U.S. patent application number 16/172695 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-28 for implantable intraocular drug delivery apparatus, system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is JOHNSON & JOHNSON SURGICAL VISION, INC.. Invention is credited to Brooke C. Basinger, Daniel J. Urbaniak.
Application Number | 20190060113 16/172695 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47559706 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-28 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190060113 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Basinger; Brooke C. ; et
al. |
February 28, 2019 |
IMPLANTABLE INTRAOCULAR DRUG DELIVERY APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND
METHOD
Abstract
The present invention relates to an apparatus, system and method
for, and for providing, intraocular delivery of an active agent.
The apparatus, system and method may include an implantable
scaffold and an active agent associated with the implantable
scaffold. The implantable scaffold and the active agent may be
configured to be completely contained within the eye upon
implantation. The implantable scaffold may be a mechanical
scaffold, or the implantable scaffold may be a chemical
scaffold.
Inventors: |
Basinger; Brooke C.; (Long
Beach, CA) ; Urbaniak; Daniel J.; (Aliso Viejo,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JOHNSON & JOHNSON SURGICAL VISION, INC. |
Santa Ana |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47559706 |
Appl. No.: |
16/172695 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14971664 |
Dec 16, 2015 |
10111776 |
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16172695 |
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13331005 |
Dec 20, 2011 |
9241829 |
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14971664 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P 27/02 20180101;
A61K 9/0051 20130101; A61F 9/0017 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 9/00 20060101
A61F009/00; A61K 9/00 20060101 A61K009/00 |
Claims
1.-29. (canceled)
30. A method of providing intraocular delivery of an active agent
in an eye, comprising: providing an implantable mechanical
scaffold, wherein the implantable mechanical scaffold comprises an
interior reservoir and is formed from a flexible material, wherein
the implantable mechanical scaffold is in the shape of a cylinder;
associating the active agent with the implantable mechanical
scaffold; performing an intraocular implantation of the implantable
mechanical scaffold and the active agent; positioning an external
reservoir configured to be positioned outside of the eye when the
implantable mechanical scaffold is intraocularly implanted, wherein
the external reservoir is separate from the implantable mechanical
scaffold and comprises an injection port; fluidly connecting the
external reservoir to the interior reservoir via a tube; delivering
the active agent from the scaffold following the intraocular
implantation; and refilling the interior reservoir with the active
agent via the injection port of the external reservoir after the
intraocular implantation.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein associating the active agent
with the implantable mechanical scaffold comprises filling at least
a portion of the mechanical scaffold with the active agent.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein delivering the active agent
includes at least release of the active agent from the filled
portion of the implantable mechanical scaffold.
33. The method of claim 30, wherein the implantable mechanical
scaffold comprises a chemical scaffold.
34. The method of claim 30, wherein the interior reservoir contains
at least a portion of the active agent.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein the interior reservoir releases
at least a portion of the active agent in response to a condition
within the eye.
36. The method of claim 30, wherein the implantable mechanical
scaffold comprises a coating comprising at least a portion of the
active agent.
37. The method of claim 36, further comprising releasing the active
agent from the coating over time.
38. The method of claim 30, wherein the active agent is delivered
over a period of at least 6 months.
39. The method of claim 30, wherein the active agent is delivered
over a period of at least 1 year.
40. The method of claim 33, wherein the chemical scaffold comprises
a polymeric gel.
41. The method of claim 40, wherein the polymeric gel comprises a
polysaccharide.
42. The method of claim 41, wherein the polysaccharide has an
average molecular weight of 700 kDa or greater.
43. The method of claim 41, wherein the polysaccharide has an
average molecular weight of 1000 kDa or greater.
44. The method of claim 41, wherein at least two polysaccharides
are crosslinked through carboxylic acid groups.
45. The method of claim 41, wherein at least two polysaccharides
are crosslinked through hydroxyl groups.
46. The method of claim 40, wherein the active agent is released
from the polymeric gel upon degradation of the polymeric gel.
47. The method of claim 33, wherein the active agent is connected
to the chemical scaffold by covalent bonding.
48. The method of claim 33, wherein the active agent is ionically
coupled to the chemical scaffold.
49. The method of claim 30, wherein the flexible material is a
polymer.
50. The method of claim 49, wherein the polymer is selected from
one or more of a polyimide, polyvinylidene fluoride, silicone,
polytetrafluoroethylene, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene,
differential fluoropolymer, fluorinated ethylene propylene,
prolene/polyolefins, polypropylene, poly(methyl methacrylate),
acrylic, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polylactide,
parylene, nylon (polyamide), polyether ether ketone, polysulfone,
polyamideimides, polyether block amides, polyurethanes,
thermoplastic elastomers, and liquid crystal polymers.
51. The method of claim 30, wherein the flexible material is a
metal.
52. The method of claim 51, wherein the metal can be selected from
a list including nitinol, platinum, stainless steel, molybdenum,
gold, and combinations thereof.
53. The method of claim 30, wherein the flexible material is a
combination of metal and polymer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and is a divisional of
U.S. application Ser. No. 14/971,664, filed on Dec. 16, 2015, which
claims priority to and is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.
13/331,005, filed on Dec. 20, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,241,829,
the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The field of the present invention relates to systems and
methods for delivering an active agent in the eye. More
specifically, the field of the present invention relates to
implantable apparatuses, systems and methods for delivering an
active agent to the intraocular portion of the eye, such as over an
extended period of time.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Several ocular diseases and conditions can be treated
through the administration of active agents, such as
pharmaceuticals. For example, retinal diseases including diabetic
retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and macular
edema can be treated pharmacologically. Furthermore, conditions
related to ocular surgery, such as inflammation, infection, and the
like can be treated pharmacologically.
[0004] However, due to anatomical factors, it is very challenging
to deliver an effective concentration of a pharmacologically active
agent to interior portions of the eye, particularly when the
pharmacologically active substance needs to be administered over an
extended period of time.
[0005] Various methods have been developed for delivering an active
agent to the interior segments of the eye, but all have
disadvantages. One currently used method to treat intraocular
conditions is delivering the active agent topically to the cornea
or sclera. Topical drug delivery is disadvantageous for intraocular
portions of the eye, such as the posterior chamber, because the
drug must penetrate several layers of tissue before reaching the
target area.
[0006] Another method for intraocular delivery of an active agent
is transcleral delivery, in which the pharmacological agent is
introduced through the choroidal blood supply. Similar to topical
delivery, transcleral delivery requires that the active agent
penetrate several layers of tissue to reach target areas, such as
the retina. Furthermore, when treating locations such as the
retina, this and other systemic delivery methods must cross the
blood/retina barrier, which is disadvantageous because of the
relative impermeability of the blood-retina barrier.
[0007] The most typical currently-used method to apply a given
active agent to the interior of the eye is repeated intravitreal
injections. These repeated intravitreal injections are quite
uncomfortable for the patient, which leads, in part, to a decrease
in patient compliance. Moreover, repeated intravitreal injections
carry an increased risk of local side effects and complications,
such as corneal abrasions and infection. Attempts to develop
methods of avoiding intravitreal injections have also typically
presented significant disadvantages.
