Self-implantable double-layered micro-drug-reservoirs for efficient and controlled ocular drug delivery

• Main Authors: Chang, Hao, Duong, Phan Khanh, Than, Aung, Liu, Chenghao, Cheung, Gemmy Chui Ming, Xu, Chenjie, Wang, Xiaomeng, Chen, Peng
• Other Authors: School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Chemical engineering; Microneedles; DC101
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/89124; http://hdl.handle.net/10220/47673
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Eye diseases and injuries impose a significant clinical problem worldwide. Safe and effective ocular drug delivery is, however, challenging due to the presence of ocular barriers. Here we report a strategy using an eye patch equipped with an array of detachable microneedles. These microneedles can penetrate the ocular surface tissue, and serve as implanted micro-reservoirs for controlled drug delivery. The biphasic drug release kinetics enabled by the double-layered micro-reservoirs largely enhances therapeutic efficacy. Using corneal neovascularization as the disease model, we show that delivery of an anti-angiogenic monoclonal antibody (DC101) by such eye patch produces ~90% reduction of neovascular area. Furthermore, quick release of an anti-inflammatory compound (diclofenac) followed by a sustained release of DC101 provides synergistic therapeutic outcome. The eye patch application is easy and minimally invasive to ensure good patient compliance. Such intraocular drug delivery strategy promises effective home-based treatment of many eye diseases.