U.S. patent application number 17/062096 was filed with the patent office on 2021-01-28 for devices for drug delivery to ocular tissue using microneedle.
The applicant listed for this patent is Emory University, Georgia Tech Research Corporation. Invention is credited to Henry F. Edelhauser, Samirkumar Rajnikant Patel, Mark R. Prausnitz.
Application Number | 20210022918 17/062096 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005150294 |
Filed Date | 2021-01-28 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210022918 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Prausnitz; Mark R. ; et
al. |
January 28, 2021 |
DEVICES FOR DRUG DELIVERY TO OCULAR TISSUE USING MICRONEEDLE
Abstract
Methods and devices are provided for targeted administration of
a drug to a patient's eye. In one embodiment, the method includes
inserting a hollow microneedle into the sclera of the eye at an
insertion site and infusing a fluid drug formulation through the
inserted microneedle and into the suprachoroidal space of the eye,
wherein the infused fluid drug formulation flows within the
suprachoroidal space away from the insertion site during the
infusion. The fluid drug formulation may flow circumferentially
toward the retinochoroidal tissue, macula, and optic nerve in the
posterior segment of the eye.
Inventors: |
Prausnitz; Mark R.;
(Atlanta, GA) ; Edelhauser; Henry F.; (Atlanta,
GA) ; Patel; Samirkumar Rajnikant; (Atlanta,
GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Emory University
Georgia Tech Research Corporation |
Atlanta
Atlanta |
GA
GA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005150294 |
Appl. No.: |
17/062096 |
Filed: |
October 2, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16826443 |
Mar 23, 2020 |
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17062096 |
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15708779 |
Sep 19, 2017 |
10632013 |
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16826443 |
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14136657 |
Dec 20, 2013 |
9788995 |
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15708779 |
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13453407 |
Apr 23, 2012 |
8636713 |
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14136657 |
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12767768 |
Apr 26, 2010 |
8197435 |
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13453407 |
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61172409 |
Apr 24, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 37/0015 20130101;
A61M 2037/0023 20130101; A61M 2210/0612 20130101; A61F 9/0017
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 9/00 20060101
A61F009/00; A61M 37/00 20060101 A61M037/00 |
Goverment Interests
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] This invention was made with government support under grant
numbers EB000260 and EY017045, which were awarded by the National
Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the
invention.
Claims
1. A device for administration of a therapeutic agent to the eye of
a patient, comprising: a hollow microneedle having a tip end and a
bore through which the therapeutic agent can be communicated
through the microneedle; and a device body for holding the
microneedle, the device body having an end serving as a base from
which the microneedle extends, wherein the base has a convex shape,
wherein the device is configured for insertion of the tip end of
the microneedle into an insertion site in the eye and the device is
operable to infuse the therapeutic agent into the retina or the
subretinal space.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising an actuator for
controlled infusion of the therapeutic agent through the
microneedle.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the microneedle has an effective
length between 500 microns and 2000 microns.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is operable to provide
controlled infusion of from 10 .mu.L to 200 .mu.L of a fluid
formulation comprising the therapeutic agent.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the device is operable to infuse
the fluid formulation at a pressure of at least 150 kPa.
6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a fluid reservoir for
containing a fluid formulation comprising the therapeutic agent,
wherein the fluid reservoir is in operable communication with the
bore of the microneedle at the base.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the therapeutic agent comprises
an anti-inflammatory agent.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the therapeutic agent comprises a
steroidal compound.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the steroidal compound is
betamethasone, clobetasone, dexamethasone, fluorometholone,
hydrocortisone or prednisolone.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the therapeutic agent comprises
pegagtanib sodium, ranibizumab or bevacizumab.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the therapeutic agent comprises
an integrin antagonist, a selectin antagonist, an adhesion molecule
antagonist, or a growth factor antagonist.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein the growth factor antagonist is
a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antagonist.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein the therapeutic agent comprises
a gene-based therapy.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the gene-based therapy
comprises DNA, RNA, or oligonucleotides.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein the gene-based therapy
comprises dsRNA, siRNA, RNAi, an antisense oligonucleotide agent,
or ribozymes.
16. The device of claim 13, wherein the gene-based therapy is
delivered to the eye in a vector.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 16/826,443, filed Mar. 23, 2020, which is a continuation of
U.S. application Ser. No. 15/708,779, filed Sep. 19, 2017, now U.S.
Pat. No. 10,632,013, issued Apr. 28, 2020, which is a continuation
of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/136,657, filed Dec. 20, 2013, now
U.S. Pat. No. 9,788,995, issued Dec. 17, 2017, which is a
divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/453,407, filed Apr. 23,
2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,636,713, issued Jan. 28, 2014, which is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/767,768, filed Apr.
26, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,197,435, issued Jun. 12, 2012, which
claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/172,409,
filed Apr. 24, 2009. These applications are incorporated by
reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention is generally in the field of ophthalmic
therapies, and more particularly to the use of a microneedle for
infusion of a fluid drug formulation into ocular tissues for
targeted, local drug delivery.