[0008] For example, U.S. Patent Application publication No.
2004/0133155, to Varner et al., discloses devices, such as scleral
plugs, for intraocular drug delivery that generally include a coil
shaped implant that is positioned in the posterior chamber of the
eye with a cap residing outside of the eye.
[0009] Further, U.S. Patent Application publication No.
2002/0188282, to Greenberg, discloses implantable drug delivery
devices that include an electrode array body in communication with
a drug reservoir positioned outside of the eye.
[0010] However, a particular disadvantage of drug delivery systems
having portions of the systems residing outside of the eye is
patient discomfort, and additional disadvantages include increased
risk of complications and side effects, such as infection.
[0011] Therefore, a need exists to develop alternative systems and
methods to deliver an active agent to the internal portions of the
eye, particularly when the biologically active agent needs to be
administered over an extended period of time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be understood with
reference to the detailed description in conjunction with the
accompanying figures, in which like numerals indicate like aspects,
and wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an eye with a cut
out of the top right corner;
[0014] FIG. 1B illustrates a cross section of the eye in FIG.
1A;
[0015] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of generally
cyclindrically shaped scaffold according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of generally
cyclindrically shaped scaffold having convex shaped walls according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2C illustrates a perspective view of a generally
cyclindrically shaped scaffold implanted into the vitreous
body;
[0018] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a generally ring
shaped scaffold according to an embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0019] FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of
generally ring shaped scaffolds implanted into the vitreous
body;
[0020] FIG. 3C illustrates a perspective view of a generally ring
shaped scaffold implanted into the capsular bag in conjunction with
an intraocular lens;
[0021] FIG. 3D illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of
generally ring shaped scaffolds implanted into the capsular
bag;
[0022] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a generally
helically shaped scaffold according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of a generally
helically shaped scaffold having a shape complimentary to the
vitreous body according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a generally
cylindrically shaped scaffold having a mesh structure according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of a generally
cylindrically shaped scaffold having a convex mesh structure
according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0026] FIG. 5C illustrates a perspective view of a generally
cylindrically shaped scaffold having a convex mesh structure
implanted into the vitreous body according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0027] FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of a generally
cylindrically shaped scaffold having a reservoir positioned within
the scaffold according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of a generally ring
shaped scaffold having a reservoir positioned within the scaffold
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 6C illustrates a perspective view of a generally
cylindrically shaped scaffold having a reservoir connected to the
exterior of the scaffold according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 6D illustrates a perspective view of a generally ring
shaped scaffold having a reservoir connected to the exterior of the
scaffold according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 6E illustrates a perspective view of a generally
cylindrically shaped scaffold having a plurality of independent
reservoirs according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a generally
cylindrically shaped scaffold implanted in the vitreous body and
including an insertion point to allow the reservoir to be filled
and/or refilled according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of a generally
cylindrically shaped scaffold having a plurality of apertures to
allow the release of the active agent from the reservoir according
to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0034] FIG. 8B illustrates a perspective view of a generally
cylindrically shaped scaffold having a plurality of apertures
implanted into the vitreous body according to an embodiment of the
invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The present invention is and includes at least an apparatus,
system and method for, and for providing, intraocular delivery of
an active agent. A system in accordance with the present invention
may include an implantable scaffold and an active agent associated
with the implantable scaffold. In certain exemplary embodiments,
the implantable scaffold and the active agent may be configured to
be completely contained within the eye upon implantation. In
certain exemplary embodiments, the implantable scaffold may be a
mechanical scaffold. In other exemplary embodiments, the
implantable scaffold may be a chemical scaffold which provides a
platform for drug delivery without mechanical interaction with
ocular tissues.
[0036] An apparatus according to the present invention may be or
include an implantable scaffold suitable for intraocular delivery
of at least one active agent. The implantable scaffold may include
at least one physical vehicle suitable for intraocular
implantation, and at least one physical association of the active
agent with the at least one physical vehicle. The at least one
physical association may include, for example, the physical vehicle
exerting physical influence over the active agent, being physically
and/or chemically contacted with or bonded to the agent, having a
certain releasability of the agent upon physical/chemical decay, or
the like. The physical association may be suitable for intraocular
delivery of the active agent by the at least one physical vehicle
upon the intraocular implantation of at least the physical vehicle,
the physical association, and the active agent.
[0037] A method of providing intraocular delivery of an active
agent according to the present invention may include providing a
scaffold suitable for intraocular implantation, associating the
active agent with the scaffold, and providing for the delivery of
the active agent from the scaffold following the intraocular
implantation. In accordance with the method, the active agent may
be delivered solely intraocularly following intraocular
implantation. Further, the associating may be a mechanical
associating, or a chemical associating.
[0038] Thus, the present invention provides at least an apparatus,
system and method to deliver an active agent to the internal
portions of the eye, particularly when the biologically active
agent is to be administered over an extended period of time. These
and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent
to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description
of the invention and the accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0039] It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of
the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements
that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present
invention, while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity and
brevity, many other elements found in typical drug delivery
apparatuses, systems and methods. Those of ordinary skill in the
art may thus recognize that other elements and/or steps are
desirable and/or required in implementing the present invention.
However, because such elements and steps are well known in the art,
and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the
present invention, a discussion of such elements and steps is not
provided herein. The disclosure herein is directed to all such
variations and modifications to the disclosed elements and methods
known to those skilled in the art.
[0040] "Scaffold," as used herein, refers at least to any material
that provides a physical vehicle having the principal purpose of
delivering a pharmacologically active agent into the interior
portions of the eye, and that provides such a vehicle for at least
substantially complete implantation into the eye.
[0041] "Mechanical Scaffold," as used herein, refers to a scaffold
in which at least a portion of the scaffold is used for the purpose
of delivering an active agent, and in which at least a portion of
the scaffold is independent from the active agent. A mechanical
scaffold may impart or otherwise define a physical dimension that
is independent of the active agent.
[0042] "Chemical Scaffold," as used herein, refers to a scaffold
for which the physicality of the scaffold may be substantially
formed of aspects of the active agent to be delivered. For example,
a chemical scaffold may include a scaffold where at least a portion
of the scaffold chemically interacts with an active agent.
[0043] It is to be understood that a scaffold may be both a
mechanical and a chemical scaffold and may also change principally
from a chemical scaffold to a mechanical scaffold or vice versa at
a given point in time after implantation.
[0044] "Polysaccharide," as used herein, refers to a polymer of
more than two monosaccharide molecules, of which the
monosaccharides can be identical or different.
