handling part for manipulation of the electrode device
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode device having an insertion part (12) adapted to be inserted into the suprachoroidal space of an eye so as to reach a service position, and an handling part (14) for manipulation of the electrode device, said electrode device comprising: —a support (25) having a distal part (31); —a set of wires (20) supported by said support and mobile between a retracted position in which said wires substantially extend along the support, and a deployed position in which respective parts of said wires, called “outside parts”, project from said distal part (31) of the support; —an electrically conductive element forming at least a portion of a said outside part or supported by a said outside part; —an electrical conductor (60) enabling, in said deployed position, an electrical connection between said electrically conductive element and an electrical generator; and —an actuator (16, 60) adapted for an operator to move the set of wires from said retracted position to said deployed position in said service position.