[0004] The delivery of drug to the eye is extremely difficult,
particularly delivery of macromolecules and delivery to the back of
the eye. Many inflammatory and proliferative diseases in the
posterior region of the eye require long term pharmacological
treatment. Examples of such diseases include macular degeneration,
diabetic retinopathy, and uveitis. It is difficult to deliver
effective doses of drug to the back of the eye using conventional
delivery methods such as topical application, which has poor
efficacy, and systemic administration, which often causes
significant side effects. (Geroski & Edelhauser, Invest.
Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 41:961-64 (2000)). For example, while eye
drops are useful in treating conditions affecting the exterior
surface of the eye or tissues at the front of the eye, the eye
drops cannot significantly penetrate to the back of the eye, as may
be required for the treatment of various retinal diseases.
[0005] Direct injection into the eye, using conventional needles
and syringes is often effective, but requires professional training
and raises concerns about safety (Maurice, J. Ocul. Pharmacol.
Ther. 17:393-401 (2001)). It also would be desirable to be able to
minimize the number and/or frequency of eye injection treatments
needed to deliver therapeutically effective amounts of drug to the
ocular tissue sites that need it.
[0006] The suprachoroidal space of the eye has been studied, and
its cannulation described as a possible route for drug delivery.
See, e.g., Olsen, et al., American J. Ophthalmology 142(5): 777-87
(November 2006); PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO
2007/100745 to Iscience Interventional Corporation.
[0007] It therefore would be desirable to provide better, safer,
more effective techniques for the direct delivery of therapeutic
agents to eye tissues. It also would be desirable to provide
devices useful in such techniques which can be relatively
inexpensive to produce and use. It further would be desirable to
provide methods for pinpoint delivery of drug to sclera, choroidal,
uveal, macular, ciliary, vitreous and retinal tissues.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Methods and devices are provided for administering a drug to
an eye of a patient. The methods may be used, for example, in the
treatment of uveitis, glaucoma, diabetic macular edema, age-related
macular degeneration, or cytomegalovirus retinitis. In one aspect,
the method includes inserting a hollow microneedle into the sclera
of the eye at an insertion site, the microneedle having a tip end
with an opening; and infusing over a period of time a fluid drug
formulation, which comprises a drug, through the inserted
microneedle and into the suprachoroidal space of the eye, wherein
during the period the infused drug formulation flows within the
suprachoroidal space away from the insertion site.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are cross-sectional illustrations
of the tissue structures of a human eye. The eye as a whole (1A), a
close-up of the cornea (1B), and a close-up of the sclera and
associated tissues in an eye without fluid in the suprachoroidal
space (1C) or with fluid in the suprachoroidal space (1D).
[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a microneedle device
comprising a hollow microneedle disposed in an elongated body
according to one embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the elongated body of
the microneedle devices shown in FIG. 2.
[0012] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a microneedle device according
to one embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a microneedle device according
to one embodiment.
[0014] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of a process for
using a hollow microneedle to deliver drug into the suprachoroidal
space of an eye, where the process includes inserting the hollow
microneedle into the sclera and infusion of a fluid drug
formulation into the suprachoroidal space.
[0015] FIG. 7A shows a comparison of a hollow microneedle according
to one embodiment as compared to the tip of a conventional 30 gauge
hypodermic needle. FIG. 7B shows a schematic illustration of a
custom acrylic mold shaped to fit a whole eye.
[0016] FIGS. 8A and 8B are brightfield microscopic images of
saggital cross sections of a pig eye before and after infusion of
sulforhodamine, respectively.
[0017] FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are fluoroscopic images of a
cryosection of a pig eye with no infusion into the suprachoroidal
space (9A), a cryosection of a rabbit eye after infusion of 500 nm
fluorescent particles in the axial plan and collaged to form a
panoramic view (9B), a cryosection of a pig eye after infusion of
500 nm fluorescent particles in the saggital direction and collaged
to show the spaces both anterior and posterior to the microneedle
insertion site (9C), and a cryosection of a human eye after
infusion of 500 nm fluorescent particles in the saggital direction
and collaged to show spaces both anterior and posterior to the
microneedle insertion site (9D). The insets of FIGS. 9B, 9C, and 9D
show magnified views of the microneedle insertion site.
[0018] FIGS. 10A and 10B are microcomputed tomography images
showing the circumferential spread of 1 .mu.m contrast particles
infused into the suprachoroidal space of a pig eye in a
cross-sectional image (10A) and a three-dimensional reconstruction
of the cross-sectional images (10B).
[0019] FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D are graphs showing the effect
of infusion pressure and microneedle length on the success rate of
suprachoroidal delivery of 20 nm particles (11A), 100 nm particles
(11B), 500 nm particles (11C), and 1000 nm particles (11D) into pig
eyes.
