U.S. patent application number 13/279179 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-09 for transscleral delivery.
This patent application is currently assigned to Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Eugene R. COOPER, Philippe JM Dor, David M. Kleinman, Sreenivasu Mudumba, Thierry Nivaggioli.
Application Number | 20120034279 13/279179 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34375405 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120034279 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
COOPER; Eugene R. ; et
al. |
February 9, 2012 |
TRANSSCLERAL DELIVERY
Abstract
Diseases associated with the tissues in the posterior segment of
the eye can be effectively treated by administering therapeutic
agents transsclerally to those tissues. Compositions, devices, and
methods for delivering therapeutic agents so that they cross the
sclera and reach these tissues include injecting solutions or
suspensions adjacent to or within the sclera and implanting solid
structures containing the therapeutic agent adjacent to or within
the sclera. These methods may be used for administering rapamycin
or related compounds to treat choroidal neovascularization
associated with age-related macular degeneration.
Inventors: |
COOPER; Eugene R.; (Berwyn,
PA) ; Kleinman; David M.; (Rochester, NY) ;
Nivaggioli; Thierry; (Atherton, CA) ; Dor; Philippe
JM; (Cupertino, CA) ; Mudumba; Sreenivasu;
(Union City, CA) |
Assignee: |
Santen Pharmaceutical Co.,
Ltd.
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
34375405 |
Appl. No.: |
13/279179 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12533998 |
Jul 31, 2009 |
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13279179 |
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10945682 |
Sep 20, 2004 |
7585517 |
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12533998 |
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60503840 |
Sep 18, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/400 ;
514/291 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 9/0048 20130101;
A61P 9/10 20180101; A61P 7/10 20180101; A61K 9/0019 20130101; A61K
31/436 20130101; A61P 27/02 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/400 ;
514/291 |
International
Class: |
A61K 9/14 20060101
A61K009/14; A61P 27/02 20060101 A61P027/02; A61K 31/439 20060101
A61K031/439 |
Claims
1. A method for treating uveitis in a human, the method comprising
administering transsclerally to an eye of the human an amount of
rapamycin effective to treat uveitis, wherein the rapamycin is
contained in a composition that is administered transsclerally by
injection within or proximate to a sclera of the eye.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is a liquid
formulation.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the liquid formulation comprises
a suspension of particles of rapamycin.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the particles of rapamycin have
an average diameter of less than about 50 .mu.m.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein the liquid formulation comprises
rapamycin dissolved in a solvent.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein the liquid formulation delivers
the rapamycin transsclerally in an amount sufficient to maintain an
amount effective to treat uveitis for an extended period of
time.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the liquid formulation delivers
the rapamycin transsclerally in an amount sufficient to treat
uveitis for at least about three weeks.
8. The method of claim 2, claim 3, or claim 5, wherein the
rapamycin is administered transsclerally to the eye by
subconjunctival or subtenon injection of the liquid
formulation.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the rapamycin is administered
transsclerally to the eye by subconjunctival injection of the
liquid formulation.
10. A method for treating uveitis in a human, comprising
administering a composition to an eye of the human by
subconjunctival or subtenon injection of the composition, wherein
the composition comprises an amount of rapamycin effective to treat
uveitis.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the composition is a liquid
formulation.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the liquid formulation
comprises a suspension of particles of rapamycin.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the liquid formulation
comprises rapamycin dissolved in a solvent.
14. The method of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the liquid
formulation is administered to the eye by subconjunctival
injection.
15. The method of claim 5 or claim 13, wherein the solvent
comprises polyethylene glycol.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the solvent further comprises
ethanol.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the liquid formulation is
administered to the eye by subconjunctival injection.
18. The method of claim 1 or claim 10, wherein the uveitis is
selected from the group consisting of anterior uveitis,
intermediate uveitis, posterior uveitis, and diffuse uveitis.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the uveitis is posterior
uveitis.
Description
FIELD
[0001] Described herein are methods, compositions, and devices for
the treatment of ocular diseases by the transscleral delivery of
therapeutic agents, particularly the treatment of wet AMD by
transscleral delivery of rapamycin.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The retina of the eye contains the cones and rods that
detect light. In the center of the retina is the macula lutea,
which is about 1/3 to 1/2 cm in diameter. The macula provides
detailed vision, particularly in the center (the fovea), because
the cones are higher in density. Blood vessels, ganglion cells,
inner nuclear layer and cells, and the plexiform layers are all
displaced to one side (rather than resting above the cones),
thereby allowing light a more direct path to the cones.
[0003] Under the retina are the choroid, comprising a collection of
blood vessels embedded within a fibrous tissue, and the deeply
pigmented epithelium, which overlays the choroid layer. The
choroidal blood vessels provide nutrition to the retina
(particularly its visual cells).
[0004] There are a variety of retinal disorders for which there is
currently no treatment or for which the current treatment is not
optimal. Retinal disorders such as uveitis (an inflammation of the
uveal tract: iris, ciliary body, and choroid), macular
degeneration, macular edema, proliferative diabetic retinopathy,
and retinal detachment generally are all retinal disorders that are
difficult to treat with conventional therapies.
[0005] Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the major cause of
severe visual loss in the United States for individuals over the
age of 60. AMD occurs in either an atrophic or less commonly an
exudative form. The atrophic form of AMD is also called "dry AMD,"
and the exudative form of AMD is also called "wet AMD."
[0006] In exudative AMD, blood vessels grow from the
choriocapillaris through defects in Bruch's membrane, and in some
cases the underlying retinal pigment epithelium. Organization of
serous or hemorrhagic exudates escaping from these vessels results
in fibrovascular scarring of the macular region with attendant
degeneration of the neuroretina, detachment and tears of the
retinal pigment epithelium, vitreous hemorrhage and permanent loss
of central vision. This process is responsible for more than 80% of
cases of significant visual loss in subjects with AMD. Currently
there is no optimal treatment for wet AMD. Current or forthcoming
treatments include laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy,
treatment with pegylated aptamers, and treatment with certain small
molecule agents.
[0007] Several studies have recently described the use of laser
photocoagulation in the treatment of initial or recurrent
neovascular lesions associated with AMD (Macular Photocoagulation
Study Groups (1991) in Arch. Ophthal. 109:1220; Arch. Ophthal.
109:1232; Arch. Ophthal. 109:1242). Unfortunately, AMD subjects
with subfoveal lesions subjected to laser treatment experienced a
rather precipitous reduction in visual acuity (mean 3 lines) at 3
months follow-up. Moreover, at two years post-treatment treated
eyes had only marginally better visual acuity than their untreated
counterparts (means of 20/320 and 20/400, respectively). Another
drawback of the procedure is that vision after surgery is
immediately worse.
[0008] Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a form of phototherapy, a term
encompassing all treatments that use light to produce a beneficial
reaction in a subject. Optimally, PDT destroys unwanted tissue
while sparing normal tissue. Typically, a compound called a
photosensitizer is administered to the subject. Usually, the
photosensitizer alone has little or no effect on the subject. When
light, often from a laser, is directed onto a tissue containing the
photosensitizer, the photosensitizer is activated and begins
destroying targeted tissue. Because the light provided to the
subject is confined to a particularly targeted area, PDT can be
used to selectively target abnormal tissue, thus sparing
surrounding healthy tissue. PDT is currently used to treat retinal
diseases such as AMD. PDT is currently the mainstay of treatment
for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in subjects with AMD
(Photodynamic Therapy for Subfoveal Choroidal Neovascularization in
Age Related Macular Degeneration with Verteporfin (TAP Study Group)
Arch Ophthalmol. 1999 117:1329-1345.
[0009] Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) has proven recalcitrant
to treatment in most cases. Conventional laser treatment can ablate
CNV and help to preserve vision in selected cases not involving the
center of the retina, but this is limited to only about 10% of the
cases. Unfortunately, even with successful conventional laser
photocoagulation, the neovascularization recurs in about 50-70% of
eyes (50% over 3 years and >60% at 5 years). (Macular
Photocoagulation Study Group, Arch. Ophthalmol. 204:694-701
(1986)). In addition, many subjects who develop CNV are not good
candidates for laser therapy because the CNV is too large for laser
treatment, or the location cannot be determined so that the
physician cannot accurately aim the laser. Photodynamic therapy,
although utilized in up to 50% of new cases of subfoveal CNV has
only marginal benefits over natural history, and generally delays
progression of visual loss rather than improving vision which is
already decreased secondary to the subfoveal lesion. PDT is neither
preventive or definitive. Several PDT treatments are usually
required per subject and additionally, certain subtypes of CNV fare
less well than others.
[0010] Although there is currently some off label use of
intravitreal triamcinolone acetate, there are no other widely
accepted therapies for subfoveal CNV. (Combined photodynamic
Therapy with Verteporfin and Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide
for Choroidal Neovascularization. Ophthalmol 2003:
110:1517-1525).
[0011] Thus, there remains a long-felt need for methods,
compositions, and devices that may be used to optimally prevent or
significantly inhibit choroidal neovascularization and to prevent
and treat wet AMD.
[0012] In addition to AMD, choroidal neovascularization is
associated with such retinal disorders as presumed ocular
histoplasmosis syndrome, myopic degeneration, angioid streaks,
idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy, inflammatory
conditions of the retina and or choroid, and ocular trauma.
Angiogenic damage associated with neovascularization occurs in a
wide range of disorders including diabetic retinopathy, venous
occlusions, sickle cell retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity,
retinal detachment, ocular ischemia and trauma.
[0013] Uveitis is another retinal disorder that has proven
difficult to treat using existing therapies. Uveitis is a general
term that indicates an inflammation of any component of the uveal
tract. The uveal tract of the eye consists of the iris, ciliary
body, and choroid. Inflammation of the overlying retina, called
retinitis, or of the optic nerve, called optic neuritis, may occur
with or without accompanying uveitis.
[0014] Uveitis is most commonly classified anatomically as
anterior, intermediate, posterior, or diffuse. Posterior uveitis
signifies any of a number of forms of retinitis, choroiditis, or
optic neuritis. Diffuse uveitis implies inflammation involving all
parts of the eye, including anterior, intermediate, and posterior
structures.
[0015] The symptoms and signs of uveitis may be subtle, and vary
considerably depending on the site and severity of the
inflammation. Regarding posterior uveitis, the most common symptoms
include the presence of floaters and decreased vision. Cells in the
vitreous humor, white or yellow-white lesions in the retina and/or
underlying choroid, exudative retinal detachments, retinal
vasculitis, and optic nerve edema may also be present in a subject
suffering from posterior uveitis.
[0016] Ocular complications of uveitis may produce profound and
irreversible loss of vision, especially when unrecognized or
treated improperly. The most frequent complications of posterior
uveitis include retinal detachment; neovascularization of the
retina, optic nerve, or iris; and cystoid macular edema.
[0017] Macular edema (ME) can occur if the swelling, leaking, and
hard exudates noted in background diabetic retinopathy (BDR) occur
within the macula, the central 5% of the retina most critical to
vision. Background diabetic retinopathy (BDR) typically consists of
retinal microaneurisms that result from changes in the retinal
microcirculation. These microaneurisms are usually the earliest
visible change in retinopathy seen on exam with an ophthalmoscope
as scattered red spots in the retina where tiny, weakened blood
vessels have ballooned out. The ocular findings in background
diabetic retinopathy progress to cotton wool spots, intraretinal
hemorrhages, leakage of fluid from the retinal capillaries, and
retinal exudates. The increased vascular permeability is also
related to elevated levels of local growth factors such as vascular
endothelial growth factor. The macula is rich in cones, the nerve
endings that detect color and upon which daytime vision depends.
When increased retinal capillary permeability effects the macula,
blurring occurs in the middle or just to the side of the central
visual field, rather like looking through cellophane. Visual loss
may progress over a period of months, and can be very annoying
because of the inability to focus clearly. ME is a common cause of
severe visual impairment.
[0018] As described above, treatment for CNV and other
retinoproliferative conditions is primarily with laser
photocoagulation. There have been many attempts, however, to treat
these and other conditions such as macular edema and chronic
inflammation with pharmaceuticals. For example, use of rapamycin to
inhibit CNV and wet AMD has been described in U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/665,203, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety. There are no approved medicines for CNV or proliferative
retinopathy, but there is a great need for such a therapy, and the
use of rapamycin to treat inflammatory diseases of the eye has been
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,589, titled Method of Treating
Ocular Inflammation, with inventor Prassad Kulkarni, assigned to
University of Louisville Research Foundation, the contents of which
is incorporated herein in its entirety.
[0019] There are currently no approved devices to deliver
therapeutic agents to the posterior segment of the eye from a
location external to the eye. Likewise, except for steroid
formulations, no therapeutic agents are delivered to the posterior
segment from external injection sites with long acting delivery
profiles. Particularly for chronic diseases, including those
described herein, there is a great need for long acting methods for
delivering active compounds to the posterior segment to treat CNV
in such diseases as AMD, macular edema, proliferative
retinopathies, and chronic inflammation.