I. Anatomy of the Eye
[0045] The apparatuses, systems and methods described herein may be
better understood with a background discussion on the anatomy of
the eye. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, FIG. 1A illustrates a
perspective view of an eye 10, with a cut out of the top right
corner for illustrative purposes. FIG. 1B is a cross section of eye
in FIG. 1A, taken down the middle of the eye. As illustrated in
both FIGS. 1A and 1B, the eye 10 may be conceptualized as a fluid
filled ball having two chambers, a posterior chamber 12 and an
anterior chamber 14. The sclera 16 surrounds the posterior chamber
12. In the posterior chamber 12 is the vitreous body 17, which is
filled with a viscous fluid known as vitreous humor. The cornea 18
encloses the anterior chamber 14, which is filled with a fluid
known as aqueous humor. The cornea 18 meets the sclera 16 at the
limbus 20. Located between the anterior 14 and the posterior
chamber 12 is the capsular bag 22. The capsular bag 22 is connected
to an annular ciliary muscle 24 by suspensory ligaments, or
zonules, 26. The capsular bag 22 contains a crystalline lens which
transmits light passing through the orifice of the iris 30 to the
retina 32. The retina 32 surrounds the majority of the posterior
chamber 12. At the rear of the posterior chamber 12 is the optic
nerve 34.
II. The Scaffold
[0046] Certain embodiments of the present invention include a
system for intraocular delivery of a pharmacologically active agent
(also referred to herein as "active agent") comprising a scaffold
and an active agent. In particular exemplary embodiments of the
present invention, the scaffold may at least partially comprise the
active agent, and in other exemplary embodiments the scaffold may
be distinct from the active agent.
[0047] The scaffold described herein is preferably configured for
at least substantial insertion into the intraocular segments of the
eye. The scaffold may be a mechanical or a chemical scaffold, or a
combination thereof. In certain embodiments more than one scaffold
may be positioned in multiple locations within the eye. Multiple
scaffolds may be used to treat more than one condition, or the
multiple scaffolds can treat a single condition by delivering one
or more, potentially different, active agents. When more than one
scaffold is used, the scaffolds may be the same or different.
1. Mechanical Scaffold
Brief Description of the Mechanical Scaffold
[0048] A mechanical scaffold may be formed into any number of
different shapes. It is to be appreciated that the particular shape
of the mechanical scaffold may be optimized according to the
particular placement within the eye, for the convenience of
implantation into the eye, or for like reasons. Irrespective of the
shape the mechanical scaffold takes, the mechanical scaffold should
not interfere with the visual axis of the eye after implantation.
For example, the mechanical scaffold may provide sufficient
structure to keep the drug delivery system from interfering with
the visual axis. However, if the mechanical scaffold is configured
such that light is not distorted when passing through at least a
portion of the mechanical scaffold, the mechanical scaffold may be
positioned so that at least part of the visual axis may pass
through the non-distorting portion of the mechanical scaffold.
[0049] FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a delivery system that
includes a generally cylindrically shaped mechanical scaffold 102.
For example, such a generally cylindrical shape may be useful when
the delivery system is to be implanted into the vitreous body,
which is generally spherical. In some embodiments, and as more
particularly illustrated in FIG. 2B, the walls 104 of a generally
cylindrically shaped mechanical scaffold 102 may have a convex
shape so as to compliment the concave shape of an interior chamber
of the eye, such as the vitreous body. It is to be understood that
the degree of curvature of the walls 104 of a generally cylindrical
scaffold may be optimized to compliment the dimensions of the
desired location of implantation. FIG. 2C is a perspective view of
an eye illustrating a generally cylindrical mechanical scaffold 102
after implantation into the vitreous body 106.
[0050] The height of the walls 104 of a generally cylindrical
mechanical scaffold may be optimized depending on the particular
chamber of the eye that the mechanical scaffold is to be implanted,
and/or depending upon the implantation location or methodology, for
example. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the height of the walls
of a generally cylindrical mechanical scaffold may be 1 to 18 mm,
by way of non-limiting example.
[0051] In certain exemplary embodiments and as particularly
illustrated in FIG. 3A, the delivery system may include a generally
ring shaped mechanical scaffold 108. Similar to the embodiments
described above, a generally ring shaped mechanical scaffold may be
useful when the delivery system is to be implanted into the
vitreous body. For example, FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view
of an eye that includes a plurality of generally ring shaped
mechanical scaffolds 108 implanted into the vitreous body 106. In
other embodiments, a generally ring shaped mechanical scaffold may
be useful wherein the delivery system is to be implanted within the
capsular bag. For example, FIG. 3C illustrates a perspective view
of an exemplary embodiment wherein a generally ring shaped
mechanical 108 scaffold is implanted surrounding an IOL 110 in the
capsular bag. FIG. 3D illustrates a cross section view of a
capsular bag in which an upper generally ring shaped mechanical
scaffold 112 and a lower generally ring shaped mechanical scaffold
114 are positioned above and below the haptics 116 of an IOL 110,
respectively.
[0052] The exact dimensions of a generally ring shaped scaffold may
be optimized depending on the particular segment of the eye that
the mechanical scaffold is to be implanted, the age of the patient
and thus the overall size of the eye, and/or depending upon the
implantation location or methodology, for example. Further, the
dimensions of a scaffold as discussed herein may be dependent on
the type or amount of active agent to be delivered, and to which
location(s) of the eye the delivery is to occur. It is to be
understood that the scaffold may take any form, size, or shape to
accommodate any portion of any eye. In some particular embodiments,
the outside diameter of a generally ring shaped mechanical scaffold
may be 22 to 24 mm, by way of non-limiting example.
[0053] In further embodiments, and as more particularly illustrated
in FIG. 4A, the delivery system may include a generally helical
shaped mechanical scaffold 118 after implantation into the eye. In
such embodiments, the mechanical scaffold may initially be formed
into a tubular shape that may subsequently form the generally
helical shape after implantation, such as wherein a tubular shaped
scaffold is wrapped around the interior wall of the desired segment
of the eye. In some embodiments, and as particularly illustrated in
FIG. 4B, the generally helical shaped scaffold 118 may be formed so
as to compliment an interior segment of the eye, such as the
vitreous body 106.
[0054] In the embodiments illustrated above, the mechanical
scaffold is shown as having a solid structure. However, it is to be
understood that any structure or shape may be employed. For
example, in certain exemplary embodiments, and as particularly
illustrated in FIG. 5A, the mechanical scaffold 120 may have a cage
or mesh like structure 122. Similar to embodiments discussed above,
the walls of a cage or mesh like structure may complement the shape
of the desired area of implantation, such as, for example, a convex
shape. FIG. 5C illustrates a cage or mesh like structured scaffold
122 implanted into the vitreous body 106. The cage or mesh like
structure 122 may be advantageous in certain embodiments, for
example, when implanted into the vitreous body 106, at least
because, in such an embodiment, a smaller amount of surface area of
the mechanical scaffold would make contact with and potentially
exert pressure on the retina 124.
[0055] The mechanical scaffold may be constructed from any material
that can be safely implanted into the eye. For example, the
mechanical scaffold may be constructed from a polymer, a metal,
ceramics, or a combination thereof. By way of more particular
example, the mechanical scaffold may be constructed from materials
including, but not limited to, nitinol, polyimide, platinum,
stainless steel, molybdenum, gold, polyvinylidene fluoride,
silicone, polytetrafluoroethylene, expanded
polytetrafluoroethylene, differential fluoropolymer, fluorinated
ethylene propylene, prolene/polyolefins, polypropylene, poly(methyl
methacrylate), acrylic, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene,
polylactide, parylene, nylon (polyamide), polyether ether ketone,
polysulfone, polyamideimides, polyether block amides,
polyurethanes, thermoplastic elastomers (such as Kraton), liquid
crystal polymers, and combinations thereof.