[0020] FIGS. 12A and 12B are fluoroscopic images of a cryosection
of a pig eye after infusion of 20 nm particles (12A) and 1000 nm
particles (12B) in the saggital direction and collaged to show
spaces both anterior and posterior to the microneedle insertion
site. The insets of FIGS. 12A and 12B show magnified views of the
microneedle insertion site.
[0021] FIGS. 13A and 13B are graphs showing the effect of the
intraocular pressure and microneedle length on the success rate of
suprachoroidal delivery of 1000 nm particles for a simulated
intraocular pressure of 18 mmHg (13A) and 36 mmHg (13B).
[0022] FIG. 14 is a one-dimensional line of sight scan of rabbit
eyes taken after injection of sodium fluorescein to the
suprachoroidal space, with the x-axis representing the position in
the eye from back (0) to front (160) and the y-axis representing
the fluorescent intensity at that position.
[0023] FIG. 15 is a graph showing the rate of clearance of sodium
fluorescein from the suprachoroidal space over time.
[0024] FIG. 16 is a graph showing the rate of clearance of 20 nm
particles from the suprachoroidal space over time.
[0025] FIG. 17 is a graph showing the rate of clearance of 500 nm
particles from the suprachoroidal space over time.
[0026] FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a method for administering a
drug to the eye according to one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] An effective drug delivery system for delivery of a drug to
the eye should optimally embody four general characteristics:
first, it should be minimally invasive and safe; second, the drug
should be administered in such a way that it is well targeted to
the desired tissues and limits exposure to other regions of the
eye; third, it should be capable of controlled or sustained
delivery of the drug; and fourth, it should be as simple to use as
possible. Embodiments of the present description address these
needs by providing microneedle devices and methods of use to
enhance the delivery of a drug to the eye.
[0028] In one advantageous and exemplary embodiment of the methods
described herein, delivery of a drug is achieved by injecting
(inserting) a microneedle into the sclera and injecting (infusing)
a drug formulation through the inserted microneedle and into the
suprachoroidal space of the eye. The microneedle is able to
precisely deliver the drug into the suprachoroidal space for
subsequent local delivery to nearby tissues in need of treatment.
The drug may be released into the ocular tissues from the infused
volume (or, e.g., from the microparticles therein) for an extended
period, e.g., several hours or days or weeks or months, after the
microneedle has been inserted and withdrawn. This beneficially can
provide increased bioavailability of the drug relative, for
example, to delivery by topical application of the drug formulation
to ocular tissue surfaces. With the present microneedle, the method
advantageously includes precise control of the depth of insertion
into the ocular tissue, so that the microneedle tip can be placed
into the suprachoroidal space or in the sclera but near enough to
the suprachoroidal space for the infused drug formulation to flow
into the suprachoroidal space. Advantageously, this may be
accomplished without contacting underlying tissues, such as choroid
and retina tissues.
[0029] Microneedles enable this delivery to be done in a minimally
invasive manner superior to conventional needle approaches. For
instance, the present microneedles advantageously may be inserted
perpendicularly into the sclera, reaching the suprachoroidal space
in a short penetration distance. This is in contrast to long
conventional needles or cannula which must approach the
suprachoroidal space at a steep angle, taking a longer penetration
path through the sclera and other ocular tissue, increasing the
size of the needle track and consequently increasing the risk of
infection and/or vascular rupture. With such long needles, the
ability to precisely control insertion depth is diminished relative
to the microneedle approach described herein.
[0030] Advantageously, the delivery of the drug into the
suprachoroidal space allows for the delivery of fluid drug
formulation over a larger tissue area and to more difficult to
target tissues in a single administration as compared to previously
known needle devices. Not wishing to be bound by any theory, it is
believed that upon entering the suprachoroidal space the fluid drug
formulation flows circumferentially from the insertion site toward
the retinochoroidal tissue, macula, and optic nerve in the
posterior segment of the eye as well as anteriorly toward the uvea
and ciliary body. In addition, a portion of the infused fluid drug
formulation may remain in the sclera near the microneedle insertion
site, serving as additional depot of the drug formulation that
subsequently can diffuse into the suprachoroidal space and then
into other adjacent tissues.
[0031] As used herein, the term "suprachoroidal space," which is
synonymous with suprachoroid or suprachoroidia, describes the
potential space in the region of the eye disposed between the
sclera and choroid. This region primarily is composed of closely
packed layers of long pigmented processes derived from each of the
two adjacent tissues; however, a space can develop in this region
as a result of fluid or other material buildup in the
suprachoroidal space and the adjacent tissues. Those skilled in the
art will appreciate that the suprachoroidal space frequently is
expanded by fluid buildup because of some disease state in the eye
or as a result of some trauma or surgical intervention. In the
present description, however, the fluid buildup is intentionally
created by infusion of a drug formulation into the suprachoroid to
create the suprachoroidal space (which is filled with drug
formulation). Not wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed
that this region serves as a pathway for uveoscleral outflow (i.e.,
a natural process of the eye moving fluid from one region of the
eye to the other through) and becomes a real space in instances of
choroidal detachment from the sclera.