[0020] Direct delivery of therapeutic agents to the eye as opposed
to systemic administration is advantageous because the therapeutic
agent concentration at the site of action is increased relative to
the therapeutic agent concentration in a subject's circulatory
system. Additionally, therapeutic agents are likely to have
undesirable side effects when delivered systemically to treat
posterior segment disease. Thus, localized drug delivery promotes
efficacy while decreasing side effects and systemic toxicity.
[0021] Direct delivery can be achieved by placing the therapeutic
agent directly into the interior of the eye, usually be injection,
or can be achieved by delivering the therapeutic agent from a
position external to the eye. One example of such external
placement is delivery of a therapeutic agent by transscleral
delivery. In transscleral delivery, a composition or device
containing the therapeutic agent is placed outside of the sclera
and the therapeutic agent diffuses across the sclera towards the
interior of the eye. Direct placement of the therapeutic agent into
the interior of the eye usually requires invasive placement
procedures. In contrast, placement of the therapeutic agent
external to the eye can be achieved much more easily. An additional
advantage of external placement of a composition or device
containing a therapeutic agent is that the device or composition is
not present in the interior of the eye for extended periods of
time. Interior placement, however, will result in a composition or
device being present in the interior of the eye, which may have
adverse effects on the proper functioning of the eye. For these
reasons, external delivery is often to be preferred over direct
delivery to the interior of the eye.
[0022] Although transscleral delivery of therapeutic agents to the
eye is advantageous, there are many difficulties in developing such
delivery mechanisms. The delivery system, whether it is a
composition or device, will need to be of small size to enable
placement of the composition or device in the ocular region close
to the sclera. The delivery system will have to be large enough,
however, to contain amounts of the therapeutic agent capable of
delivering therapeutically effective amounts of the agent. If
delivery of the therapeutic agent is needed for an extended period
of time, the composition or device must be able to contain enough
therapeutic agent to deliver therapeutic amounts for the extended
period and must be able to remain in position for the extended
period of time to allow extended delivery of the therapeutic agent.
The delivery system may also need to minimize delivery to other
tissues in the vicinity and concentrate delivery towards the
interior of the eye.
SUMMARY
[0023] The methods, compositions, and devices described herein
allow transscleral delivery of a therapeutic agent and address one
or more of the difficulties described above. As such, the methods,
compositions, and devices described herein can be used to deliver a
variety of therapeutic agents for extended periods of time and can
be used for the prevention and treatment of a number of diseases of
the eye.
[0024] Described herein are methods, compositions and devices for
the transscleral delivery of an amount of rapamycin effective to
treat wet AMD in a human subject.
[0025] As described in further detail in the Detailed Description
section, the methods, compositions and devices may also be used for
the transscleral delivery of therapeutically effective amounts of
rapamycin for the treatment, prevention, inhibition, delaying of
the onset of, or causing the regression of wet AMD. The methods,
compositions and devices may also be used for the transscleral
delivery of therapeutically effective amounts of rapamycin for the
treatment, prevention, inhibition, delaying of the onset of, or
causing the regression of CNV. The methods, compositions and
devices may also be used for the transscleral delivery of
therapeutically effective amounts of rapamycin for the treatment,
prevention, inhibition, delaying of the onset of, or causing the
regression of angiogenesis in the eye. Other diseases and
conditions that may be treated, prevented, inhibited, have onset
delayed, or caused to regress using rapamycin are described in the
Diseases and Conditions section of the Detailed Description.
[0026] As described in further detail in the Detailed Description,
the methods, compositions and devices may also be used for the
transscleral delivery of therapeutically effective amounts of
therapeutic agents other than rapamycin for the treatment,
prevention, inhibition, delaying of the onset of, or causing the
regression of wet AMD. Therapeutic agents that may be used are
described in detail in the Therapeutic Agents section. Such
therapeutic agents include but are not limited to immunophilin
binding compound. Immunophilin binding compound that may be used
include but are not limited too the limus family of compounds,
including rapamycin, SDZ-RAD, tacrolimus, everolimus, pimecrolimus,
CCI-779, AP23841, ABT-578, and analogs, salts and esters thereof.
The methods, compositions and devices may also be used for the
transscleral delivery of therapeutically effective amounts of
therapeutic agents for the treatment, prevention, inhibition,
delaying of the onset of, or causing the regression of CNV. The
methods, compositions and devices may also be used for the
transscleral delivery of therapeutically effective amounts of
therapeutic agents for the treatment, prevention, inhibition,
delaying of the onset of, or causing the regression of angiogenesis
in the eye. Other diseases and conditions that may be treated,
prevented, inhibited, have onset delayed, or caused to regress
using therapeutic agents other than rapamycin are described in the
Diseases and Conditions section of the Detailed Description.
[0027] Described in the Detailed Description are various
compositions, routes of administration, and delivery systems that
may be used for delivering a therapeutically effective amount of
rapamycin or other therapeutic agents for the treatment,
prevention, inhibition, delaying of the onset of, or causing the
regression of wet AMD, CNV, angiogenesis or other diseases or
conditions of the eye. Compositions that may be used include but
are not limited to a solid form of the therapeutic agent, a
suspension of the therapeutic agent, a solution of the therapeutic
agent, and incorporation of the therapeutic agent into a polymer
formulation. Such polymer formulation may be a biodegradable
polymer formulation or a non-biodegradable polymer formulation.
Routes of administration and delivery systems that may be used
include but are not limited to placement of the composition or
device by injection, delivery by a solid polymer implant, delivery
by a backed solid polymer implant, delivery by a solid bioadhesive
implant, delivery by a solid implant with anchoring surface,
delivery by solid implant with delayed release, delivery by coated
suture, delivery by coiled fiber, and delivery using a solid
therapeutic agent composition.
[0028] Described are various methods for the treatment, prevention,
inhibition, delaying of the onset of, or causing the regression of
wet AMD, CNV, angiogenesis or other diseases or conditions of the
eye. In one method, the eye has a sclera with an outer scleral
surface and the rapamycin or other therapeutic agent is
administered transsclerally by placement of a delivery system
proximate to the outer scleral surface.
[0029] In one such method, the delivery system contains a solid
core of rapamycin or other therapeutic agent. This delivery system
may also optionally contain a backing portion that is substantially
impermeable to the rapamycin or other therapeutic agent.
[0030] In another method, the delivery system contains a suspension
of particles of rapamycin or other therapeutic agent. These
particles may generally be of any size. Described is one delivery
system in which the particles of rapamycin or other therapeutic
agent have an average diameter of less than about 50 .mu.m. Other
particles that may be used are described in the Detailed
Description.
[0031] In another method, the delivery system contains a solution
of rapamycin or other therapeutic agent. Such solution may
generally contain any concentration of rapamycin or other
therapeutic agent as limited by the solubility of the rapamycin or
other therapeutic agent in the solvent. Various solvents and
concentrations that may be used are described in the Detailed
Description.
[0032] In another method, the delivery system comprises rapamycin
or other therapeutic agent dispersed in a polymer implant. The
implant may be a biodegradable polymer implant or may be a
non-biodegradable polymer implant. Such implants may optionally
include a backing that is substantially impermeable to rapamycin or
other therapeutic agent.
[0033] The implants may generally be of any shape and size allowing
for delivery of the required amounts of rapamycin or other
therapeutic agent and placement proximate to the outer scleral
surface. Various shapes and sized of implant that may be used are
described in the Detailed Description. As a nonlimiting example,
the implant may be shaped as a disk. As another nonlimiting
example, the polymer implant may be shaped as a suture, which may
generally be of any dimensions including but not limited to a
length of less than about 10 cm and a diameter of less than about 2
mm. As another nonlimiting example, the polymer implant may be
shaped as a coiled fiber, which may generally be of any dimensions
including but not limited to a length of less than about 5 cm and a
diameter of less than about 1 mm.
[0034] As a nonlimiting example of the size of the implants that
may be used, described herein is a polymer implant having a scleral
surface portion for placement on the outer scleral surface of the
eye and through which the rapamycin or other therapeutic agent is
delivered to the outer scleral surface, and this scleral surface
portion has a area of less than about 0.5 cm.sup.2. Other sizes
that may be used are described in the Detailed Description.
[0035] The polymer implant may also optionally include various
means for assisting in anchoring the implant in place. As one
nonlimiting example, such a polymer implant may include a
bioadhesive layer for placement on the outer scleral surface of the
eye. As another nonlimiting example, such a polymer implant may
have a surface containing a number of protrusions which assist in
anchoring the polymer implant to the outer scleral surface of the
eye. As another nonlimiting example, such a polymer implant may be
sutured to the sclera or other tissue.
[0036] The polymer implant may also optionally be a delayed release
implant. As one nonlimiting example, such a polymer implant
includes a rapamycin or other therapeutic agent containing portion
that is coated with a coating that contains a concentration of
rapamycin or other therapeutic agent that is less than the
concentration of rapamycin therapeutic agent in the rapamycin
therapeutic agent containing portion. In one nonlimiting example of
such a delayed release implant, the therapeutic agent is rapamycin
and the concentration of rapamycin in the coating is such that
release of rapamycin from the coating does not deliver a wound
healing inhibiting amount of rapamycin.
[0037] The implants and other delivery systems described herein may
deliver the rapamycin or other therapeutic agent for an extended
period of time. One nonlimiting example of such extended release
delivery system is a delivery system that delivers rapamycin
transsclerally in an amount sufficient to maintain an amount
effective to treat wet age-related macular degeneration for an
extended period of time. In one nonlimiting example, such a
delivery system delivers the rapamycin transsclerally in an amount
sufficient to treat wet age-related macular degeneration for at
least about three weeks. Such a delivery system may generally be
any delivery system described herein, and in one nonlimiting
example the delivery system is a solid polymer implant. Other
extended periods of release are described in the Detailed
Description.
[0038] When the therapeutic agent is rapamycin, the implants and
other delivery systems described herein may be used to maintain a
concentration of rapamycin at the outer scleral surface. In one
nonlimiting example, it is believed that a delivery system
maintaining a concentration of rapamycin of about 2 .mu.g/ml at the
outer scleral surface may be used for treatment of wet AMD. Other
concentrations that may be used are described in the Detailed
Description.
[0039] When the therapeutic agent is rapamycin, the implants and
other delivery systems described herein may be used to deliver a
dose of rapamycin to the posterior segment of the eye. In one
nonlimiting example, it is believed that a delivery system
delivering about 1 .mu.g of rapamycin per day may be used for the
treatment of wet AMD. Other delivery doses that may be used are
described in the Detailed Description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] FIG. 1 depicts the efficacy of periocular injections of
rapamycin for preventing choroidal neovascularization.
[0041] FIG. 2 depicts the reduction of choroidal neovascularization
upon periocular injection of rapamycin.
[0042] FIG. 3 depicts transscleral permeability of rapamycin as a
function of time.
[0043] FIG. 4 depicts transscleral accumulation of rapamycin as a
function of time.
[0044] FIG. 5 depicts one delivery system that may be used in the
methods described herein.
[0045] FIG. 6 depicts one delayed release delivery system that may
be used in the methods described herein.
[0046] FIG. 7 depicts one delivery system that may be used in the
methods described herein.
[0047] FIG. 8 depicts one delivery system that may be used in the
methods described herein.
[0048] FIG. 9 depicts one delivery system that may be used in the
methods described herein.
[0049] FIG. 10 depicts one delivery system that may be used in the
methods described herein.
[0050] FIG. 11 depicts one delivery system that may be used in the
methods described herein.
[0051] FIG. 12 depicts one delivery system that may be used in the
methods described herein.
[0052] FIG. 13 depicts one delivery system that may be used in the
methods described herein.
[0053] FIG. 14 depicts one delivery system that may be used in the
methods described herein.
[0054] FIG. 15 depicts one delivery system that may be used in the
methods described herein.
[0055] FIG. 16 depicts one delivery system that may be used in the
methods described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0056] Described in this section are compositions, devices, and
methods relating to the transscleral delivery of therapeutic agents
to the eye, particularly to the posterior segment the eye, and
particularly for delivery for an extended duration. These
compositions, devices, and methods may be used for the treatment,
prevention inhibition, delaying onset of, and causing regression of
diseases and unwanted conditions of the posterior segment,
including but not limited to choroidal neovascularization; macular
degeneration; age-related macular degeneration, including wet AMD;
retinal angiogenesis; chronic uveitis; and other
retinoproliferative conditions.
[0057] In this detailed description section are described (1) the
therapeutic agents that may be delivered transsclerally using the
compositions, devices, and methods described herein, (2) the
diseases and conditions that may be treated by transscleral
delivery of the therapeutic agents, (3) the compositions, devices,
and methods that may be used for transscleral delivery of the
therapeutic agents, and (4) specific description of the treatment
of CNV and wet AMD by transscleral delivery of rapamycin.