[0056] In some embodiments, the mechanical scaffold may be made
from a material that is sufficiently flexible so that it can be
bent, folded, and/or compressed for insertion in the eye.
Consequently, only a small incision (relative to the size of the
mechanical scaffold) would be needed to implant the mechanical
scaffold. However, in any such embodiment, the pressure limitations
of a properly functional eye must not be exceeded.
[0057] In certain embodiments, the mechanical scaffold may be made
from a material that self-expands and/or has shape memory after
implantation into the eye. For example, an exemplary material which
can self-expand or have shape memory after implantation into the
eye includes, but is not limited to, nitinol. However, in any such
embodiment, the pressure limitations of a properly functional eye
must not be exceeded.
[0058] In certain embodiments, the scaffold may be made from a
material that is capable of being physically expanded and retaining
its expanded shape. Suitable materials, which may be physically
expanded and able to retain their expanded shape, include but are
not limited to, polymers and metals. However, in any such
embodiment, the pressure limitations of a properly functional eye
must not be exceeded.
[0059] In certain embodiments, at least the portion of the
mechanical scaffold which contacts the body may be made from a
material that is bioabsorbable, i.e., capable of being absorbed
into the body after implantation. For example, materials which can
be absorbed into the body include, but are not limited to,
polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), and/or copolymers
thereof. The rate at which the scaffold is absorbed into the body
may be optimized by methods known to the skilled artisan. For
example, in some embodiments the delivery system may further
include an inhibitor or accelerator that may change the rate at
which a bioabsorbable material would otherwise degrade. As an
additional example, the drug delivery system may further include an
inhibitor or accelerator to bioabsorability that may be configured
to be released or activated after there is no further need for the
intraocular delivery of drugs.
[0060] In alternate embodiments, the mechanical scaffold may not be
bioabsorbable. In such embodiments, the mechanical scaffold may be
a permanent implant into the eye, or may be configured such that it
may be removed from the eye, dissolved in the eye, or the like,
such as after implantation and/or service of purpose. For example,
in some embodiments, the mechanical scaffold may be constructed
from a material that will degrade only when contacted with a
particular compound. The particular compound may then be contacted
with mechanical scaffold while still in the eye, such as by
injection, absorption, or the like, preferably after intraocular
active agent delivery is no longer needed.
[0061] In certain embodiments, the mechanical scaffold may include
a reservoir. As used herein, a reservoir means any structure that
can releasably contain an active agent. In some embodiments, and as
more particularly shown in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 6A
and 6B, the reservoir may be contained at least partially within,
substantially within, or entirely outside the mechanical scaffold.
FIG. 6A-6B illustrates a generally cylindrically shaped mechanical
scaffold 128 and a generally ring shaped scaffold, respectively,
that include a reservoir 126 contained within the mechanical
scaffold. In other exemplary embodiments, and as particularly
illustrated in FIGS. 6C and 6D, the reservoir 126 may be a separate
element that may be connected to the mechanical scaffold 128. It is
to be understood that the exact selection of the placement and area
of formation of the reservoir in relation to the scaffold may be
dependent upon a number of factors, including the desired location
of implantation, the methodology of implantation, and/or the
localized or overall pressure considerations in relation to the
eye, for example.
[0062] It is to be further understood that in the exemplary
embodiments described herein, the reservoir may be made from the
same or a different material than the mechanical scaffold. For
example, in particular embodiments the reservoir may be made from a
flexible material of which the volume may be expanded when filled
with the active agent. In other words, in certain embodiments the
reservoir may be inflatable.
[0063] It is to be understood that there may be one or more
reservoir(s) with one or more scaffold(s). For example, FIG. 6E
illustrates a mechanical scaffold 130 having three separate
reservoirs 132. The reservoirs 132 may be entirely separated, as
illustrated, or one reservoir may be configured to include discrete
zones which are separated from each other, for example, by
partitions 134.
[0064] The position of the reservoir(s) within the scaffold and
subsequently within the eye may be selected so as to deliver the
active agent in close proximity to the desired area of treatment,
or proximate to, or predeterminately remote from, any location
which is to be effectuated by the desired release profile of the
active agent. For example, as understood by the skilled artisan,
fluids inside the vitreous body may exhibit a patterned flow.
Therefore, it may be desirable to locate the reservoir in a
position away from the desired area of treatment so that the active
agent can migrate to the desired area of treatment through the
patterned flow of the fluids.
[0065] In certain exemplary embodiments, the one or more
reservoir(s) may be configured to hold one or more active agents.
For example, in embodiments in which more than one reservoir is
used, each reservoir may contain the same or different active
agents. It is to be understood that the exact number, contents, and
location of the reservoir may be optimized depending upon the
implantation location, methodology, intended effects, or pressure
limitations of the eye, for example.
[0066] In certain embodiments, the reservoir may be configured to
be filled and/or refilled after implantation into the eye. For
example, FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein the
scaffold 136 includes an insertion port 138 that enables the
reservoir 140 to be filled or refilled through an injection during
and/or after implantation into the eye. In certain embodiments, the
insertion port may be located such that it may be readily accessed
through the same injection site used to implant the drug delivery
system. For example, when the drug delivery system is to be
inserted in the posterior chamber of the eye, the location of the
insertion port may be such that the insertion port can be accessed
through an injection beginning in the pars plana. In such
embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the insertion port may be
located on the wall of the reservoir that is closest to the visual
axis. Additionally and/or alternatively, an insertion point may be
located on the wall of the reservoir that is closest to the
interior wall of the posterior chamber. It should be appreciated
that the exact location of the insertion port may be optimized
based on the particular location of implantation and orientation of
the delivery system.
[0067] In certain embodiments, the reservoir may be positioned
outside of the eye and held in place, for example, by a suture. In
such embodiments, the reservoir may be in fluid communication with
the scaffold and/or an interior positioned reservoir. The fluid
communication may be effected, for example, with a transscleral
tube. In such embodiments, the external reservoir may continuously
provide additional active agent to the scaffold and/or the interior
reservoir, and/or may be at least partially activated through an
external pressure, such as lightly pressing on the external
reservoir.
[0068] In certain exemplary embodiments, particularly embodiments
employing a reservoir, the reservoir or active agent-infused
scaffold may be at least partially empty, or lacking at least one
desired active agent, prior to insertion into the eye, and may be
filled by the surgeon either before or after the scaffold is
positioned in the desired location.
[0069] In certain embodiments, the scaffold and/or reservoir may
further include one or more caps. The cap may be a particular
segment of the scaffold and/or reservoir or may be an additional
component. For example, in certain embodiments, the scaffold and/or
reservoir may be constructed with one or more apertures as
described above which are plugged with caps. The caps may be
installed with the scaffold prior to implantation, or in some
embodiments, the cap may be installed, for example, in the
insertion port after filling the scaffold/and or reservoir with an
active agent.
[0070] In certain embodiments, the one or more caps may be
configured to have a thickness and/or density that allows an active
agent to diffuse through the cap and be released into the eye. It
is to be understood that the exact size, thickness, and/or density
of the cap may be selected to achieve the desired elution
profile.