Methods of Using the Microneedle
[0032] The microneedle devices described herein may be used to
deliver drug formulations to the eye of a patient, particularly for
the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of ocular diseases. In a
preferred embodiment, the patient is a human patient in need of
treatment. The patient may be an adult or a child. In other
embodiments, the patient may be a non-human mammal.
[0033] A wide range of ocular diseases and disorders may be treated
by the methods and devices described herein. Non-limiting examples
of ocular diseases include uveitis, glaucoma, diabetic macular
edema or retinopathy, macular degeneration, and genetic diseases.
The methods described herein are particularly useful for the local
delivery of drugs that need to be administered to the posterior
region of the eye, for example the retinochoroidal tissue, macula,
and optic nerve in the posterior segment of the eye. In one
embodiment, the delivery methods and devices described herein may
be used in gene-based therapy applications. For example, the
methods may administer a fluid drug formulation into the
suprachoroidal space to deliver select DNA, RNA, or
oligonucleotides to targeted ocular tissues.
[0034] The microneedles can be used to target delivery to specific
tissues or regions within the eye or in neighboring tissue. In
various embodiments, the methods may be designed for drug delivery
specifically to the sclera, the choroid, the Bruch's membrane, the
retinal pigment epithelium, the subretinal space, the retina, the
macula, the optic disk, the optic nerve, the ciliary body, the
trabecular meshwork, the aqueous humor, the vitreous humor, and
other ocular tissue or neighboring tissue in need of treatment.
[0035] As used herein, "ocular tissue" and "eye" 10 include both
the anterior segment 12 of the eye (i.e., the portion of the eye in
front of the lens) and the posterior segment 14 of the eye (i.e.,
the portion of the eye behind the lens), as illustrated in FIG. 1A.
The anterior segment 12 is bounded by the cornea 16 and the lens
18, while the posterior segment 14 is bounded by the sclera 20 and
the lens 18. The anterior segment 12 is further subdivided into the
anterior chamber 22, between the iris 24 and the cornea 16, and the
posterior chamber 26, between the lens 18 and the iris 24. The
exposed portion of the sclera 20 on the anterior segment 12 of the
eye is protected by a clear membrane referred to as the conjunctiva
(not shown). Underlying the sclera 20 is the choroid 28 and the
retina 27, collectively referred to as retinachoroidal tissue. The
loose connective tissue, or potential space, between the choroid 28
and the sclera 20 is referred to as the suprachoroidal space (not
shown). FIG. 1B illustrates the cornea 16, which is composed of the
epithelium 30, the Bowman's layer 32, the stroma 34, the Descemet's
membrane 36, and the endothelium 38. FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D illustrate
the sclera 20 with surrounding Tenon's Capsule 40 or conjunctiva
41, suprachoroidal space 42, choroid 28, and retina 27, both
without and with a fluid in the suprachoroidal space,
respectively.
[0036] The method of administering a drug to the eye generally
comprises the steps of inserting a hollow microneedle into the
sclera and then infusing a fluid drug formulation through the
hollow microneedle and into the suprachoroidal space of the
eye.
[0037] Insertion
[0038] In one embodiment, the insertion site is between the equator
and the limbus of the eye. In another embodiment, the insertion
site is between about 2 mm and about 10 mm posterior to the limbus
of the eye. In embodiments, the insertion site of the microneedle
is at about the equator of the eye. In another embodiment, the
insertion site is between the equator and the limbus of the eye. In
another embodiment, the insertion site is from 2 to 10 mm posterior
to the limbus of the eye. In another embodiment, the drug
formulation is introduced into the suprachoroidal space at the site
of injection (i.e., at the tip of the microneedle) and then flows
through the suprachoroidal space away from the site of injection
while the injection occurs. In another embodiment, the site of
injection (i.e., at the tip of the microneedle) is anterior to the
equator of the eye and at least a portion of the drug formulation
flows posterior to the equator of the eye during the injection
(i.e., while drug formulation continues to flow out of the
microneedle). In another embodiment, the site of injection (i.e.,
at the tip of the microneedle) is anterior to the equator of the
eye and at least a portion of the drug formulation flows near the
macular during the injection (i.e., while drug formulation
continues to flow out of the microneedle).
[0039] Importantly, the depth of insertion of the microneedle into
the ocular tissue is precisely controlled. Various methods can be
used to control the insertion depth of the microneedles described
herein. In a particular embodiment, the insertion depth is limited
by the selected length or effective length of the microneedle. The
"effective length" is that portion available for tissue insertion,
i.e., the length that extends from the base and would be inserted
if there were zero tissue deformation; it neglects any proximal
portion of the microneedle that extends into or through the base
and thus cannot be inserted in the tissue. That is, the microneedle
may have a length approximately equal to the desired penetration
depth. In one embodiment, the microneedle is short enough that tip
of the microneedle may be inserted substantially to the base of the
sclera (i.e., near the interface of the sclera and choroid) without
completely penetrating across the sclera. In another embodiment,
the tip of the microneedle is inserted through the sclera into the
suprachoroidal space without penetrating through the choroid.