[0058] Therapeutic Agents
[0059] Most generally, any compounds and compositions currently
known or yet to be discovered that are useful in treating,
preventing, inhibiting, delaying the onset of, or causing the
regression of the diseases and conditions described herein may be
therapeutic agents for use in the compositions, devices, and
methods described herein.
[0060] Therapeutic agents that may be used include compounds that
act by binding members of the immunophilin family of cellular
proteins. Such compounds are known as "immunophilin binding
compounds." Immunophilin binding compounds include but are not
limited to the "limus" family of compounds. Examples of limus
compounds that may be used include but are not limited to
cyclophilins and FK506-binding proteins (FKBPs), including
sirolimus (rapamycin) and its water soluble analog SDZ-RAD,
tacrolimus, everolimus, pimecrolimus, CCI-779 (Wyeth), AP23841
(Ariad), and ABT-578 (Abbott Laboratories). Limus compound analogs
and derivatives that may be used include but are not limited to the
compounds described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,527,907; 6,376,517; and
6,329,386 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/950,307, all of
which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
[0061] The limus family of compounds may be used in the
compositions, devices and methods for the treatment, prevention,
inhibition, delaying the onset of, or causing the regression of
angiogenesis-mediated diseases and conditions of the eye, including
choroidal neovascularization. The limus family of compounds may be
used to prevent, treat, inhibit, delay the onset of, or cause
regression of AMD, including wet AMD. Rapamycin may be used to
prevent, treat, inhibit, delay the onset of, or cause regression of
angiogenesis-mediated diseases and conditions of the eye, including
choroidal neovascularization. Rapamycin may be used to prevent,
treat, inhibit, delay the onset of, or cause regression of AMD,
including wet AMD.
[0062] Other therapeutic agents that may be used include those
disclosed in the following patents and publications, the contents
of each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety: PCT
publication WO 2004/027027, published Apr. 1, 2004, titled Method
of inhibiting choroidal neovascularization, assigned to Trustees of
the University of Pennsylvania; U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,589, issued
Feb. 7, 1995, titled Method of Treating Ocular Inflammation, with
inventor Prassad Kulkarni, assigned to University of Louisville
Research Foundation; U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,517, issued Apr. 23, 2003,
titled Pipecolic acid derivatives for vision and memory disorders,
assigned to GPI NIL Holdings, Inc; PCT publication WO 2004/028477,
published Apr. 8, 2004, titled Method subretinal administration of
therapeutics including steroids: method for localizing
pharmadynamic action at the choroid and retinat; and related
mathods for treatment and or prevention of retinal diseases,
assigned to Innorx, Inc; U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,777, issued Jul. 9,
2002, titled Opthalmic drug delivery device, assigned to Alcon
Universal Ltd; and U.S. Pat. No. number 6,713,081, issued Mar. 30,
2004, titled Ocular therapeutic agent delivery device and methods
for making and using such devices, assigned to Department of Health
and Human Services.
[0063] Other therapeutic agents that may be used include
pyrrolidine, dithiocarbamate (NF.times.B inhibitor); squalamine;
TPN 470 analogue and fumagillin; PKC (protein kinase C) inhibitors;
Tie-1 and Tie-2 kinase inhibitors; inhibitors of VEGF receptor
kinase; proteosome inhibitors such as Velcade.TM. (bortezomib, for
injection; ranibuzumab (Lucentis.TM.) and other antibodies directed
to the same target; pegaptanib (Macugen.TM.); vitronectin receptor
antagonists, such as cyclic peptide antagonists of vitronectin
receptor-type integrins; .alpha.-v/.beta.-3 integrin antagonists;
.alpha.-v/.beta.-1 integrin antagonists; thiazolidinediones such as
rosiglitazone or troglitazone; interferon, including
.gamma.-interferon or interferon targeted to CNV by use of dextran
and metal coordination; pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF);
endostatin; angiostatin; tumistatin; canstatin; anecortave acetate;
acetonide; triamcinolone; tetrathiomolybdate; RNA silencing or RNA
interference (RNAi) of angiogenic factors, including ribozymes that
target VEGF expression; Accutane.TM. (13-cis retinoic acid); ACE
inhibitors, including but not limited to quinopril, captopril, and
perindozril; inhibitors of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin);
3-aminothalidomide; pentoxifylline; 2-methoxyestradiol;
colchicines; AMG-1470; cyclooxygenase inhibitors such as nepafenac,
rofecoxib, diclofenac, rofecoxib, NS398, celecoxib, vioxx, and
(E)-2-alkyl-2(4-methanesulfonylphenyl)-1-phenylethene; t-RNA
synthase modulator; metalloprotease 13 inhibitor;
acetylcholinesterase inhibitor; potassium channel blockers;
endorepellin; purine analog of 6-thioguanine; cyclic peroxide
ANO-2; (recombinant) arginine deiminase;
epigallocatechin-3-gallate; cerivastatin; analogues of suramin;
VEGF trap molecules; apoptosis inhibiting agents; Visudyne.TM.,
snET2 and other photo sensitizers, which may be used with
photodynamic therapy (PDT); inhibitors of hepatocyte growth factor
(antibodies to the growth factor or its receptors, small molecular
inhibitors of the c-met tyrosine kinase, truncated versions of HGF
e.g. NK4).
[0064] The therapeutic agents may also be used in combination with
other therapeutic agents and therapies, including but not limited
to agents and therapies useful for the treatment of angiogenesis or
neovascularization, particularly CNV. Non-limiting examples of such
additional agents and therapies include pyrrolidine,
dithiocarbamate (NFKB inhibitor); squalamine; TPN 470 analogue and
fumagillin; PKC (protein kinase C) inhibitors; Tie-1 and Tie-2
kinase inhibitors; inhibitors of VEGF receptor kinase; proteosome
inhibitors such as Velcade.TM. (bortezomib, for injection;
ranibuzumab (Lucentis.TM.) and other antibodies directed to the
same target; pegaptanib (Macugen.TM.); vitronectin receptor
antagonists, such as cyclic peptide antagonists of vitronectin
receptor-type integrins; .alpha.-v/.beta.-3 integrin antagonists;
.alpha.-v/.beta.-1 integrin antagonists; thiazolidinediones such as
rosiglitazone or troglitazone; interferon, including
.gamma.-interferon or interferon targeted to CNV by use of dextran
and metal coordination; pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF);
endostatin; angiostatin; tumistatin; canstatin; anecortave acetate;
acetonide; triamcinolone; tetrathiomolybdate; RNA silencing or RNA
interference (RNAi) of angiogenic factors, including ribozymes that
target VEGF expression; Accutane.TM. (13-cis retinoic acid); ACE
inhibitors, including but not limited to quinopril, captopril, and
perindozril; inhibitors of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin);
3-aminothalidomide; pentoxifylline; 2-methoxyestradiol;
colchicines; AMG-1470; cyclooxygenase inhibitors such as nepafenac,
rofecoxib, diclofenac, rofecoxib, NS398, celecoxib, vioxx, and
(E)-2-alkyl-2(4-methanesulfonylphenyl)-1-phenylethene; t-RNA
synthase modulator; metalloprotease 13 inhibitor;
acetylcholinesterase inhibitor; potassium channel blockers;
endorepellin; purine analog of 6-thioguanine; cyclic peroxide
ANO-2; (recombinant) arginine deiminase;
epigallocatechin-3-gallate; cerivastatin; analogues of suramin;
VEGF trap molecules; inhibitors of hepatocyte growth factor
(antibodies to the growth factor or its receptors, small molecular
inhibitors of the c-met tyrosine kinase, truncated versions of HGF
e.g. NK4); apoptosis inhibiting agents; Visudyne.TM., snET2 and
other photo sensitizers with photodynamic therapy (PDT); and laser
photocoagulation.
[0065] Diseases and Conditions that may be treated
[0066] In this section are described diseases and conditions that
may be treated or prevented using the therapeutic agents and the
compositions, devices, and methods described herein.
[0067] Generally, any diseases or condition of the eye susceptible
to treatment, prevention, inhibition, delaying the onset of, or
causing the regression of using the therapeutic agents and the
compositions, devices and methods described herein may be treated
or prevented, including but not limited to diseases or conditions
of the posterior segment of the eye. Such posterior segment
diseases or conditions include, but are not limited to, diseases or
conditions associated with neovascularization including retinal
and/or choroidal neovascularization.
[0068] Diseases or conditions associated with retinal and/or
choroidal neovascularization that can be treated, prevented
inhibited, have onset delayed, or be caused to regress using the
compositions, devices, and methods described herein include, but
are not limited to, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration,
retinopathy of prematurity (retrolental fibroplasia), infections
causing a retinitis or choroiditis, presumed ocular histoplasmosis,
myopic degeneration, angioid streaks, ocular trauma, and AMD. Other
non-limiting examples of diseases and unwanted conditions that may
be treated, prevented inhibited, have onset delayed, or be caused
to regress using the compositions, devices, and methods described
herein include, but are not limited to, pseudoxanthoma elasticum,
vein occlusion, artery occlusion, carotid obstructive disease,
Sickle Cell anemia, Eales disease, myopia, chronic retinal
detachment, hyperviscosity syndromes, toxoplasmosis, trauma,
polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, post-laser complications,
complications of idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy,
complications of choroidal inflammatory conditions, rubeosis,
diseases associated with rubeosis (neovascularization of the
angle), neovascular glaucoma, chronic uveitis, macular edema,
proliferative retinopathies and diseases or conditions caused by
the abnormal proliferation of fibrovascular or fibrous tissue,
including all forms of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (including
post-operative proliferative vitreoretinopathy), whether or not
associated with diabetes.
[0069] One disease that may be treated, prevented inhibited, have
onset delayed, or be caused to regress using the composition,
devices and methods described herein is the wet form of AMD. The
wet form of AMD is characterized by blood vessels growing from
their normal location in the choroid into an undesirable position
under the retina. Leakage and bleeding from these new blood vessels
results in vision loss and possibly blindness.
[0070] The compositions, devices, and methods described herein may
also be used to prevent or slow the transition from the dry form of
AMD (wherein the retinal pigment epithelium or RPE degenerates and
leads to photoreceptor cell death and the formation of yellow
deposits called drusen under the retina) to the wet form of
AMD.
[0071] "Macular degeneration" is characterized by the excessive
buildup of fibrous deposits in the macula and retina and the
atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium. As used herein, an eye
"afflicted" with macular degeneration is understood to mean that
the eye exhibits at least one detectable physical characteristic
associated with the disease of macular degeneration. The
administration of rapamycin appears to limit excessive
angiogenesis, such as choroidal neovascularization in age-related
macular degeneration (AMD), which may occur without such treatment.
As used herein, the term "angiogenesis" means the generation of new
blood vessels ("neovascularization") into a tissue or organ. An
"angiogenesis-mediated disease or condition" of the eye or retina
is one in which new blood vessels are generated in a pathogenic
manner in the eye or retina, resulting in loss of vision or other
problem, e.g., choroidal neovascularization associated with
AMD.
[0072] As used herein, to "inhibit" a disease or condition by
administration of a therapeutic agent means that the progress of at
least one detectable physical characteristic or symptom of the
disease or condition is slowed or stopped following administration
of the therapeutic agent as compared to the progress of the disease
or condition without administration of the therapeutic agent.
[0073] As used herein, to "prevent" a disease or condition by
administration of a therapeutic agent means that the detectable
physical characteristics or symptom of the disease or condition do
not develop following administration of the therapeutic agent.
[0074] As used herein, to "delay onset of" a disease or condition
by administration of a therapeutic agent means that at least one
detectable physical characteristic or symptom of the disease or
condition develops later in time following administration of the
therapeutic agent as compared to the progress of the disease or
condition without administration of the therapeutic agent.
[0075] As used herein, to "treat" a disease or condition by
administration of a therapeutic agent means that the progress of at
least one detectable physical characteristic or symptom of the
disease or condition is slowed, stopped, or reversed following
administration of the therapeutic agent as compared to the progress
of the disease or condition without administration of the
therapeutic agent.
[0076] As used herein, to "cause regresssion of" a disease or
condition by administration of a therapeutic agent means that the
progress of at least one detectable physical characteristic or
symptom of the disease or condition is reversed to some extent
following administration of the therapeutic agent.
[0077] A subject having a predisposition for or in need of
prevention may be identified by the skilled practitioner by
established methods and criteria in the field. The skilled
practitioner may also readily diagnose individuals as in need of
inhibition or treatment based upon established criteria in the
field for identifying unwanted angiogenesis and/or
neovascularization.
[0078] As used herein, a "subject" is generally any animal that may
benefit from administration of the therapeutic agents described
herein. The therapeutic agents may be administered to a mammal
subject. The therapeutic agents may be administered to a human
subject. The therapeutic agents may be administered to a veterinary
animal subject. The therapeutic agents may be administered to a
model experimental animal subject.