[0071] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the one or more
caps may be made from a material that is capable of degrading over
time such that a small aperture may be formed thereby allowing an
active agent to be initially released through the cap at a desired
point in time after implantation. The size of the aperture may
continue to increase while the cap is continuing to degrade such
that the active agent may be release in larger quantities and/or in
a faster time. In particular embodiments, the one or more caps may
have varying thicknesses such that varying elution profiles may be
obtained. For example, a first cap may have a smaller thickness
and/or density than a second cap, such that an active agent is
first released through the first cap.
[0072] In certain embodiments, for example, the cap may be made
from any material that the scaffold and/or reservoir may be made
from. In particular embodiments, the cap may be constructed from a
polymer such as polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA),
and/or copolymers thereof, for example.
[0073] It is to be understood that any combination of materials,
thicknesses, quantity, and density of the one or more caps may be
used to obtain the desired elution profile.
Release of the Active Agent from a Mechanical Scaffold
[0074] In addition to the scaffold, the drug delivery systems and
methods disclosed herein further include an active agent. The
active agent may be connected to and/or contained within the
mechanical scaffold and/or the reservoir (if present). The scaffold
and/or the reservoir may be configured to release the active agent
substantially as a single dose, or more preferably over a desired
period of time. The active agent may be released from the scaffold
and/or the reservoir in a number of ways, including, but not
limited to: a plurality of apertures; diffusion of the active
agent; degradation of the scaffold and/or reservoir having an
active agent connected thereto; degradation of a coating having an
active agent connected thereto; or a combination thereof.
[0075] As illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the scaffold and/or the
reservoir 144 may contain a plurality of apertures 142 that allow
the active agent to be released from the scaffold and/or the
reservoir 144. The size and position of the plurality of apertures
142 may be selected so as to control the rate of release the
particular active agent in desired areas. Those skilled in the
pertinent arts will appreciate, in light of the discussion herein,
that the aperture size, which may be correspondent to the rate of
release, may be fixed following implantation, or may be modified
after implantation, such as upon increase in the aperture size in
accordance with, for example, a degradation rate of the scaffold,
or upon decrease of the aperture size responsive to, for example,
pressure exerted by forces within the eye upon the scaffold.
[0076] The particular shape, quantity, and pattern of the apertures
may be selected based on a number of factors including, but not
limited to, 1) the desired rate of release of the active agent, 2)
the molecular size of the active agent, 3) the location to be
targeted for treatment, etc. In certain embodiments, an exemplary
diameter of the apertures may be from 1 to 8 nm, by way of
non-limiting example.
[0077] The apertures may be created in the scaffold by any method
known to the skilled artisan. For example, the apertures may be
created by etching, machining, nano-machining, or micro-machining,
or in any like manner. Additionally, it may be preferable that, in
such aperture-based embodiments, reservoir-based embodiments,
and/or like embodiments in which the active agent is released, the
scaffold and/or the reservoir be filled with the active agent prior
to implantation of the scaffold.
[0078] In certain embodiments, and as discussed above, at least a
portion of the scaffold and/or reservoir may be made from a
material which degrades over time. In such embodiments, the active
agent may be attached to the scaffold and/or reservoir by any
method. For example, the active agent may be attached to the
scaffold and/or reservoir by covalent bonding, ionic bonding,
hydrogen bonding, van der waal forces, or combinations thereof. In
particular embodiments, covalent bonding, ionic bonding, and/or
hydrogen bonding may be further enhanced by van der waal forces. By
having the active agent connected to the scaffold and/or reservoir,
degradation of the scaffold and/or reservoir releases the active
agent. The rate of release of the active agent may then be tied to
the rate of degradation of the scaffold and/or the reservoir.
[0079] Similar to above, the drug delivery system may include a
coating which comprises the active agent. The coating may be
applied to the scaffold and/or the reservoir. The coating may be
any composition that releasably contains an active agent. Similar
to above, the degradation of the coating may control the rate of
release of the active agent.
[0080] In certain embodiments, the scaffold and/or the reservoir
may be configured so that the active agent may diffuse through the
scaffold and/or the reservoir. For example, the scaffold and/or
reservoir may be constructed from a cross-linked network of
polymers. The level of cross-linking may be configured to achieve a
desired structure of the polymers that allow an active agent of a
particular molecular size to diffuse through the cross-linked
network of polymers.
[0081] The rate of release of the active agent may be optimized
based on the particular condition to be treated and the desired
length of time that treatment is desired. The particular release or
elution profile for a particular active agent may be chosen so as
to obtain a desired therapeutic result. For example, the release
profile may be selected such that an initial active agent may be
released for one to two days followed by an active agent that is
released over a period of months to years. For example, in
aperture-based embodiments, it is to be understood that the
placement and size of the apertures can be varied to control the
release profile of an active agent. A particular advantage of
certain embodiments is the ability for the delivery systems to
provide sustained release for an extended period of time, such as a
number of years. In some embodiments, the delivery system may be
refilled periodically to extend the release profile of the active
agent.
[0082] In exemplary embodiments, at least a partial release of the
active agent may be affected by movement of various structures
within the eye. For example, if the delivery system is implanted
into the lens capsule, a flexible scaffold having a reservoir with
apertures may use the natural movement of the zonules of the eye to
essentially act as a pump, so as to provide brief, periodic
increases in pressure within the scaffold and/or reservoir, thereby
releasing a greater amount of the active agent during such brief,
periodic instances.
[0083] In certain embodiments, the release of the active agent may
be responsive to the existent, level or severity of a condition or
disease within the eye, i.e., the release amount or schedule may be
part of a bio-feedback loop. For example, the scaffold may be
configured to release a larger amount of an active substance in
response to a condition within the eye, such as glaucoma, which
increases intraocular pressure. This could be accomplished, for
example, by having a reservoir and/or the scaffold constructed from
a flexible material. In this way, external pressure created by
inflammation causes a squeezing of the reservoir, thereby causing
the active agent to be released through the apertures at an
increased rate. Another example of having the release of the active
agent be responsive to a condition within the eye could be having
the scaffold configured to degrade at an increased rate in the
presence of a compound that corresponds to a condition or disease
of the eye.
[0084] In addition to the rate of release of the active agent from
the scaffold and/or reservoir, the delivery systems described
herein may include a filter that at least partially covers the
trebecular area. The filter may be configured to at least partially
block a particular active agent from entering the trebecular area.
The trebecular area is the natural irrigation route for fluid in
the eye. By at least partially covering the trebecular area with a
filter, the active agent that is released from the scaffold and/or
reservoir may have a longer time to come into intimate contact with
the desired area(s) of treatment, thereby further increasing the
release profile and the success of treatment.
2. Chemical Scaffold
[0085] Certain embodiments of the present invention include a
system for intraocular delivery of an active agent comprising a
chemical scaffold having an active agent.