[0040] In another embodiment, the microneedles are designed to have
a length longer than the desired penetration depth, but the
microneedles are controllably inserted only part way into the
tissue. Partial insertion may be controlled by the mechanical
properties of the tissue, which bends and dimples during the
microneedle insertion process. In this way, as a microneedle is
inserted into the tissue, its movement partially elastically
deforms the tissue and partially penetrates into the tissue. By
controlling the degree to which the tissue deforms, the depth of
microneedle insertion into the tissue can be controlled.
[0041] Additional insertion control features are described below in
the "Control Features for Directing Movement of the Microneedle in
the Methods of Use" section below.
[0042] In another embodiment, a microneedle is inserted into the
tissue using a rotational/drilling technique and/or a vibrating
action. In this way, the microneedle can be inserted to a desired
depth by, for example, drilling the microneedles a desired number
of rotations, which corresponds to a desired depth into the tissue.
See, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20050137525 A1
to Wang et al., which is incorporated herein by reference, for a
description of drilling microneedles. The rotational/drilling
technique and/or a vibrating action may be applied during the
insertion step, retraction step, or both.
[0043] Infusion
[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid drug formulation is
infused into the suprachoroidal space through a hollow microneedle
by driving the drug formulation from a source reservoir into the
ocular tissue using a pressure gradient (e.g., pumping, syringe).
In other embodiments, the drug formulation may be driven from a
source reservoir into the ocular tissue using an electric field
(e.g., iontophoresis) or another externally applied energy (e.g.,
ultrasound/acoustic energy).
[0045] In one embodiment, the amount of fluid drug formulation
infused into the suprachoroidal space from the inserted microneedle
is from 10 microliter to 200 microliter, e.g., from 50 to 150
.mu.L. In another embodiment, from about 10 microliter to about 500
microliter, e.g., from 50 to 250 .mu.L, is infused through the
microneedle into the suprachoroidal space.
[0046] In one embodiment, the driving force or pressure infusing
the fluid drug formulation through the microneedle causes the
infused drug formulation to flow within the suprachoroidal space
and reach the back of the eye during the administration (i.e.,
during the infusion) process. This may occur in less than one or
two minutes, such as 1 sec to 100 sec, e.g., 10 to 30 seconds. In
one aspect, the fluid drug formulation desirably flows
circumferentially within the suprachoroidal space during the
infusion process to a site that is at least 2.5 mm away from the
insertion site, to a site that is at least 5 mm away from the
insertion site, or to a site that is at least 10 mm away from the
insertion site. Desirably, the fluid drug formulation flows
circumferentially within the suprachoroidal space from the
insertion site toward the back of the eye (i.e., the
retinochoroidal tissue, macula, and optic nerve in the posterior
segment of the eye).
[0047] The amount of drug delivered within the ocular tissue also
may be controlled, in part, by the type of microneedle used and how
it is used. In one exemplary embodiment, a hollow microneedle is
inserted into the ocular tissue and progressively retracted from
the ocular tissue after insertion to deliver a fluid drug, where
after achieving a certain dosage, the delivery could be stopped by
deactivating the fluid driving force, such as pressure (e.g., from
a mechanical device such as a syringe) or an electric field, to
avoid leakage/uncontrolled deliver of drug. Desirably, the amount
of drug being delivered is controlled by driving the fluid drug
formulation at a suitable infusion pressure. In certain
embodiments, the infusion pressure may be at least 150 kPa, at
least 250 kPa, or at least 300 kPa. Suitable infusion pressures may
vary with the particular patient or species.
[0048] Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the
desired infusion pressure to deliver a suitable amount of fluid
drug formulation may be influenced by the depth of insertion of the
microneedle and the composition of the fluid drug formulation. For
example, a greater infusion pressure may be required in embodiments
wherein the drug formulation for delivery into the eye is in the
form of or includes nanoparticles or microparticles encapsulating
the active agent or microbubbles. Nanoparticle or microparticle
encapsulation techniques are well known in the art.
[0049] Additional infusion control features are described below in
the "Control of Transport Through Microneedle" section below.
[0050] In one embodiment, the method of administering a drug to the
eye may further include partially retracting the hollow microneedle
after the insertion step and before and/or during the infusion of
the drug formulation. In a particular embodiment, the partial
retraction of the microneedle occurs prior to the step of infusing
the fluid drug formulation into the ocular tissue. This
insertion/retraction step may form a pocket and beneficially
permits the fluid drug formulation to flow out of the microneedle
unimpeded or less impeded by ocular tissue at the opening at the
tip portion of the microneedle. This pocket may be filled with drug
formulation, but also serves as a conduit through with fluid drug
formulation can flow from the microneedle, through the pocket and
into the suprachoroidal space. FIG. 6A shows a hollow microneedle
130 inserted into the sclera 20, with drug formulation 131
temporarily positioned in the hollow bore of the microneedle. (The
fluid communication to a reservoir of the fluid drug formulation is
not shown.) FIG. 6B shows the microneedle 130 following partial
retraction and infusion of the fluid drug formulation 131 into the
suprachoroidal space. Arrows show the circumferential flow of the
drug formulation through the suprachoroidal space.