[0079] Other diseases and conditions that may be treated,
prevented, inhibited, have the onset delayed, or be caused to
regress using the methods described herein include those disclosed
in the following patents and publications, the contents of each of
which is incorporated herein in its entirety: PCT publication WO
2004/027027, published Apr. 1, 2004, titled Method of inhibiting
choroidal neovascularization, assigned to Trustees of the
University of Pennsylvania; U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,589, issued Feb. 7,
1995, titled Method of Treating Ocular Inflammation, with inventor
Prassad Kulkarni, assigned to University of Louisville Research
Foundation; U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,517, issued Apr. 23, 2003, titled
Pipecolic acid derivatives for vision and memory disorders,
assigned to GPI NIL Holdings, Inc; PCT publication WO 2004/028477,
published Apr. 8, 2004, titled Method subretinal administration of
therapeutics including steroids: method for localizing
pharmadynamic action at the choroid and retinat; and related
mathods for treatment and or prevention of retinal diseases,
assigned to Innorx, Inc; U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,777, issued Jul. 9,
2002, titled Opthalmic drug delivery device, assigned to Alcon
Universal Ltd; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,713,081, issued Mar. 30, 2004,
titled Ocular therapeutic agent delivery device and methods for
making and using such devices, assigned to Department of Health and
Human Services.
[0080] Compositions, devices, and methods for transscleral delivery
of therapeutic agents
[0081] In this section are described compositions, devices, and
methods for the transscleral delivery of the therapeutic agents
described in the Therapeutic Agents section. Delivery of
therapeutic agents using the compositions, devices and methods
described in this section may be used to treat, prevent, inhibit,
delay the onset of, or cause the regression of the diseases and
conditions described in the Diseases and Conditions section. The
compositions and devices described herein are examples of
"therapeutic agent delivery systems," that may be used for the
transscleral delivery the therapeutic agents described in the
Therapeutic Agents section. Other compositions and devices in
addition to those explicitly described herein may be used as
"therapeutic agent delivery systems." When the therapeutic agent
delivered is rapamycin, the delivery systems are referred to as
"rapamycin delivery systems."
[0082] In this section are first described how the compositions,
devices, and methods may be used to deliver amounts of the
therapeutic agents effective for treating, preventing, inhibiting,
delaying on set of, or causing the regression of the diseases and
conditions described in the Diseases and Conditions section,
including a description of how the compositions, devices and
methods may be used for extended release and delayed release of the
therapeutic agents. Then described are compositions and delivery
systems that may be used for transscleral delivery of
therapeutically effective amounts of the therapeutic agents, and
methods for placement of the compositions and devices.
[0083] An "effective amount," which is also referred to herein as a
"therapeutically effective amount," of a therapeutic agent for
administration as described herein is that amount of the
therapeutic agent that provides the therapeutic effect sought when
administered to the subject. The achieving of different therapeutic
effects may require different effective amounts of therapeutic
agent. For example, the therapeutically effective amount of a
therapeutic agent used for preventing a disease or condition may be
different from the therapeutically effective amount used for
treating, inhibiting, delaying the onset of, or causing the
regression of the disease or condition. In addition, the
therapeutically effective amount may depend on the age, weight, and
other health conditions of the subject as is well know to those
versed in the disease or condition being addressed. Thus, the
therapeutically effective amount may not be the same in every
subject to which the therapeutic agent is administered.
[0084] An effective amount of a therapeutic agent for treating,
preventing, inhibiting, delaying the onset of, or causing the
regression of a specific disease or condition is also referred to
herein as the amount of therapeutic agent effective to treat,
prevent, inhibit, delay the onset of, or cause the regression of
the disease or condition.
[0085] Transscleral Delivery of Therapeutically Effective Amounts
of Therapeutic Agents
[0086] The compositions, methods, and devices described in this
section deliver one or more therapeutic agents to the eye
transsclerally in an amount and for a duration effective to treat,
prevent, inhibit, delay the onset of, or cause the regression of
the diseases and conditions described in the Diseases and
Conditions section. As a non-limiting example, the compositions,
devices, and methods described in this section may be used to
deliver rapamycin transsclerally in amounts and for a duration
effective to treat, prevent, inhibit, delay the onset of, or cause
the regression of CNV and wet AMD. The effective amounts and
durations may be different for each of treating, preventing,
inhibiting, delaying the onset of, or causing the regression of CNV
and wet AMD.
[0087] To calculate the amount of a therapeutic agent that can be
delivered transsclerally it is necessary to understand the
transport of the therapeutic agent across the sclera. See for
example, Transscleral drug delivery for posterior segment disease,
D. Geroski and H. Edelhauser, Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 52
(2001) 37-48. The transport of the therapeutic agent may depend on
the composition or devices used for delivery of the therapeutic
agent. Once the flux of a therapeutic agent across the sclera from
a given composition or device is understood, the amount of
therapeutic agent needed to maintain a therapeutically effective
level of agent for a certain duration can be calculated and the
appropriate delivery composition or device and dosage amount
identified.
[0088] As a non-limiting example of such procedure for identifying
the appropriate dosage and composition or device, the following
analysis has been performed for transscleral delivery of rapamycin
for treatment of CNV or wet AMD. As described in Example 3 below,
the permeability of human sclera to rapamycin was determined by
in-vitro experiment using ex-vivo human scleral tissue to be of the
order of 1.times.10.sup.-5 cm/sec. The flux of rapamycin delivered
transsclerally will depend on the permeability of the sclera to
rapamycin and the difference in concentration of rapamycin inside
and outside of the sclera. It is expected that a device maintaining
a rapamycin concentration of about 2 .mu.g/ml at the outer scleral
surface can produce a flux of about 2.4 .mu.g/cm.sup.2/day. A
device maintaining a higher concentration at the outer scleral
surface would be expected to produce a proportionally higher flux.
It is believed that delivery of about 1 .mu.g of rapamycin per day
to the posterior segment may be a therapeutically effective dose to
treat CNV and wet AMD. Higher doses than about 1 .mu.g of rapamycin
per day may be needed to treat CNV and wet AMD. Based on these
observations and assumption, it is believed that a device
maintaining a concentration of rapamycin of about 2 .mu.g/ml over
an area of about 0.4 cm.sup.2 of the outer scleral surface of a
human eye will deliver an amount of rapamycin that is
therapeutically effective to treat CNV and wet AMD. If a different
therapeutic amount of rapamycin is required the necessary amount
can be delivered by altering either the concentration of rapamycin
maintained at the outer scleral surface, the area over which the
rapamycin concentration is maintained, or a combination of both of
these factors.
[0089] It is believed that one device or composition that may be
useful for carrying out the methods described herein is a device or
composition maintaining a rapamycin concentration of about 4
.mu.g/ml at the outer scleral surface. It is believed that other
devices and compositions that may be useful for carrying out the
methods described herein are devices or compositions that maintain
a rapamycin concentration at the outer scleral surface of about 0.1
.mu.g/ml or less, about 0.5 .mu.g/ml or less, about 1 .mu.g/ml or
less, about 2 .mu.g/ml or less, about 5 .mu.g/ml or less, about 10
.mu.g/ml or less, about 20 .mu.g/ml or less, about 50 .mu.g/ml or
less, about 100 .mu.g/ml or less, about 200 .mu.g/ml or less, about
500 .mu.g/ml or less, about 1000 .mu.g/ml or less, about 5,000
.mu.g/ml or less, and about 10,000 .mu.g/ml or less.
[0090] It is believed that devices and compositions that may be
used in the methods described herein are devices or compositions
that deliver transsclerally to the posterior segment of the eye an
amount of rapamycin of about 0.1 .mu.g/day or less, about 0.5
.mu.g/day or less, about 1 .mu.g/day or less, about 2 .mu.g/day or
less, about 5 .mu.g/day or less, about 10 .mu.g/day or less, about
20 .mu.g/day or less, about 50 .mu.g/day or less, about 100
.mu.g/day or less, and about 200 .mu.g/day or less.
[0091] For other therapeutic agents and for other diseases and
conditions, a similar analysis may be performed to identify the
effective amounts, compositions, devices and methods that may be
used to deliver therapeutically effective amounts of the
therapeutic agent.
[0092] For treatment, prevention, inhibition, delaying the onset
of, or causing the regression of certain diseases or conditions, it
may be desirable to maintain delivery of a therapeutically
effective amount of the therapeutic agent for an extended period of
time. Depending on the disease or condition being treated,
prevented, inhibited, having onset delayed, or being caused to
regress this extended period of time may be up to 1 week, up to 2
weeks, up to 3 weeks, up to 1 month, up to 3 months, up to 6
months, up to 9 months, up to 1 year, up to 18 months, up to 2
years, up to 3 years, or up to 4 years. Generally, however, any
extended period of delivery may be possible. A therapeutically
effective amount of agent may be delivered for an extended period
by a device or composition that maintains for the extended period a
concentration of agent at the outer scleral surface sufficient to
deliver a therapeutically effective amount of agent for the
extended time. By way of example only, and in no way limiting,
under the earlier assumptions regarding delivery of rapamycin for
treatment, prevention, inhibition, delaying the onset of, or
causing the regression of CNV and wet AMD, it is believed that a
device maintaining a concentration of about 2 .mu.g/ml over an area
of about 0.4 cm.sup.2 of the outer scleral surface of a human eye
for up to 6 months will deliver a therapeutically effective amount
of rapamycin for up to 6 months. These calculations are based on an
assumed therapeutic dose of 1 .mu.g/day for treatment of AMD or
CNV. If delivery of a larger dose of rapamycin is required, this
may be achieved by a variety of ways including but not limited to
increasing the concentration of rapamycin at the outer scleral
surface, increasing the area over which the concentration is
maintained, or some combination of these factors.
[0093] Delivery of a therapeutically effective amount of the
therapeutic agent for an extended period may be achieved using
application of one composition or device or may be achieved by
application of two or more doses of composition or by placement of
two or more devices. If the compositions or devices are
nonbiodegradable, the prior composition or devices will likely need
to be removed before application of the next composition or device.
As a non-limiting example of such multiple applications,
maintenance of the therapeutic amount of rapamycin for 6 months for
treatment of wet AMD may be achieve by application of one
composition or device delivering a therapeutic amount for 6 months
or by sequential application of two compositions or devices each
delivering a therapeutic amount for 3 months. The optimal dosage
regime will depend on the therapeutic amount of the therapeutic
agent needing to be delivered, the period over which it need be
delivered, and the size of the device needed to satisfy these
requirements. If a device needed to deliver the necessary amounts
for the extended period is too large to be feasibly placed for
transscleral delivery, two smaller devices each delivering for half
of the extended period may be used. Someone versed in such extended
therapeutic agent delivery dosing will understand how to identify
dosing regimes that may be used.
[0094] When using certain therapeutic agents or for the treatment,
prevention, inhibition, delaying the onset of, or causing the
regression of certain diseases, it may be desirable for delivery of
the therapeutic agent not to commence immediately upon placement of
the device or composition into the eye region, but for delivery to
commence after some delay. For example, but in no way limiting,
such delayed release may be useful where the therapeutic agent
inhibits or delays wound healing and delayed release is desirable
to allow healing of any wounds occurring upon placement of the
device or composition. Depending on the therapeutic agent being
delivered and/or the diseases and conditions being treated or
prevented this period of delay before delivery of the therapeutic
agent commences may be about 1 hour, about 6 hours, about 12 hours,
about 18 hours, about 1 day, about 2 days, about 3 days, about 4
days, about 5 days, about 6 days, about 7 days, about 8 days, about
9 days, about 10 days, about 11 days, about 12 days, about 13 days,
about 14 days, about 21 days, about 28 days, about 35 days, or
about 42 days. Other delay periods may be possible. Delayed release
devices that may be used are described below and other delayed
release devices that may be used are know to people versed in the
technology.
[0095] Compositions that may be used for delivery of the
therapeutic agent
[0096] Generally, the therapeutic agent may be formulated in any
composition capable of transscleral delivery of a therapeutically
effective amount of the therapeutic agent for the required delivery
period. Compositions include but are not limited to solid forms of
the therapeutic agent; particles of the therapeutic agent suspended
in a liquid, gel, or solid; the therapeutic agent dissolved in a
solution; and the therapeutic agent dissolved or dispersed in a
polymer material.
[0097] Solid Form of Therapeutic Agent
[0098] One composition that may be used is a composition in which
the therapeutic agent is present as a solid core. As used herein, a
"solid core" means that the therapeutic agent is present in the
form of a discrete solid substance. The solid may be amorphous or
crystalline. The solid may be pure or substantially pure
therapeutic agent or may be therapeutic agent diluted with same
other solid material. The therapeutic agent solid core may have any
suitable shape, such as a pellet, wafer, disk, rod, sphere, or
film.