[0086] In certain embodiments, the chemical scaffold may be a
composition comprising a biodegradable polymer, such that the
composition does not have to be removed after the active agent is
depleted. Examples of suitable specific classes of biodegradable
polymers include, e.g., polylactides, polyglycolides,
polycaprolactones, polyanhydrides, polyamines, polyurethanes,
polyesteramides, polyorthoesters, polydioxanones, polyacetals,
polyketals, polycarbonates, polyorthocarbonates, polyphosphazenes,
succinates, poly(malic acid), poly(amino acids),
polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, polyhydroxycellulose,
polysaccharides, chitin, chitosan, and copolymers, block
copolymers, multi-block co-polymers, multi-block co-polymers with
polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyols, terpolymers and mixtures
thereof. In exemplary embodiments, the biodegradable polymer may be
a polysaccharide.
[0087] Suitable polysaccharides include a natural biodegradable
polysaccharide, which refers to a non-synthetic polysaccharide that
is capable of being enzymatically degraded. Natural biodegradable
polysaccharides include polysaccharide and/or polysaccharide
derivatives that are obtained from natural sources, such as plants
or animals. Natural biodegradable polysaccharides include any
polysaccharide that has been processed or modified from a natural
biodegradable polysaccharide (for example, maltodextrin is a
natural biodegradable polysaccharide that is processed from
starch). Exemplary natural biodegradable polysaccharides include
maltodextrin, amylose, cyclodextrin, polyalditol, hyaluronic acid,
dextran, heparin, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, heparan
sulfate, keratan sulfate, dextran, dextran sulfate, pentosan
polysulfate, and chitosan. Particularly suitable biodegradable
polysaccharides include hyaluronic acid. The natural biodegradable
polysaccharide can be branched, a substantially non-branched or
completely non-branched polysaccharide. In certain embodiments the
biodegradable polymer contains functional side groups. For example,
the biodegradable polymer may contain carboxylic acid groups,
hydroxyl groups, or a combination thereof.
[0088] Hyaluronic acid ("HA") is a polysaccharide made by various
body tissues. U.S. Pat. No. 5,166,331 discusses purification of
different fractions of hyaluronic acid for use as a substitute for
intraocular fluids and as a topical ophthalmic drug carrier. Other
U.S. patent applications which discuss ocular uses of hyaluronic
acid include Ser. Nos. 11/859,627; 11/952,927; 10/966,764;
11/741,366; and Ser. No. 11/039,192.
[0089] The biodegradable polymer can be present in the composition
in any suitable and effective amount. In some embodiments, the
particular amount of biodegradable polymer is selected to achieve
the desired release profile. For example, a lower amount of the
biodegradable polymer may release an active agent for a shorter
period of time, such as one to two days, while a higher amount of
biodegradable polymer may release an active agent for a longer
period of time, such as one to two years.
[0090] In an embodiment, the composition may be a homogenous or
heterogeneous suspension, such that the active agent is dispersed
(i.e., undissolved, unsolubilized and/or suspended) throughout the
composition. In one embodiment, a viscous gel can be formed from
the polymer. In another embodiment, a viscous gel can be formed
upon cooling the polymer. In other embodiments, the polymer forms a
composition that is not gelled.
[0091] The composition can have a viscosity of, for example, less
than 5000 cP at room temperature. Although viscous, the composition
can be formulated as an injectable delivery system, through a
needle. As such, the composition can be flowable and can be
formulated for injection through, e.g., a 25 gauge needle, or a
higher gauge needle (e.g., a 30 gauge needle). It is to be
understood that the viscosity of the composition can be increased
after injection into the desired intraocular segment. The volume of
the delivery system can be selected depending on the available
volume in the desired area of implantation. For example, suitable
injection volumes can be about 10 .mu.L to about 100 .mu.L, or
about 0.01 mL to about 2.0 mL.
[0092] In certain embodiments, the chemical scaffold may be a
hydrogel or a colloidal gel formed as a dispersion in water, or in
other aqueous medium, or mixed with a suitable solvent.
Additionally, in certain exemplary embodiments, the biodegradable
polymer may have an average molecular weight (pre-cross-linking) of
about 700 kDa or greater, and more particularly 1000 kDa or
greater, by way of non-limiting example.
[0093] The biodegradable polymer material may be cross-linked so as
to give the composition a desired level of dimensional stability.
For example, the level of cross-linking may be selected so as to
achieve the desired level of gelation or viscosity. In certain
embodiments, for example wherein the biodegradable polymer contains
functional side groups, the biodegradable polymer may be
cross-linked through carboxylic acid groups, hydroxyl groups, or a
combination thereof, for example. In embodiments wherein the
biodegradable polymeris cross-linked through carboxylic acid
groups, the polymeric gel may be cross-linked with aziridine
cross-linkers, carbodiimide cross-linkers, by esterification with
hydroxyl groups, or a combination thereof, for example. In
embodiments wherein the biodegradable polymeris cross-linked
through hydroxyl groups, cross-linking may occur through
esterification with carboxyls. The biodegradable polymer may be
cross-linked prior to implantation or may be cross-linked
in-vivo.
[0094] The chemical scaffold described herein comprises an active
agent that is associated with the chemical scaffold. In certain
embodiments, the active agent may be connected, physically or
chemically, and directly or indirectly, to the chemical scaffold.
For example, the active agent may be connected to the chemical
scaffold so as to release the biologically active agent as a
substantially single dose, or over an extended length of time.
[0095] In certain embodiments, the active agent may be connected to
the chemical scaffold by covalent bonding, ionic coupling, hydrogen
boding, van der waals forces, or a combination thereof. In
particular embodiments wherein release of the active agent occurs
through hydrolytic degradation, the active agent is connected to
the chemical scaffold by covalent bonding. In other embodiments
wherein a pH sensitive release of the active agent is desired, the
active agent may be connected to the chemical scaffold by ionic
coupling.
[0096] Various factors, such as the mechanical strength, swelling
behavior, capacity to undergo hydrolysis, and the like may affect
release rates of the active agent, as is known in the art. The
chemical scaffold can be engineered and specifically designed
and/or selected to provide the desired biodegradation rate and
release profile of the active agent for a selected duration. The
rate of release may be manipulated, such as by adjusting features
of the scaffold like, changing the ratio of components of the
scaffold material, adjusting the level of cross-linking, level of
drug loading, etc.
III. The Active Agent
[0097] In addition to the scaffold, the intraocular drug delivery
systems and methods discussed herein further include an active
agent.
1. Examples of Active Agents
[0098] Virtually any type of active agent may be used with the drug
delivery apparatuses, systems and methods described herein. For
example, possible active agents include, but are not limited to,
cytokines, growth factors, proteins, peptides or peptidomimetics,
bioactive agents, photosensitizing agents, radionuclides, toxins,
anti-metabolites, signaling modulators, anti-cancer antibiotics,
anti-cancer antibodies, angiogenesis inhibitors, radiation therapy,
chemotherapeutic compounds, anti-infective agent, an anesthetic
agent, an anti-VEGF agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, an
intraocular pressure reducing agent, or a combination thereof.