[0051] In a particular embodiment, the microneedle infuses a drug
formulation through the sclera into the suprachoroidal space for
controlled (i.e., sustained, extended, or modulated over time)
release of a drug to one or more ocular or neighboring tissues.
This "sustained release" or "extended release" or "modulated
release" is generally more prolonged than that obtainable by
topical application of the drug formulation to the ocular tissue.
In a particular embodiment, there is an extended, sustained or
modulated release of the drug formulation after at least one
microneedle is withdrawn from the ocular tissue. This delivery
method can be particularly advantageous with ocular tissues, where
it is desirable for the insertion and withdrawal process to occur
over as short a period as possible to minimize patient
discomfort--in contrast to transdermal microneedle patch
applications, where patches may more likely be worn (with
microneedles inserted) over an extended period without patient
discomfort.
Other Steps, Embodiments, and Applications
[0052] In another aspect, the method of administering a drug to an
eye of a patient may include monitoring the insertion of the
microneedle and/or infusion of the fluid drug formulation to ensure
precise delivery of the fluid drug formulation to the
suprachoroidal space (FIG. 18). Such monitoring may be achieved
using imaged-guided feedback methods during one or more of these
steps, non-limiting examples of which include conventional
microscopy, MRI, x-ray, confocal microscopy, ocular coherence
tomography (e.g., anterior segment optical coherence tomography,
Heidelberg retina tomography, spectral domain optical coherence
tomography), fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green
angiography, high resolution stereoscopic fundus photography,
autofluorescence imaging, ultra-wide field imaging, and various
ultrasound techniques. Thus, the method may further comprise
determining whether an initial infusion of the fluid drug
formulation has flowed into the suprachoroidal space of the eye and
away from the insertion site. If it is determined that an initial
infusion has been successful, a desired volume of the fluid drug
formulation can be infused and the infusion discontinued by
removing the fluid driving force, such as pressure, and retracting
the microneedle from the eye. If, however, it is determined that
the initial infusion of the fluid drug formulation has been
unsuccessful (i.e., substantially none of the drug formulation has
flowed into the suprachoroidal space of the eye and away from the
insertion site), then the microneedle may be repositioned and the
process repeated until a successful delivery is achieved.
[0053] The microneedle optionally may be part of an array of two or
more microneedles such that the method further includes inserting
at least a second microneedle into the sclera without penetrating
across the sclera. In one embodiment wherein an array of two or
more microneedles are inserted into the ocular tissue, the drug
formulation of each of the two or more microneedles may be
identical to or different from one another, in drug, formulation,
volume/quantity of drug formulation, or a combination of these
parameters. In one case, different types of drug formulations may
be injected via the one or more microneedles. For example,
inserting a second hollow microneedle comprising a second drug
formulation into the ocular tissue will result in delivery of the
second drug formulation into the ocular tissue.
[0054] The microneedle devices described herein may be adapted to
remove substances, such as a fluid, tissue, or molecule sample,
from the eye.
[0055] Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that
other types of microneedles (e.g., solid microneedles) and other
methods of delivering the drug formulation into the ocular tissue
may be used instead of or in conjunction with the infusion methods
described herein. Non-limiting examples include dissolving, at
least in part, a coating of a drug formulation off of a
microneedle; detaching, at least in part, a coating of a drug
formulation (e.g., as a substantially intact sleeve or in
fragments) off of a microneedle; breaking or dissolving a
microneedle off of a base to which the microneedle is integrally
formed or is connected; or any combination thereof.
[0056] The microneedle devices described herein also may be adapted
to use the one or more microneedles as a sensor to detect analytes,
electrical activity, and optical or other signals. The sensor may
include sensors of pressure, temperature, chemicals, and/or
electromagnetic fields (e.g., light). Biosensors can be located on
or within the microneedle, or inside a device in communication with
the body tissue via the microneedle. The microneedle biosensor can
be any of the four classes of principal transducers:
potentiometric, amperometric, optical, and physiochemical. In one
embodiment, a hollow microneedle is filled with a substance, such
as a gel, that has a sensing functionality associated with it. In
an application for sensing based on binding to a substrate or
reaction mediated by an enzyme, the substrate or enzyme can be
immobilized in the needle interior. In another embodiment, a wave
guide can be incorporated into the microneedle device to direct
light to a specific location, or for detection, for example, using
means such as a pH dye for color evaluation. Similarly, heat,
electricity, light, ultrasound or other energy forms may be
precisely transmitted to directly stimulate, damage, or heal a
specific tissue or for diagnostic purposes.