[0099] The therapeutic agent solid core may be combined with other
compositions and components in a delivery system or may be used
alone for delivering the therapeutic agent. In one delivery system
that may be used in the methods described herein, a solid core of
therapeutic agent is backed by a therapeutic agent impermeable
backing such as Teflon.TM., Polyesters such as polyethylene
terpthalate, Polypropylene, Polystyrene or High density
polyethylene. The impermeable backing may be placed on the side of
the therapeutic agent solid core facing away from the sclera. Such
a backing would serve to block or reduce diffusion of the
therapeutic agent in the direction opposite from the desired
diffusion direction through the sclera. In one delivery system that
may be used in the methods described herein, a solid core of the
therapeutic agent such as rapamycin is placed proximate to the
outer scleral surface and a backing is placed on top of the solid
core, causing preferential delivery of the therapeutic agent into
the sclera. The solid core and backing may be placed separately or
may be combined into a delivery system outside of the subject and
placed together as a monolithic delivery system. The backing may be
attached to the solid core using any methods known to those versed
in such technologies. In one non-limiting example, a solid core
containing rapamycin and coated on one side with a rapamycin
impermeable substance has release lifetime on the order of years.
Such a solid core delivery system may have an extended release
period in excess of a year. Another device than may be used
contains a biodegradable polymer backing that is not completely
impermeable to the therapeutic agent but has such disparity of
diffusion that for practical purposes the vast majority of the drug
elutes toward the scleral surface. Generally, the backing may be
made of any material that results in diminished diffusion of the
therapeutic agent into the tissues proximate to the sclera as
compared to diffusion into such tissues in the absence of the
backing.
[0100] Suspension of Therapeutic Agent
[0101] One composition that may be used is a composition in which
solid particles of the therapeutic agent are suspended in a
suspending medium.
[0102] As a non-limiting example, particles of water insoluble
therapeutic agents can be suspended in an aqueous medium. The
therapeutic agent particles may be crystalline or amorphous. The
particles may be stabilized with an acceptable polymeric surfactant
including but not limited to Pluronics F108, F127, and F68, and
Tetronics. In addition, a viscous polymer may be added to the
suspension, assisting the localization in the sclera and ease of
placement and handling. In some uses of the suspension composition,
a pocket in the sclera may be surgically formed to receive an
injection of the suspension. The hydrogel structure of the sclera
can act as a rate-controlling membrane. Particles of solid
therapeutic agent substance for forming a suspension can be
produced by known methods including but not limited to via ball
milling, for example by using ceramic beads. For example, a Cole
Parmer ball mill such as Labmill 8000 may be used with 0.8 mm YTZ
ceramic beads available from Tosoh or Norstone Inc.
[0103] As used herein, a "particle" refers to a solid substance
having a diameter less than 500 .mu.m and may be amorphous or
crystalline and may be a pure substance or a mixture. As used
herein, "suspension" refers to particles within a liquid medium
wherein the particles do not substantially settle within the liquid
medium during the period necessary to administer the suspension as
described herein. In some embodiments, a "suspension" refers to a
colloid. In other embodiments, a "suspension" refers to a mixture
that is not a colloid.
[0104] One composition that may be used in the methods described
herein is a suspension of particles of rapamycin having a mean
particle size less than 5 .mu.m in water or an aqueous cocktail
suitable for injection into or proximate to the sclera. Upon
injection, these rapamycin particles are imbedded in or proximate
to the sclera, providing a sustained release of rapamycin. A
scleral injection of 1 .mu.L of a 9% suspension of rapamycin can be
expected to provide delivery of rapamycin at a rate of
approximately 1 .mu.g/day for 90 days. This conclusion results from
a flux of 2.4 .mu.g/cm.sup.2/day calculated from flux=DS/L, where D
is the diffusion coefficient, assumed to be 2.2.times.10.sup.-5
(MW).sup.1/2 cm.sup.2/s, S is aqueous solubility, assumed to be 1
.mu.g/cm.sup.3, L is the scleral thickness, assumed to be 0.05 cm,
and MW is the molecular weight of rapamycin, which is 914 g/mol.
Another composition that may be used is a suspension of particles
of rapamycin having diameters in the range of about 10 .mu.m to
about 100 .mu.m. Such a composition is expected to provide a longer
release time of rapamycin.
[0105] Another composition that may be used is a suspension of
particles of rapamycin having a mean particle size less than about
50 .mu.m in water or an aqueous cocktail suitable for injection
into or proximate to the sclera.
[0106] Solution of Therapeutic Agent
[0107] One composition that may be used is a composition in which
the therapeutic agent is dissolved in a solvent. Generally, any
solvent may be used in which the therapeutic agent dissolves and
which can be administered to the subject. Generally, any
concentration of therapeutic agent in solution can be used. The
solution can be a saturated or supersaturated solution, and the
solution can be a solution in contact with the therapeutic agent in
solid form. The solvent may be a pure solvent or may be a mixture
of liquid solvent components. The solution formed may be a gelling
solution. Solvents and types of solutions that may be used are well
know to those versed in such drug delivery technologies. See for
example, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, Twentieth
Edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 20th edition (Dec. 15,
2000).
[0108] When the therapeutic agent is rapamycin, suitable solvents
include but are not limited to DMSO, ethanol, and methanol. For
rapamycin, other solvents that may be used include but are not
limited to castor oil, propylene glycol, glycerine, polysorbate 80,
benzyl alcohol, Dimethyl acetamide (DMA), dimethyl formamide (DMF),
glycerol formal, ethoxy diglycol (Transcutol, Gattefosse),
tryethylene glycol dimethyl ether (Triglyme), dimethyl isosorbide
(DMI), .gamma.-butyrolactone, N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP),
polyethylene glycol 400, and polyglycolated capryl glyceride
(Labrasol, Gattefosse).
[0109] Other methods that may be used to solubilize rapamycin are
described in solubilization of rapamycin, P. Simamora et al. Int'l
J. Pharma 213 (2001) 25-29, the contents of which is incorporated
herein in its entirety.
[0110] As a nonlimiting example, rapamycin can be dissolved in 5%
DMSO or methanol in a balanced salt solution. The rapamycin
solution can generally contain any concentration of rapamycin. The
rapamycin solution can be a saturated or supersaturated solution of
rapamycin. The rapamycin solution can be in contact with solid
rapamycin. In one nonlimiting example, rapamycin can be dissolved
in a concentration of up to about 400 mg/ml.
[0111] Polymer Formulation of Therapeutic Agent
[0112] One composition that may be used is a composition in which
the therapeutic agent is dispersed or dissolved in a polymer
formulation. The polymer formulation may be a biodegradable polymer
or a nonbiodegradable polymer. As used herein, a "biodegradable
polymer," is a polymer that over time completely or partially loses
its substantial form when placed in the body of a subject.
Biodegradable polymers may lose their substantial form by a variety
of means including but not limited to by erosion or dissolution of
the polymer in the subject biofluids, or by cleavage of the polymer
molecules, including but not limited to enzymatic cleavage and
cleavage by hydrolysis. As is well known to those versed in the
technology, the biodegradable polymer may lose its substantial form
over an extended period of time depending on a variety of factors,
including but not limited to the chemical composition of the
polymer, the molecular weight of the polymer, the morphology of the
polymer, the mechanism of dissolution or degradation, and the
environment in which the polymer is placed. Unless the context
makes clear otherwise, the terms "erodible polymer," "bioerodible
polymer," "bioresorbable," or "bioabsorbable polymers" are used to
mean the same as a "biodegradable polymer," as defined above. See,
for example, the following articles, the contents of each of which
is incorporated herein in its entirety: Biodegradable Polymers for
the Controlled Release of Ocular Drugs, A Merkeli et. al, Prog.
Polym. Sci. Vol 23, 563-580, 1998; High Performance Biomaterials, A
Comprehensive guide to medical and pharmaceutical applications,
edited by Michael Szycher, Technomic Publishing Co, Inc.
Lancaster--Basel--1991; Biodegradable Polymers in Controlled Drug
Delivery, CRC Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems,
Vol. 1, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla. (1987); Kohn J, and Langer R,
Bioresorbable and Bioerodible Materials, in Biomaterials Science:
An Introduction to Materials in Medicine, Ratner B D, Hoffman A S,
Schoen F J, and Lemons J E (eds), New York, Academic Press, pp
64-72, 1996; and Robinson J R, and Lee V H L (eds), Controlled Drug
Delivery: Fundamentals and Applications (2nd ed), New York, Marcel
Dekker, 1987.
[0113] Non-limiting examples of polymers for use as described
herein include polyesters of molecular weight from about 4,000 to
about 100,000, homopolymers and copolymers of polylactic acid and
polyglycolic acid, polycaprolactone, homopolymers and copolymeres
of polyanhydrides such as terephthalic acid anhydride,
bis(p-anhydride) and poly(p-carboxyphenoxy) alkyl, homopolymers and
copolymers of dicarboxylic acids such as sebacic, adipic, oxalic,
phthalic and maleic acid, polymeric fatty acid dimer compounds such
as polydodecanedioic acid polyorthoesters,
poly(alkyl-2-cyanoacrylate) such as poly(hexyl-2-cyanoacrylate),
collagen (gelatin), polyacetals, divinyloxyalkylenes,
polydihydropyrans, polyphosphazenes, homopolymers and copolymers of
amino acids such as copolymers of leucine and methyl glutamate,
polydioxinones, polyalkylcyano acetates, polysaccharides and their
derivatives such as dextran and cyclodextran, cellulose and
hydroxymethyl cellulose.
[0114] Other polymers that may be used are well known to those
versed in such polymer compositions and then uses for delivery of
therapeutic agents, including but not limited to polymers described
in Biodegradable Polymers for the Controlled Release of Ocular
Drugs, A Merkeli et. al, Prog. Polym. Sci. Vol 23, 563-580, 1998;
High Performance Biomaterials, A Comprehensive guide to medical and
pharmaceutical applications, edited by Michael Szycher,. Technomic
Publishing Co, Inc. Lancaster--Basel--1991; Biodegradable Polymers
in Controlled Drug Delivery, CRC Critical Reviews in Therapeutic
Drug Carrier Systems, Vol. 1, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla. (1987);
Kohn J, and Langer R, Bioresorbable and Bioerodible Materials, in
Biomaterials Science: An Introduction to Materials in Medicine,
Ratner B D, Hoffman A S, Schoen F J, and Lemons J E (eds), New
York, Academic Press, pp 64-72, 1996; and Robinson J R, and Lee V H
L (eds), Controlled Drug Delivery: Fundamentals and Applications
(2nd ed), New York, Marcel Dekker, 1987.
[0115] The therapeutic agent may be combined with the polymer to
form the polymer formulation using standard methods well-known to
those versed in such technology. The polymer formulation may
contain other components in addition to the therapeutic agent and
polymer as is well-known to those versed in such technology.
[0116] Additional Excipients and Adjuvants
[0117] The therapeutic agents for use as described herein, such as
rapamycin, may be subjected to conventional pharmaceutical
operations, such as sterilization and compositions containing the
therapeutic agent may also contain conventional adjuvants, such as
preservatives, stabilizers, wetting agents, emulsifiers, buffers
etc. The therapeutic agents may also be formulated with
pharmaceutically acceptable excipients for clinical use to produce
a pharmaceutical composition. Formulations suitable for ocular
administration may be presented as a solution, suspension,
particles of solid material, a discrete mass of solid material,
incorporated within a polymer matrix, or in any other form suitable
for ocular administration. The therapeutic agents may be used to
prepare a medicament for the treatment of any of the conditions
described herein.
[0118] A composition containing a therapeutic agent such as
rapamycin may contain one or more adjuvants appropriate for the
indicated route of administration. Adjuvants with which the
therapeutic agent may be admixed with include but are not limited
to lactose, sucrose, starch powder, cellulose esters of alkanoic
acids, stearic acid, talc, magnesium stearate, magnesium oxide,
sodium and calcium salts of phosphoric and sulphuric acids, acacia,
gelatin, sodium alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidine, and/or polyvinyl
alcohol. When a solution formulation is required the therapeutic
agent may be dissolved in a substance including but not limited to
polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, carboxymethyl cellulose
colloidal solutions, methanol, ethanol, DMSO, corn oil, peanut oil,
cottonseed oil, sesame oil, tragacanth gum, and/or various buffers.
Other adjuvants and modes of administration are well known in the
pharmaceutical art and may be used in the practice of the methods,
compositions and devices described herein. The carrier or diluent
may include time delay material, such as glyceryl monostearate or
glyceryl distearate alone or with a wax, or other materials well
known in the art. The formulations for use as described herein may
also include gel formulations, erodible and non-erodible polymers,
micropsheres, and liposomes.
[0119] Other adjuvants and excipients that may be used include but
are not limited to C.sub.8-C.sub.10 fatty acid esters such as
softigen 767, polysorbate 80, Pluronics, Tetronics, Miglyol, and
Transcutol.
[0120] The formulations may conveniently be presented in unit
dosage form and may be prepared by conventional pharmaceutical
techniques. Such techniques include the step of bringing into
association the therapeutic agent and the pharmaceutical carrier(s)
or excipient(s). The formulations may be prepared by uniformly and
intimately bringing into associate the active ingredient with
liquid carriers or finely divided solid carriers or both, and then,
if necessary, shaping the product.