[0099] A variety of therapeutic agents can be delivered using the
drug delivery systems described herein, including: anesthetics,
analgesics, cell transport/mobility impending agents such as
colchicine, vincristine, cytochalasin B and related compounds;
antiglaucoma drugs including beta-blockers such as timolol,
betaxolol, atenolol, and prostaglandins, lipid-receptor agonists or
prostaglandin analogues such as bimatoprost, travoprost,
latanoprost, unoprostone etc; alpha-adrenergic agonists,
brimonidine or dipivefrine, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as
acetazolamide, methazolamide, dichlorphenamide, diamox; and
neuroprotectants such as nimodipine and related compounds.
[0100] Additional examples include antibiotics such as
tetracycline, chlortetracycline, bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin,
gramicidin, oxytetracycline, chloramphenicol, gentamycin, and
erythromycin; antibacterials such as sulfonamides, sulfacetamide,
sulfamethizole and sulfisoxazole; anti-fungal agents such as
fluconazole, nitrofurazone, amphotericin B, ketoconazole, and
related compounds; anti-viral agents such as trifluorothymidine,
acyclovir, ganciclovir, DDI, AZT, foscamet, vidarabine,
trifluorouridine, idoxuridine, ribavirin, protease inhibitors and
anti-cytomegalovirus agents; antiallergenics such as methapyriline;
chlorpheniramine, pyrilamine and prophenpyridamine;
anti-inflammatories such as hydrocortisone, dexamethasone,
fluocinolone, prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone,
fluorometholone, betamethasone and triamcinolone; decongestants
such as phenylephrine, naphazoline, and tetrahydrazoline; miotics,
muscarinics and anti-cholinesterases such as pilocarpine,
carbachol, di-isopropyl fluorophosphate, phospholine iodine, and
demecarium bromide; mydriatics such as atropine sulfate,
cyclopentolate, homatropine, scopolamine, tropicamide, eucatropine;
sympathomimetics such as epinephrine and vasoconstrictors and
vasodilators; Ranibizumab, Bevacizamab, and Triamcinolone.
[0101] Anti-inflammatories, such as non-steroidal
anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), may also be delivered, such as
cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) inhibitors (e.g., acetylsalicylic acid,
for example ASPIRIN from Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany; ibuprofen,
for example ADVIL from Wyeth, Collegeville, Pa.; indomethacin;
mefenamic acid), COX-2 inhibitors (CELEBREX from Pharmacia Corp.,
Peapack, N.J.; COX-1 inhibitors), including a prodrug NEPAFENAC;
immunosuppressive agents, for example Sirolimus (RAPAMUNE, from
Wyeth, Collegeville, Pa.), or matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)
inhibitors (e.g., tetracycline and tetracycline derivatives) that
act early within the pathways of an inflammatory response.
Anticlotting agents, such as heparin, antifibrinogen, fibrinolysin,
anti clotting activase, for example, may also be delivered.
[0102] Antidiabetic agents that may be delivered include
acetohexamide, chlorpropamide, glipizide, glyburide, tolazamide,
tolbutamide, insulin, aldose reductase inhibitors, for example.
Some examples of anti-cancer agents include 5-fluorouracil,
adriamycin, asparaginase, azacitidine, azathioprine, bleomycin,
busulfan, carboplatin, carmustine, chlorambucil, cisplatin,
cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, cytarabine, dacarbazine,
dactinomycin, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, estramustine, etoposide,
etretinate, filgrastin, floxuridine, fludarabine, fluorouracil,
fluoxymesterone, flutamide, goserelin, hydroxyurea, ifosfamide,
leuprolide, levamisole, lomustine, nitrogen mustard, melphalan,
mercaptopurine, methotrexate, mitomycin, mitotane, pentostatin,
pipobroman, plicamycin, procarbazine, sargramostin, streptozocin,
tamoxifen, taxol, teniposide, thioguanine, uracil mustard,
vinblastine, vincristine and vindesine.
[0103] Hormones, peptides, steroids, nucleic acids, saccharides,
lipids, glycolipids, glycoproteins, and other macromolecules may be
delivered. Examples include: endocrine hormones such as pituitary,
insulin, insulin-related growth factor, thyroid, growth hormones;
heat shock proteins; immunological response modifiers such as
muramyl dipeptide, cyclosporins, interferons (including a, a, and a
interferons), interleukin-2, cytokines, FK506 (an
epoxy-pyrido-oxaazcyclotricosine-tetrone, also known as
Tacrolimus), tumor necrosis factor, pentostatin, thymopentin,
transforming factor beta2, erythropoetin; antineogenesis proteins
(e.g., anti-VEGF, Interferons), among others and anticlotting
agents including anticlotting activase. Further examples of
macromolecules that may be delivered include monoclonal antibodies,
brain nerve growth factor (BNGF), ciliary nerve growth factor
(CNGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and monoclonal
antibodies directed against such growth factors. Additional
examples of immunomodulators include tumor necrosis factor
inhibitors such as thalidomide.
[0104] In addition, nucleic acids may also be delivered, wherein
the nucleic acid may be expressed to produce a protein that may
have a variety of pharmacological, physiological or immunological
activities.
[0105] By way of non-limiting example, other possible active agents
include anti-coagulant, an anti-proliferative, imidazole
antiproliferative agent, a quinoxaline, a phsophonylmethoxyalkyl
nucleotide analog, a potassium channel blocker, and/or a synthetic
oligonucleotide,
5-[1-hydroxy-2-[2-(2-methoxyphenoxyl)ethylamino]ethyl]-2-methylbenzenesul-
-fonamide, a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, such as methylene blue,
butylated hydroxyanisole, and/or N-methylhydroxylamine,
2-(4-methylaminobutoxy) diphenylmethane, apraclonidine, a
cloprostenol analog or a fluprostenol analog, a crosslinked
carboxy-containing polymer, a sugar, and water, a non-corneotoxic
serine-threonine kinase inhibitor, a nonsteroidal glucocorticoid
antagonist, miotics (e.g., pilocarpine, carbachol, and
acetylcholinesterase inhibitors), sympathomimetics (e.g.,
epinephrine and dipivalylepinephxine), beta-blockers (e.g.,
betaxolol, levobunolol and timolol), carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
(e.g., acetazolamide, methazolamide and ethoxzolamide), and
prostaglandins (e.g., metabolite derivatives of arachidonic acid,
or any combination thereof.
[0106] Additional examples of beneficial drugs that may be employed
in the present invention, and the specific conditions to be treated
or prevented thereby, are disclosed in Remington, supra; The
Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, by Goodman and Gilman, 19th
edition, published by the MacMillan Company, London; and The Merck
Index, 13th Edition, 1998, published by Merck & Co., Rahway,
N.J., which is incorporated herein by reference. The above list of
active agents is not meant to be exhaustive. A wide variety of
drugs or agents may be used in the present invention, without
restriction on molecular weight or like factors.