The Microneedle Device
[0057] The microneedle device includes a hollow microneedle. The
device may include an elongated housing for holding the proximal
end of the microneedle. The device may further include a means for
conducting a fluid drug formulation through the microneedle. For
example, the means may be a flexible or rigid conduit in fluid
connection with the base or proximal end of the microneedle. The
means may also include a pump or other devices for creating a
pressure gradient for inducing fluid flow through the device. The
conduit may in operable connection with a source of the fluid drug
formulation. The source may be any suitable container. In one
embodiment, the source may be in the form of a conventional
syringe. The source may be a disposable unit dose container.
[0058] Microneedle
[0059] As used herein, the term "hollow" includes a single,
straight bore through the center of the microneedle, as well as
multiple bores, bores that follow complex paths through the
microneedles, multiple entry and exit points from the bore(s), and
intersecting or networks of bores. That is, a hollow microneedle
has a structure that includes one or more continuous pathways from
the base of the microneedle to an exit point in the shaft and/or
tip portion of the microneedle distal to the base.
[0060] As used herein, the term "microneedle" refers to a conduit
body having a base, a shaft, and a tip end suitable for insertion
into the sclera and other ocular tissue and has dimensions suitable
for minimally invasive insertion and fluid drug formulation
infusion as described herein. That is, the microneedle has a length
or effective length that does not exceed 2000 microns and a width
(or diameter) that does not exceed 500 microns.
[0061] In various embodiments, the microneedle may have a length of
about 50 .mu.m to 2000 .mu.m. In another particular embodiment, the
microneedle may have a length of about 150 .mu.m to about 1500
.mu.m, about 300 .mu.m to about 1250 .mu.m, about 500 .mu.m to
about 1250 .mu.m, about 700 .mu.m to about 1000 .mu.m, or about 800
to about 1000 .mu.m. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the
microneedle is about 1000 .mu.m. In various embodiments, the
proximal portion of the microneedle has a maximum width or
cross-sectional dimension of about 50 .mu.m to 500 .mu.m, about 50
.mu.m to about 400 .mu.m, about 100 .mu.m to about 400 .mu.m, about
200 .mu.m to about 400 .mu.m, or about 100 .mu.m to about 250
.mu.m, with an aperture diameter of about 5 .mu.m to about 400
.mu.m. In a particular embodiment, the proximal portion of the
microneedle has a maximum width or cross-sectional dimension of
about 400 .mu.m. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however,
that in embodiments in which the tip of the microneedle is beveled
that the aperture diameter may be greater than the outer diameter
of the proximal portion of the microneedle. The microneedle may be
fabricated to have an aspect ratio (width:length) of about 1:1.5 to
about 1:10. Other lengths, widths, and aspect ratios are
envisioned.
[0062] The microneedle can have a straight or tapered shaft. In one
embodiment, the diameter of the microneedle is greatest at the base
end of the microneedle and tapers to a point at the end distal the
base. The microneedle can also be fabricated to have a shaft that
includes both a straight (i.e., untapered) portion and a tapered
(e.g., beveled) portion. The microneedles can be formed with shafts
that have a circular cross-section in the perpendicular, or the
cross-section can be non-circular. The tip portion of the
microneedles can have a variety of configurations. The tip of the
microneedle can be symmetrical or asymmetrical about the
longitudinal axis of the shaft. The tips may be beveled, tapered,
squared-off, or rounded. In particular embodiments, the microneedle
may be designed such that the tip portion of the microneedle is
substantially the only portion of the microneedle inserted into the
ocular tissue (i.e., the tip portion is greater than 75% of the
total length of the microneedle, greater than 85% of the total
length of the microneedle, or greater than about 95% of the total
length of the microneedle). In other particular embodiments, the
microneedle may be designed such that the tip portion is only a
portion of the microneedle that is inserted into the ocular tissue
and generally has a length that is less than about 75% of the total
length of the microneedle, less than about 50% of the total length
of the microneedle, or less than about 25% of the total length of
the microneedle. For example, in one embodiment the microneedle has
a total effective length between 500 .mu.m and 1000 .mu.m, wherein
the tip portion has a length that is less than about 400 .mu.m,
less than about 300 .mu.m, or less than about 200 .mu.m.