[0121] Delivery Systems and Routes of Administration That May Be
Used for Delivery of the Therapeutic Agent
[0122] Generally the therapeutic agent and compositions containing
the therapeutic agent may be delivered using any delivery system
capable of transscleral delivery of a therapeutically effective
amount of the therapeutic agent. Delivery systems and routes of
administration that may be used include but are not limited to
delivery by injection, solid polymer implant, backed solid polymer
implant, solid bioadhesive implant; solid implant with anchoring
surface, coated suture, coiled fiber, and solid therapeutic
agent.
[0123] Delivery By Injection
[0124] One method that may be used to deliver the compositions and
devices described herein is delivery by injection. In this method
compositions and devices may be placed in various positions within
the ocular region for transscleral delivery. Positions in which the
compositions and devices may be placed include but are not limited
to subconjunctival placement, subtenon placement and intrascleral
placement. Methods that may be used for placement of the
compositions and devices include but are not limited to
subconjunctival injection, posterior subtenon injection, injection
through a specially designed curved cannula for placement directly
against the posterior sclera, injection into the sclera by a
specially designed device or simple syringe, placement into the
sclera by a specially designed inserter or injector, and placement
against the scleral surface by a specially designed, injector or
inserter.
[0125] In one method that may be used, the therapeutic agent is
dissolved in an appropriate solvent or solvent mixture and then
injected into or proximate to the sclera according to any of the
procedures mentioned above. In one method that may be used, the
therapeutic agent is rapamycin and is dissolved in a suitable
solvent, such as DMSO, ethanol, or methanol.
[0126] One composition that may be delivered by injection is a
suspension of the therapeutic agent in hyaluronic acid that then
dissolves leaving pure therapeutic agent proximate to the
sclera.
[0127] Delivery By Solid Polymer Implant
[0128] One delivery system that may be used to deliver the
composition is a delivery system in which the composition is
delivered by placement of a solid polymer implant in the ocular
region.
[0129] The solid polymer implant may be placed in the ocular region
for transscleral delivery by a variety of means including but not
limited to placement inside a surgically formed scleral flap, and
placement proximate to the outer scleral surface. Positions in
which the solid polymer implant may be placed include but are not
limited to subconjunctival placement, subtenon placement, and
intrascleral placement.
[0130] For placement in a scleral flap, either in the clinic,
procedure room, or operating room the eye may be prepared in a
standard preoperative manner, the sclera will be exposed, and the
creation of the flap will be performed with an appropriate blade. A
suture may or may not be required. For placement proximate to the
outer scleral surface, either in the clinic, procedure room, or
operating room the eye may be prepared in a standard preoperative
manner, the sclera will be exposed, and the solid polymer implant
placed into position.
[0131] In one device that may be used in the methods described
herein, the therapeutic agent containing compositions are
transsclerally delivered from a polymer implant containing the
therapeutic agent. Such implants may enable controlled and
prolonged release of the therapeutic agent from the polymer
implant. Polymers that may be used are described in the Polymer
Formulation section herein. As used herein, "implant" refers to a
three-dimensional object that may or may not be deformable but that
generally will maintain its shape in the absence of an external
force. The polymer implant may be biodegradable or bioerodible such
that the therapeutic agent is released as the polymer erodes or
otherwise degrades. The polymer implant may also be
non-biodegradable, for example, the implant may be made of
silicone, and may be removed after delivery of the incorporated
therapeutic agent. In this way, the polymer implant may be
re-loaded with the therapeutic agent substance and reimplanted into
the eye. In another polymer implant that may be used, the polymer
is an in situ forming polymeric gel such that the polymer
formulation is initially in a liquid form and transforms to a gel
phase upon exposure to physiological conditions. A non-limiting
example of such a polymer is Pluronic F-127. In another polymer
implant that may be used, a bioadhesive compound, such as a fibrin
glue, is used to form the therapeutic agent containing polymer
implant. In another polymer implant that may be used, the
therapeutic agent is combined with, or in, microspheres or
nanoparticles to increase the duration of the therapeutic agent's
release. In such polymer implants, the duration of therapeutic
agent elution from the polymer may be between about 1 week and
about 12 months. In another such polymer implant, the duration of
elution is on the order of years.
[0132] In another polymer implant that may be used, the polymer
implant with therapeutic agent incorporated is sutured into the
desired position on the eye. For example, the implant can be
sutured against the surface of the sclera.
[0133] The shape of the polymer implant can be any suitable shape
such as, for example, a coil, a disk, an elliptical or circular
disk, thin film, or rod. In one polymer implant that may be used,
the polymer implant is in the shape of a coil which is designed
such that once passed into the tissue of choice, the tail of the
suture coils to increase the length of the suture that remains
apposed to a tissue of choice, such as the sclera. In one polymer
implant that may be used, the polymer implant is shaped as a rod
such that it tapers into a filament that can be used to secure the
rod to the tissue of choice.
[0134] Other polymer implants that may be used include but are not
limited to devices such as a hydrogel or pluronic gel for placement
against the eye, devices that can unfold and or unroll when placed
against the eye wall to deliver a therapeutic agent.
[0135] Delivery By Backed Solid Polymer Implant
[0136] One delivery system that may be used to deliver the
composition is a delivery system in which the composition is
delivered by placement of a solid polymer implant that includes a
backing. In such backed polymer implants, the polymer implants are
designed to promote diffusion in a direction of choice.
[0137] One backed polymer implant that may be used includes an
erodible polymer implant, such as a disk, cylinder, fiber, or film
contains the active therapeutic agent, and a backing made of an
erodible polymer that contains no therapeutic agent. The choice of
the second erodible polymer can be such that elution of therapeutic
agent from the implant in the direction of the second polymer is
blocked or slowed, allowing for the therapeutic agent to be
delivered primarily in one direction. In one version, the second
polymer is substantially impermeable to the therapeutic agent. In
another version, a non-erodible polymer may be used as the blocking
polymer and removed at the conclusion of therapeutic agent
delivery. As used herein, "substantially impermeable" is understood
to mean that no amount of therapeutic agent or a clinically
insignificant amount of therapeutic agent passes through the
substantially impermeable barrier. In one version of such a device,
a suture is sandwiched between the two different polymers to allow
the structure to remain securely affixed to the sclera via the
suture.
[0138] Generally, the backing can be made of any material that
diminished diffusion of the therapeutic agent into the tissues
proximate to the sclera as compared to diffusion into such tissues
in the absence of the backing. The backing may be made of a
biodegradable material or may be made of a non-biodegradable
material. The backing material may be impermeable or substantially
impermeable to the therapeutic agent or may be semi-permeable or
permeable to the therapeutic agent. In one backed polymer implant,
the material of the therapeutic agent containing polymer and the
backing are the same, and the concentration of the therapeutic
agent in the therapeutic agent containing polymer is greater than
the concentration in the backing. In one such implant, the backing
initially contains substantially no therapeutic agent.
[0139] One version of such a delivery system is shown in FIG. 5,
which shows a cross section of two version of a backed polymer
implant (10), containing a therapeutic agent containing polymer
component (20) and a backing (30). Such implants result in a
preferential diffusion direction for the therapeutic agent
(40).
[0140] Delivery By Solid Bioadhesive Implant
[0141] One delivery system that may be used to deliver the
composition is a delivery system in which the composition is
delivered by placement of a solid polymer implant that includes a
bioadhesive surface.
[0142] The bioadhesive surface of the polymer implant allows the
implant to be secured in place by adhesion to a biomaterial in the
ocular region, including but not limited to adhesion to the outer
scleral surface. The bioadhesive implant may be made of a
bioadhesive polymer material or may be made of a non-bioadhesive
polymer material that is coated with a bioadhesive material to form
the bioadhesive surface. The preparation of drug delivery systems
with bioadhesive surfaces is well known to those versed in the
technology. See, for example, Bioadhesive any phase-change polymers
for ocular drug delivery, J. Robinson et al., Advanced Drug
Delivery Review, 16 (1995) 45-50, the contents of which is
incorporated herein in its entirety.
[0143] Bioadhesive polymers that may be used include but are not
limited to the following or any mixtures of the following:
Polyvinyl pyrrolidone of various molecular weight, polyacrylic acid
and copolymers of acrylic acid and acrylate esters, cross-linked
polyacrylic acids (carbopols), celluloses (ethyl cellulose, methyl
cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, etc.,), cellulose
derivatives (hydroxy ethyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose,
hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose, etc.,),
cellulose esters (cellulose acetate, cellulose phthalate, cellulose
acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate
propionate, etc.,), gums (gum arabica, tragacanth, gum acacia,
gallen gum, xanthan gum, etc.,), hyaluronic acid and its
derivatives, polyethylene oxides (polyox and derivatives,
polyethylene glycol, and graft polymers of polyethylene aides),
chitosan and alginic acid.
[0144] The bioadhesive polymers may be mixed with suitable
plasticizers to obtain a flexible film. Plasticizers that may be
used include but are not limited to Propylene glycol, polypropylene
glycol, polyethylene glycol, glycerol, glycerol esters (eg.
glycerol monololeate), and esters of propylene glycol (eg.
propylene glycol monolaurate), and water.
[0145] The bioadhesive polymers may be mixed with suitable wetting
agents at a very low concentrations to improve surface contact when
a bioadhesive implant is placed on the tissue: Wetting agents that
may be used include but are not limited Surfactants: Cholesterol,
tweens and spans, polysorbate 80, and pluronics.
[0146] The bioadhesive polymers may be mixed with suitable
excipients, including but not limited to quickly dissolving water
absorbent sugars/starches, such as mannitol, dextrose, lactose,
maltodextrins. It is believed that because the tissues to which the
implant will adhere possesses a certain amount of moisture, these
sugars/starches will help absorb the moisture more quickly so that
initial bioadhesion and contact is achieved more readily.
[0147] Delivery By Solid Implant With Anchoring Surface
[0148] One delivery system that may be used to deliver the
composition is a delivery system in which the composition is
delivered by placement of a solid polymer implant that includes an
anchoring surface. In this drug delivery system, the polymer
implant has a surface that has a morphology such that the implant
is substantially immobilized by anchoring of the surface to a
biomaterial in the ocular region, including but not limited to
anchoring to the outer scleral surface of the eye.
[0149] Non limiting examples of surfaces with a morphology capable
of anchoring to a biomaterial include a surface containing a number
of protrusions. An example of such a implant is shown in FIG. 15,
depicting a polymer implant (1510) with an anchoring surface (1520)
including a number of protrusions (1550), attaching the implant to
the outer scleral surface (1530). The implant is depicted with an
impermeable backing (1540), which is optional and may be omitted.
The number, size, and geometry of the protrusions will depend on
the nature of the material of which the protrusions are made and
the surface to which they will be anchored. One versed in such
technology will be able to identify the number, size, and geometry
of protrusions that may be used.
[0150] Various anchoring surfaces are described. For example, the
protrusions could be biodegradable or could be nonbiodegradable. In
addition, the protrusions could contain therapeutic agent or could
be substantially free of therapeutic agent. The protrusions may
also be made of a material, and be of a size and shape that the
anchoring surface of the implant perforates the outer scleral
surface upon placement and this perforation enhances transport of
the therapeutic agent across the sclera. In one example, the
anchoring surface is made of a bioadhesive material. In another
example, the anchoring surface is relatively hard when not in
contact with bodily fluids, but softens and becomes more
bioadhesive when placed in contact with bodily fluids. In this way,
the relatively hard anchoring surface may be used to perforate the
outer scleral surface upon placement of the implant, and subsequent
to placement the anchoring surface becomes more bioadhesive adding
to the ability of the surface to anchor the implant in place.
[0151] Another example of an implant with an anchoring surface is
shown in FIG. 16, depicting a polymer implant (1610) with an
anchoring surface (1620) including number of protrusions (1630),
with a portion of polymer containing the therapeutic agent (1640),
a bioadhesive portion (1650), which may or may not contain
therapeutic agent, and an impermeable backing (1660). The
bioadhesive portion and the impermeable backing are optional and
may be omitted. The portion containing the therapeutic agent (1640)
may be bioadhesive. In this example, the anchoring surface (1620)
contains protrusions (1630) and a number of holes (1670) through
which the therapeutic agent may diffuse. Various geometries of the
holes and protrusions will be feasible. In this example, the
material from which the anchoring surface is made does not need to
be permeable to the therapeutic agent, and the anchoring surface
could be made of any suitable materials, including, for example, a
metal. If a bioadhesive portion (1650) is present, the bioadhesive
material may also move through the holes assisting in attachment of
the implant to the outer scleral surface.
[0152] When the polymer implant includes a backing layer, this
layer may generally be any backing as described in the Polymer
implant with backing section. One implant that may be used includes
a polyester or other non-biodegradable backing. Implants that may
be used include but are not limited to a multi-layered system made
of an active layer, containing the therapeutic agent; a nonactive,
backing layer; a bioadhesive layer, which may or may not contain
therapeutic agent, and an anchoring surface which may or may not
contain therapeutic agent and may or may not be made of a
bioadhesive material. Such a system may be produced in a variety of
ways as is known to those versed in the technology, including but
not limited to laminating the various layers together. In one
polymer implant that may be used, the anchoring surface is the
outer surface of the implant for attaching to the outer scleral
surface. In another polymer implant that may be used, the anchoring
surface is embedded in the laminate structure of the implant.