2. Examples of Conditions and/or Diseases that May be Treated
[0107] The systems and methods disclosed herein may be used to
treat a variety of diseases and/or conditions. Non-limiting
examples include: age-related macular degeneration, eye infections
(including, but not limited to, infections of the skin, eyelids,
conjunctivae, and/or lacrimal excretory system), orbital
cellulitis, dacryoadenitis, hordeolum, blepharitis, conjunctivitis,
keratitis, corneal infiltrates, ulcers, endophthalmitis,
panophthalmitis, viral keratitis, fungal keratitis herpes zoster
ophthalmicus, viral conjunctivitis, viral retinitis, uveitis,
strabismus, retinal necrosis, retinal disease, vitreoretinopathy,
diabetic retinopathy, cytomegalovirus retinitis, cystoids macular
edema, herpes simplex viral and adenoviral injections, scleritis,
mucormycosis, canaliculitis, acanthamoeba keratitis, toxoplasmosis,
giardiasis, leishmanisis, malaria, helminth infection, etc.
[0108] It should also be appreciated that medical conditions
besides ocular conditions can be treated with the systems and
methods described herein. For example, the systems can deliver
active agents for the treatment of inflammation, infection, or
cancerous growth. It should also be appreciated that any number of
active agent combinations can be delivered using any of the systems
and methods described herein.
IV. Implantation of the Drug Delivery System
[0109] The drug delivery system may be implanted into the eye by
any manner known to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example,
when a mechanical scaffold is employed, considerations must be made
in size and manner of implantation for intraocular lens (IOL)
replacement.
[0110] In certain exemplary embodiments, the drug delivery system
may be implanted by making an incision in an exterior layer of the
eye, such as the pars plana, and inserting the drug delivery system
into the desired segment of the eye. An implantation via the pars
plana has certain advantages, at least in that it avoid choroids
and retinal blood supply when implanting the delivery system into,
for example, the posterior chamber.
[0111] In certain embodiments, and as particularly illustrated in
FIGS. 2C and 3B, the drug delivery system may be implanted in the
vitreous body 104. Placement in the vitreous body may be useful for
treatment of retinal diseases. In embodiments wherein the delivery
system is implanted into the vitreous body, a partial or complete
vitrectomy may be performed to remove at least a portion of the
vitreous humor to provide the necessary volume of space to
accommodate the delivery system.
[0112] In other embodiments, and as particularly illustrated in
FIGS. 3C and 3D, the drug delivery system may be implanted into the
capsular bag. Placement in the capsular bag may be particularly
useful for treatment or prevention of posterior capsular
opacification or cataracts, by way of non-limiting example.
Patients having cataracts often undergo an intraocular lens (IOL)
replacement procedure, in which a surgeon performs a capsulorhexis,
removes the cataract and inserts an IOL. In such situations, the
delivery system of the present invention may be implanted before
and/or after inserting the IOL. For example, and as particularly
illustrated in FIG. 3D, an exemplary embodiment includes a
generally ring shaped mechanical scaffold 112, 114 that is
implanted before or after inserting the IOL 110, such that the
scaffold(s) is/are positioned to be above and/or below the haptics
of the IOL 110. It is to be appreciated that more than one
scaffold(s) may be used within the capsular bag or in combinations
with one or more scaffolds within the vitreous body, and that the
scaffolds may be the same or different and may have a different
active agent release profile and/or contain different active
agents. For example, in an embodiment as described above, a lower
scaffold 114 may deliver an anti-PCO agent over 6 months, while an
upper scaffold 112 may deliver an anti-inflammatory for 2 weeks.
Another particular advantage of embodiments employing a drug
delivery apparatus in the capsular bag is the provision of an
additional mechanical barrier to PCO growth.
[0113] In certain embodiments employing a mechanical scaffold, the
mechanical scaffold may be coated with a lubricating composition to
assist in the implantation of the drug delivery system. Suitable
coatings may be the same or similar to coatings used to lubricate
an IOL for insertion into the eye. For example, suitable
lubricating coatings may be those identified in U.S. Pat. No.
8,053,078, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0114] After implanting the delivery system into the eye, the
scaffold may be positioned as desired based on the location of
implantation and the desired location of release of the active
agent. In certain embodiments, the dimensions of the scaffold may
be adjusted after implantation into the eye. For example, the
scaffold may include an adjustment extension(s), screw(s), tab(s),
or the like that allows a surgeon to adjust the dimensions (or
placement) of the scaffold. For example, the screw may be placed on
the inner wall of the scaffold, which is configured to shrink or
expand when the screw is turned.
[0115] In certain embodiments, as discussed above, the scaffold may
be made from a material that is capable of being physically
expanded. In such embodiments, the scaffold may be expanded by any
method known to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the
scaffold may be expanded by a balloon. In a manner similar to a
stent as will be understood to the skilled artisan, the scaffold
may be expanded so as to put a slight amount of pressure on the
interior wall of the posterior chamber. The pressure may ensure
that the scaffold remains in place and outside of the visual axis
(in contrast to a stent, which is used to support the walls of an
artery or vein). The exact amount of pressure exerted on an
interior portion of the eye may be optimized depending on factors
including, but not limited to, patient tolerance, location of
implantation, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments, the pressure
that the scaffold exerts on the interior wall of the respective
portion of the eye may be sufficient, on its own, to completely
hold the scaffold in place. In other exemplary embodiments, an
adhesive, suture, or the like may be used to at least partially
hold the scaffold in place. By way of example, the amount of
pressure exerted on the interior wall of the eye in defining the
location of a scaffold may be similar to the pressure exerted on
the interior wall of the eye by an epiretinal prosthesis.
[0116] Of course, in particular exemplary embodiments, the
dimensions of the scaffold may be such that the scaffold may exert
the slight pressure on the interior wall of the desired portion of
the eye without having to be physically expanded. For example, the
scaffold may be folded prior to insertion into the eye and unfolded
after insertion. The scaffold may be made from a material that is
sufficiently stiff so that when the scaffold is forced in the
proper position, the desired level of pressure may be exerted on
the interior wall to maintain location, function, and avoid
over-exertion of pressure on the eye. In such cases, and as
discussed above, if the pressure exerted by the scaffold is
insufficient to maintain location, an adhesive, suture, or the like
may be used in conjunction with the pressure exerted to maintain
location.
[0117] In other embodiments, in addition to or alternatively to the
scaffold being held in place by exerting pressure on the interior
wall of a segment of the eye, the scaffold may simply be attached
to the interior wall of a desired segment of the eye. For example,
the scaffold may be attached with an adhesive, a suture, or any
other type of attachment mechanism.
[0118] In embodiments utilizing a chemical scaffold, the chemical
scaffold may be implanted by injecting the scaffold into the
desired intraocular segment of the eye. For example, the chemical
scaffold may be used as a partial or complete replacement of the
vitreous humor. In such embodiments, at least a partial vitrectomy
would be performed prior to implantation of the drug delivery
system.
[0119] In certain embodiments employing a chemical scaffold, the
drug delivery system may be implanted into the capsular bag. For
example, the drug delivery system may be implanted during a
phacoemulsification and IOL implantation procedure. No vitrectomy
would be required in such an instance, as will be understood to
those skilled in the pertinent arts.
[0120] It will be understood that the embodiments of the present
invention that are illustrated and described are merely exemplary,
and that a person skilled in the art may thus make many variations
and modifications thereto. Therefore, all such embodiments,
variations and modifications are intended to be included within the
scope of the present invention as defined by the claims set forth
herein.
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