[0153] The polymer implant with anchoring surface may be placed in
the same positions in the ocular region as the polymer implant may
be placed.
[0154] Delivery By Solid Implant With Delayed Release
[0155] One delivery system that may be used to deliver the
composition is a delivery system in which the composition is
delivered by placement of a delayed release solid polymer
implant.
[0156] In one delivery system, a polymer implant is designed such
that the onset of therapeutic agent release is delayed for a period
of time after polymer insertion into the eye. This delay allows for
example, for time for the wound caused by the insertion of the
implant to heal prior to therapeutic agent delivery. Such a delay
is advantageous when the therapeutic agent itself inhibits wound
healing. For example, therapeutic agents that inhibit fibroblastic
proliferation, such as rapamycin, will inhibit wound healing. In
one such delayed release implant that may be used, therapeutic
agent release is delayed by coating the polymer implant containing
the therapeutic agent with a polymer that contains no therapeutic
agent but that will erode during a predetermined time. Thus,
therapeutic agent release is delayed until a substantial portion of
the polymer coating has eroded away. As used herein, a "substantial
portion" of a substance refers to in excess of 80% of the
substance. The polymer coating may be substantially impermeable to
the therapeutic agent.
[0157] One versed in delayed release technology will be able to
identify other compositions and devices that may be used to achieve
the delayed release described herein.
[0158] FIG. 6 shows one version of such a delivery system showing a
cross-section of a delayed release delivery system (200), including
a therapeutic agent containing polymer component (210), and a
delayed release coating (220) that contains no or substantially no
therapeutic agent.
[0159] The delayed release delivery system may be placed in the
same positions in the ocular region in which the polymer implant
may be placed.
[0160] Delivery By Coated Suture
[0161] One delivery system that may be used to deliver the
composition is a delivery system in which the composition is
delivered by placement of a solid coated suture. In one version of
this delivery system, one or more therapeutic agents are
incorporated into a suture, which can then be coated with the same
or different therapeutic agent(s). For example, a therapeutic agent
coating on the suture or other structure can be used to define a
loading dose of the therapeutic agent to be delivered or include an
anti-infective therapeutic agent.
[0162] Delivery By Coiled Fiber
[0163] One delivery system that may be used to deliver the
composition is a delivery system in which the composition is
delivered by placement of a coiled fiber containing the therapeutic
agent. The coiled fiber may generally have any geometry and size to
allow incorporation of sufficient therapeutic agent and allowing
placement of the coiled fiber for transscleral delivery. One coiled
fiber that may be used has a length of less than about 5 cm and a
diameter of less than about 1 mm. Another coiled fiber that may be
used has a length of less than about 10 cm and a diameter of less
than about 2 mm. Other sizes may also be possible. The therapeutic
agent may be incorporated into the body of the coiled fiber and be
delivered transsclerally upon elution from the coiled fiber or upon
erosion or degradation of the coiled fiber if the fiber is
biodegradable. The therapeutic agent may also be incorporated on
the surface of the coiled fiber. The coiled fiber may be placed in
the same positions in the ocular region in which the polymer
implant may be placed.
[0164] Delivery By Solid Therapeutic Agent
[0165] One delivery system that may be used to deliver the
composition is a delivery system in which the composition is
delivered by placement of a solid therapeutic agent.
[0166] The use of a composition with a solid therapeutic agent core
is described in detail in the compositions section. Such a delivery
system may be placed in the same position on the ocular region at
which the polymer implant may be placed.
[0167] Examples of Delivery Systems
[0168] Depicted in FIGS. 7 to 14 are various nonlimiting examples
of delivery systems that may be used in the methods described
herein.
[0169] FIGS. 7 and 8 depict an applicator, injector, or inserter
(710) and (810) that may be used for delivery of or various
compositions or devices into the posterior subtenons space,
including delivery of microspheres or nanoparticles.
[0170] FIG. 9 depicts a thin film biodegradable polymer with
impermeable backing (910) attached to the outer scleral surface
(920) by an anchoring surface (930).
[0171] FIG. 10 depicts a thin film biodegradable polymer with
impermeable backing (1010) with scleral flaps (1020 and 1030),
which are placed into scleral pockets (1040 and 1050). A 69 blade
may be used to cut the scleral pockets.
[0172] FIG. 11 depicts a thin film biodegradable polymer with
impermeable backing (1110), which is secured to the sclera by
placement of the implant (1110) through a "belt loop" cut in the
sclera (1120).
[0173] FIG. 12 depicts a solid core of drug (1210), which is
secured to the sclera by placement of the drug into a pocket cut in
the sclera (1220).
[0174] FIG. 13 depicts a polymer implant (1310), which engages a
silicone track delivery system (1320). The silicone track delivery
system may be retractable and replaceable. The silicone track
delivery system may be attached to recti tendon insertions.
[0175] FIG. 14 depicts a pre-rolled polymer implant (1410),
delivered by an injector system (1420), unrolling to provide the
polymer implant (1430).
[0176] Methods for Placement of the Compositions and Devices
[0177] The compositions and devices described herein may be placed
in a variety of positions in the ocular region to enable
transscleral delivery of the therapeutic agent, including but not
limited to subconjunctival placement, intrascleral placement, and
subtenons placement.
[0178] The compositions and devices may be placed proximate to the
outer scleral surface at a location that provides for adequate
therapeutic dosing with the least invasive method possible.
Subconjunctival placement against the globe will work for such
placement. Further posterior placement against the globe may also
be used. Access to the globe may be through a variety of means
including but not limited to through the bulbar conjunctiva. Using
this method of placement, the location of the composition or device
may be at or posterior to the external scleral surface
corresponding to the ora serrata. The composition or device may
also be placed in a location that is posterior to the equator of
the eye. The composition or device may also be placed on the sclera
near the macula and optic nerve. Other positions of placement are
possible and the above descriptions are not limiting on possible
placement positions for the compositions and devices.
[0179] Once positioned proximate to the outer scleral surface it is
preferable that the compositions and devices remain fixed in
position so that they continue to deliver therapeutically effective
amounts of the therapeutic agent for an expected duration time.
Generally, the compositions and devices may be prevented from
excessive migration by any method capable of preventing unwanted
movement. Non-limiting examples of methods that may be used to
prevent excessive migration include shaping of a solid device or
solid composition to the contour of the portion of portion of the
ocular region into which the solid composition or device is placed,
attachment of a solid device to a portion of the ocular region by
one or sutures or comparable anchoring means, placement under an
extraocular muscle or adjacent to the insertion of an extraocular
muscle, attachment of a compositions or solid device to a portion
of the ocular region by a bioadhesive layer, and attachment of a
solid device to a portion of the ocular region by a surface having
a topology capable of anchoring to a portion of the ocular
region.
[0180] Compositions and devices containing therapeutic agent can be
administered directly to the eye using a variety of procedures,
including but not limited to procedures in which (1) the
therapeutic agent is administered by injection using a syringe and
hypodermic needle, (2) a specially designed device is used to
inject the therapeutic agent, (3) prior to injection of the
therapeutic agent, a pocket is surgically formed within the sclera
to serve as a receptacle for the therapeutic agent or therapeutic
agent composition. For example, in one administration procedure a
surgeon forms a pocket within the sclera of the eye followed by
injection of a solution or suspension of the therapeutic agent into
the pocket. In another administration procedure a surgeon forms a
pocket within the sclera in which a solid implant is inserted. The
solid implant may be a solid mass of the therapeutic agent
substance or a polymer structure as described above. The scleral
pocket can be created by techniques available to those skilled in
the practice of vitreoretinal surgery. Alternatively, a specially
designed combination of blades and inserters may be utilized for
this purpose.
[0181] Other administration procedures include, but are not limited
to procedures in which (1) a formulation of the therapeutic agent
is injected through a specially designed curved cannula to place
the therapeutic agent directly against the posterior sclera, (2) a
compressed form of the therapeutic agent is placed directly against
the sclera inside a scleral flap that is dissected by a surgical
procedure on the sclera, (3) the therapeutic agent is inserted into
the sclera by a specially designed injector or inserter, (4) a
formulation of the therapeutic agent is placed against the scleral
surface by a specially designed injector or inserter, (5) the
therapeutic agent substance is incorporated within a suture or
another solid structure that is sutured onto the eye (any
appropriate ocular suturing technique may be used. In one version,
the suture has an appropriate ocular or other specific tissue
needle swedged on to it. Alternatively, a needle with an eye could
be used on a plain filament), (6) a surgeon makes a small
conjunctival incision through which to pass a suture and any
therapeutic agent delivery structure so as to secure the structure
adjacent to the sclera, (7) a surgeon passes the needle directly
through the conjunctiva and through external tissue manipulations,
brings the entire therapeutic agent delivery structure under the
conjunctiva to rest against the sclera, (8) the conjunctiva can be
freely moved so that the therapeutic agent delivery structure and
suture combination is slightly separated from the conjunctival
incision, (9) after therapeutic agent delivery structure insertion,
the conjunctiva is closed (the conjunctiva may be closed by any
suitable means, such as by suture or glue), and (10) the
conjunctiva is left open to accommodate the therapeutic agent
delivery structure's size and shape.
[0182] In one administration procedure that may be used, a surgeon
uses a small hand held device to perform a scleral tunnel
dissection. A solid mass or other device or composition of the
therapeutic agent substance or composition can then be placed into
the sclera.
[0183] In one administration procedure that may be used, the device
or composition is placed intrascleral. One non-limiting example of
such placement is for the device or composition to be placed inside
a surgically formed scleral flap. Under such a scenario, either in
the clinic, procedure room, or operating room the eye may be
prepared in a standard preoperative manner, the sclera will be
exposed, and the creation of the flap will be performed with an
appropriate blade. A suture may or may not be required.
[0184] In one administration procedure that may be used, the device
or composition is placed against the surface of the sclera. Under
such a scenario, either in the clinic, procedure room, or operating
room the eye may be prepared in a standard preoperative manner, the
sclera will be exposed, and device or composition placed into
position.
[0185] Transscleral Delivery of Rapamycin for Treatment of AMD
[0186] In one method described herein, rapamycin is transsclerally
delivered to prevent, treat, inhibit, delay onset of, or cause
regression of angiogenesis in the eye, such as to prevent, treat,
inhibit, delay onset of, or cause regression of CNV as observed,
for example, in AMD. Rapamycin has been shown to inhibit CNV in rat
and mice models, as described in U.S. application Ser. No.
10/665,203, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety. Rapamycin has been observed to inhibit Matrigel.TM. and
laser-induced CNV when administered systemically and subretinally.
Also, as presented in Example 1 herein, periocular injection of
rapamycin inhibits laser-induced CNV.
[0187] Other therapeutic agents that may be delivered
transsclerally for treatment, prevention, inhibition, delaying
onset, or causing regression of angiogenesis in the eye (such as
CNV) are members of the limus family of compounds other than
rapamycin including but not limited to everolimus and tacrolimus
(FK-506).
[0188] As described herein, the dosage of the therapeutic agent
will depend on the condition being addressed, whether the condition
is to be treated, prevented, inhibited, have onset delayed, or be
caused to regress, the particular therapeutic agent, and other
clinical factors such as weight and condition of the subject and
the route of administration of the therapeutic agent. It is to be
understood that the methods, devices, and compositions described
herein have application for both human and veterinary use, as well
as uses in other possible animals. In the case of delivering
rapamycin to a human in order to inhibit CNV, one inhibiting amount
of the compound has been demonstrated to be one that provides about
10 ng/ml at the tissue level. This concentration of rapamycin, as
well as higher and lower concentrations may be used in the methods
described herein. One concentration of rapamycin that may be used
in the methods described herein is one that provides about 1 ng/ml
or less of rapamycin at the tissue level; another concentration
that may be used is one that provides about 2 ng/ml or less at the
tissue level, another concentration that may be used is one that
provides about 3 ng/ml or less at the tissue level; another
concentration that may be used is one that provides about 5 ng/ml
or less at the tissue level; another concentration that may be used
is one that provides about 10 ng/ml or less at the tissue level;
another concentration that may be used is one that provides about
15 ng/ml or less at the tissue level; another concentration that
may be used is one that provides about 20 ng/ml or less at the
tissue level; another concentration that may be used is one that
provides about 30 ng/ml or less at the tissue level; another
concentration that may be used is one that provides about 50 ng/ml
or less at the tissue level. One of ordinary skill in the art would
know how to arrive at the preferred concentration of usage
depending on the route and duration of administration utilized.
[0189] Delivery of the disclosed therapeutic agents may be
delivered at a dosage range of between about 1 picogram/kg/day and
about 300 mg/kg/day (with reference to the body weight of the
subject), or at dosages higher or lower than this disclosed range,
depending on the route and duration of administration. In one
device or composition that may be used in the methods herein, the
therapeutic agents are delivered at a dosage range of between about
1 picogram/kg/day and about 3 mg/kg/day. Dosages of various
therapeutic agents for treating various diseases and conditions
described herein can be refined by the use of clinical trials.
Additionally, dose ranges include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,376,517 and 5,387,589, the contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
[0190] In one device that may be used in the methods described
herein, rapamycin is incorporated into a solid polymer implant for
delivery across the sclera. Based on a flux of rapamycin of 2.4
.mu.g/cm.sup.2/day, calculated as discussed herein, approximately
0.8 .mu.g of rapamycin could be delivered daily from a polymer
implant presenting approximately 0.33 cm.sup.2 surface area to the
outer surface of the sclera. This size of structure can be
constructed from generally recognized as safe (GRAS) polymers such
as PLGA polymers. As used herein, "generally recognized as safe"
polymers refers to polymeric material that is currently used in
contact with human tissue for a medical purpose, polymeric material
that has been shown through animal or human studies to have a low
incidence of side effects, or polymeric material that is recognized
by medical professionals of ordinary skill in the art as being safe
for use in humans. A coiled fiber having the required surface area
would have a diameter of about 1 mm and a length of about 4 cm. An
appropriately sized elliptical disk would be about 4 mm wide and 1
cm long. The description of these devices is not limiting but is
provided by way of example of devices that may be used for delivery
of rapamycin.
[0191] The solid polymer implants will have a geometry that
delivers the therapeutic agent through some area of the outer
scleral surface. As described elsewhere herein the requirements for
this area will be determined by the concentration of rapamycin
maintained at the scleral surface by the device, the permeability
of the sclera to the rapamycin, the required flux of rapamycin
across the sclera to deliver an effective amount of rapamycin, the
duration for which delivery is required, and size restrictions
imposed by the portion of the eye into which the device must be
placed. One solid polymer implant device that may be used in the
methods described herein delivers the therapeutic agent through an
area of less than about 1 cm.sup.2. Another solid polymer implant
device that may be used delivers the therapeutic agent through an
area of less than about 0.5 cm.sup.2. Another solid polymer implant
device that may be used delivers the therapeutic agent through an
area of less than about 0.25 cm.sup.2. Another solid polymer
implant device that may be used delivers the therapeutic agent
through an area of between about 0.1 cm.sup.2 and about 0.2
cm.sup.2 . The thickness of the device will depend primarily on the
amount of rapamycin that will need to be delivered over the
extended period and the size restrictions imposed by the portion of
the eye into which the device must be placed. "Thickness" as used
in this context means the dimension of the device in the direction
approximately normal to the surface presented to the outer scleral
surface. Generally, a device with any thickness may be used that is
consistent with placement of the device in a particular portion of
the eye. One solid polymer implant device that may be used in the
methods described herein has a thickness of less than about 2mm.
Another solid polymer implant device that may be used has a
thickness of less than about 1 mm.
[0192] The devices and compositions described herein may be used
for transscleral delivery of therapeutically effective amounts of
rapamycin for extended periods of time to treat, prevent, inhibit,
delay the onset of, or cause regression of CNV, and thus may be
used to treat, prevent, inhibit, delay the onset of, or cause
regression of wet AMD. Based on the molecular size, potency, water
solubility, stability as a solid, and scleral permeability as
demonstrated herein for rapamycin, it has been recognized that
rapamycin can likely be delivered transsclerally at therapeutically
effective levels for extended periods of time. It is believed that
by changing certain characteristics of the devices and compositions
described herein, including but not limited to the shape, size,
positioning and rapamycin loading in the devices and compositions,
the devices and compositions described herein may be used to
deliver therapeutically effective amounts of rapamycin
transsclerally for a variety of extended time periods including
delivery for greater that about 1 week, for greater that about 2
weeks, for greater that about 3 weeks, for greater that about 1
month, for greater that about 3 months, for greater that about 6
months, for greater that about 9 months, for greater that about 1
year, for greater that about 18 months, for greater that about 2
years, for greater that about 3 years, and for greater that about 4
years.
[0193] When a therapeutically effective amount of rapamycin is
administered to a subject suffering from wet AMD, the rapamycin may
treat, inhibit, or cause regression of the wet AMD. Different
therapeutically effective amounts may be required for treatment,
inhibition or causing regression. A subject suffering from wet AMD
may have CNV lesions, and it is believed that administration of a
therapeutically effective amount of rapamycin may have a variety of
effects, including but not limited to causing regression of the CNV
lesions, stabilizing the CNV lesion, and preventing progression of
an active CNV lesion.
[0194] When a therapeutically effective amount of rapamycin is
administered to a subject suffering from dry AMD, it is believed
that the rapamycin may prevent or slow the progression of the dry
AMD.
EXAMPLES
[0195] Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by weight,
molecular weight is average molecular weight, temperature is in
degrees Celsius, and pressure is at or near atmospheric.
Example 1
Inhibition of Laser Induced CNV by Rapamycin
[0196] CNV may be induced by rupturing Bruch's membrane with laser.
Fifteen mice were given daily periocular injections of 5 micrograms
of rapamycin in corn oil vehicle in one eye. After two days of
treatment, Bruch's membrane was ruptured by laser at three sites in
each eye. The fellow eye served as control and was treated with
periocular injections of corn oil only. Two weeks after laser
rupture, 10 mice were perfused with fluorescein-labeled dextran and
CNV areas were measured in each eye on choroidal flat mounts. The
remaining mice had retinas and RPE/choroid dissected and stored at
-70.degree. C. for tissue therapeutic agents level measurement.
[0197] As depicted in FIG. 1, rapamycin treatment led to a
statistically significant reduction in CNV size versus vehicle
alone (p=0.0011 by Mann-Whitney U test). The mean CNV area for
rapamycin treated eyes was 0.00381 mm.sup.2 with a standard
deviation of 0.00197 and the vehicle eyes showed a CNV area of
0.00576 mm.sup.2 with a standard deviation of 0.00227.
[0198] Using HPLC/MS on the retinas of sentinel animals, retinal
tissue levels of rapamycin were found to be 25 picograms per
milligram tissue in treated eyes and 7 picograms per milligram
tissue in control eyes. The animals were found to have rapamycin
blood levels of 5.57 nanograms per milligram blood. Thus, although
periocular delivery of 5 .mu.g of rapamycin per day in these mice
led to clinically significant blood levels, retinal tissue levels
were higher in treated eyes than in the fellow control eyes,
suggesting transscleral permeation of rapamycin following
periocular injection.
[0199] This example demonstrates that administration of rapamycin
may inhibit CNV.
Example 2
Reversal of Laser Induced CNV by Rapamycin
[0200] Fifteen mice had Bruch's membrane ruptured with laser
photocoagulation at 3 locations in each eye. After one week, 5 mice
were perfused with fluorescein-labeled dextran and the baseline
area of CNV was measured in each eye. At that point, the remaining
mice were started on daily periocular injections of 5 .mu.l of corn
oil containing 5 .mu.g of rapamycin in one eye and corn oil alone
in the fellow eye. After one more week, the mice were perfused with
fluorescein-labeled dextran and CNV areas were measured in each eye
on choroidal flat mounts. The corn oil solution used is
approximately a saturated solution. It is expected that lower doses
will be used to deliver therapeutically effective amounts of
rapamycin.
[0201] As depicted in FIG. 2, rapamycin treated eyes showed a
substantial reduction in CNV area. Baseline lesion CNV area was
0.0105 mm.sup.2 with a standard deviation of 0.0037. Untreated eyes
had a CNV area of 0.0093 mm.sup.2 with a standard deviation of
0.0028. Treated eyes had a CNV area of 0.00458 mm.sup.2 with a
standard deviation of 0.0053.
[0202] This example demonstrates that administration of rapamycin
causes regression of CNV.
Example 3
In-vitro Determination of Flux and Scleral Permeability for
Transscleral Rapamycin Delivery
[0203] A two chamber Ussing type permeability apparatus was used to
demonstrate delivery of rapamycin across a human sclera. Prior to
testing of sclera, loss of therapeutic agent to the glass walls of
the experimental apparatus was evaluated. For the evaluation of
loss of drug to the experimental apparatus, the uveal and orbital
chambers were exposed to a 2 .mu.g/mL rapamycin solution in
balanced salt solution. There was small but significant loss of
rapamycin to the apparatus when it was exposed to the 2 .mu.g/mL
solution of rapamycin in balanced salt solution.
[0204] Transscleral Rapamycin Delivery--DMSO Solution
[0205] A 7 mm disk of fresh donor human sclera was used to separate
the two chambers of the Ussing permeability apparatus. The two
sides of the sclera were denoted "orbital" to represent the outer
surface and "uveal" to represent the internal surface. DMSO and
methanol dissolves rapamycin readily, however, rapamycin is poorly
soluble in aqueous solutions. Thus, in order to grossly replicate a
scleral depot delivery system, the hydrophobic therapeutic agent
solvents were diluted to 5% concentration in balanced salt solution
(BSS) with dissolved rapamycin to form a roughly 100 pg per ml
orbital chamber solution. In this example, the chamber on the
orbital surface side contained a reservoir of 200 .mu.l of
rapamycin dissolved in 5% DMSO in BSS at an expected concentration
of 100 .mu.g per milliliter. The 500 .mu.l uveal chamber was
continually perfused at 0.0075 milliliter per minute and samples
were collected by a fractionater in Eppendorf tubes every 4 hours.
The experiment was run for 36 hours.
[0206] The time profile of the concentration of rapamycin in the
uveal chamber is depicted in FIG. 3 (squares). The peak
concentration in the uveal chamber was 250 ng/ml at t=8 to 12
hours. The total amount of rapamycin accumulated on the uveal side
of the sclera is depicted as function of time in FIG. 4 (diamonds).
The total rapamycin recovered from the uveal chamber was 2.67
micrograms in 36 hours. The sclera was found to hold 0.57
micrograms of rapamycin at the conclusion of the experiment.
[0207] The results demonstrated that rapamycin crosses the sclera
in amounts significant enough to have a therapeutic effect. At the
peak concentrations in the uveal chamber (250 ng/ml), rapamycin
will fully dissolve in vitreous. Because the amount of therapeutic
agent in the orbital chamber was declining, the steady state was
estimated by the highest flux. The highest flux based on this data
was 9.35 micrograms per square centimeter per day. A permeability
coefficient (K) was calculated as:
K TRANS = .DELTA. CV AtC 0 ##EQU00001##
[0208] AC represents the increase in concentration the compound in
the uveal chamber (0.250 micrograms/ml) that occurs over the
interval t, in seconds (1440). V is the chamber volume (1.8
milliliter). A represents the exposed area of the tissue (385
cm.sup.2). C.sub.0 is the initial concentration of the compound in
the orbital chamber (92 microgram/ml). Calculated in this manner,
the permeability coefficient, K , has the dimensions of cm/s.
K.sub.TRANS thus expresses the rate at which a given solute
traverses the tissue. (Advanced Therapeutic agent Delivery Reviews
52 (2001) 37-48 by Dale Geroski and Hank Edelhauser, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). For this
experiment K.sub.TRANS was roughly 8.82.times.10.sup.-6 cm/sec,
which was on the order of predictions based on MW. Comparatively,
when evaluating the K.sub.TRANS of dexamethasone, which is smaller
than rapamycin, and adjusting for a lower solubility, the figures
for rapamycin are also in the appropriate predicted ranges. It is
expected that as the external concentration of rapamycin is raised,
the flux will increase. Under the ex-vivo conditions of this
example, rapamycin can be delivered in the single digit micrograms
per day to the vitreous. Such rates are consistent with therapeutic
local tissue levels and support that rapamycin is a viable
therapeutic agent for transscleral delivery to the posterior
segment for vitreoretinal disease.
[0209] Transscleral Rapamycin Delivery--Methanol Solution
[0210] The above procedure was followed with the exception that
rapamycin was dissolved in 5% methanol in BSS. The time profile of
the concentration of rapamycin in the uveal chamber is depicted in
FIG. 3 (circles). The peak concentration in the uveal chamber was
271 ng/ml at t=12 to 16 hours. The total amount of rapamycin
accumulated on the uveal side of the sclera is depicted as function
of time in FIG. 4 (squares). The total rapamycin recovered from the
uveal chamber was 3.44 micrograms in 36 hours. The sclera was found
to hold 0.41 micrograms at the conclusion of the experiment.
[0211] Based on these results, a K.sub.TRANS of
9.56.times.10.sup.-6 cm/sec was calculated. As in Example 9b, this
rate is consistent with therapeutic local tissue levels and
supports that rapamycin is a viable therapeutic agent for
transscleral delivery to the posterior segment for vitreoretinal
disease.
[0212] All references cited herein, including patents, patent
applications, and publications, are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entireties, whether previously specifically
incorporated or not.
* * * * *