[0063] Base
[0064] The microneedle extends from a base. The base may be
integral with or separate from the microneedle. The base may be
rigid or flexible. The base may be substantially planar or it may
be curved, for example, in the shape of the ocular tissue surface
at the site of injection or, for example, curved away from the
ocular surface (e.g., convex) so as to minimize contact between the
base and the ocular tissue. Desirably, the base is shaped to
provide minimal contact with the surface of the eye at the point of
insertion. For example, in one embodiment, the base may extend only
a minimal distance from the microneedle shaft substantially
perpendicular. In another embodiment, the base may be shaped so as
to elevate the ocular tissue towards the microneedle so as to
counteract the deflection of the ocular tissue and facilitate
insertion of the microneedle into the ocular tissue (e.g., the base
may extend from the microneedle toward the tip portion of the
microneedle so as to "pinch" the ocular tissue). Some such
embodiments may be based, at least in part, on the devices
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,743,211, the relevant disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0065] In a particular embodiment, the microneedle device has a
single microneedle. In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 5, the
microneedle device 130 includes a convex base 132 and a hollow
microneedle 134 which has a bore 140 through which a fluid drug
formulation (not shown) can be delivered to the eye or through
which a biological fluid can be withdrawn from the eye. The hollow
microneedle 134 includes a proximal portion 136 and a tip portion
138.
[0066] The microneedle may extend from the base of the microneedle
device at any angle suitable for insertion into the eye. In a
particular embodiment, the microneedle extends from the base at an
angle of about 90 degrees to provide approximately perpendicular
insertion of the microneedles into the surface of the eye. In
another particular embodiment, the microneedle extends from the
base at an angle from about 60 to about 90 degrees.
[0067] Microneedle Arrays
[0068] In an alternative embodiment, the device includes an array
of two or more microneedles. For example, the device may include an
array of between 2 and 1000 (e.g., between 2 and 100) microneedles.
In one embodiment, a device may include between 1 and 10
microneedles. An array of microneedles may include a mixture of
different microneedles. For instance, an array may include
microneedles having various lengths, base portion diameters, tip
portion shapes, spacings between microneedles, drug coatings, etc.
In embodiments wherein the microneedle device comprises an array of
two or more microneedles, the angle at which a single microneedle
extends from the base may be independent from the angle at which
another microneedle in the array extends from the base.
[0069] Exemplary Devices
[0070] FIGS. 2-5 illustrate exemplary embodiments of microneedle
devices. In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2-3, the
microneedle device 110 includes a hollow microneedle 114 having a
hollow bore 140 through which a fluid drug formulation (not shown)
can be delivered to the eye or through which a biological fluid can
be withdrawn from the eye. The microneedle includes a proximal
portion 116 and a tip portion 118. The microneedle 114 may extend
from a base comprising, for example, an elongated body 112 having a
distal end from which the proximal portion 116 and tip portion 118
of the microneedle extends. The elongated body may further comprise
a means for securing 111 a base portion of the microneedle
extending beyond the distal end of the base 112, such as a screw or
pin. An exemplary embodiment of the elongated body 112 for securing
the microneedle is illustrated in FIG. 3, and comprises a cap
portion 113 and a base portion 115 having a hollow bore 117
therein. The cap portion 113 and base portion 115 of the elongated
body 112 desirably comprise a means for manually adjusting the
length of needle (i.e., the proximal portion and tip portion of the
microneedle extending from the base 112) protruding out of the cap
portion of the elongated body. Such means may include, for example,
threads 119 allowing the cap portion 113 to be screwed in and out
of the base portion 115 of the elongated body. In an exemplary
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the base portion 115 of the
elongated body may be operably connected to an actuator 120 for
controlled infusion of the fluid drug formulation through the
microneedle into the suprachoroidal space.
[0071] The microneedle device may further comprise a fluid
reservoir for containing the fluid drug formulation, the fluid drug
reservoir being in operable communication with the bore of the
microneedle at a location distal to the tip end of the microneedle.
The fluid reservoir may be integral with the microneedle, integral
with the elongated body, or separate from both the microneedle and
elongated body.
[0072] Fabrication of the Microneedles
[0073] The microneedle can be formed/constructed of different
biocompatible materials, including metals, glasses, semi-conductor
materials, ceramics, or polymers. Examples of suitable metals
include pharmaceutical grade stainless steel, gold, titanium,
nickel, iron, gold, tin, chromium, copper, and alloys thereof. The
polymer can be biodegradable or non-biodegradable. Examples of
suitable biocompatible, biodegradable polymers include
polylactides, polyglycolides, polylactide-co-glycolides (PLGA),
polyanhydrides, polyorthoesters, polyetheresters,
polycaprolactones, polyesteramides, poly(butyric acid),
poly(valeric acid), polyurethanes and copolymers and blends
thereof. Representative non-biodegradable polymers include various
thermoplastics or other polymeric structural materials known in the
fabrication of medical devices. Examples include nylons,
polyesters, polycarbonates, polyacrylates, polymers of
ethylene-vinyl acetates and other acyl substituted cellulose
acetates, non-degradable polyurethanes, polystyrenes, polyvinyl
chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, poly(vinyl imidazole),
chlorosulphonate polyolefins, polyethylene oxide, blends and
copolymers thereof. Biodegradable microneedles can provide an
increased level of safety compared to non-biodegradable ones, such
that they are essentially harmless even if inadvertently broken off
into the ocular tissue.
[0074] The microneedle can be fabricated by a variety of methods
known in the art or as described in the Examples below. In one
embodiment, the hollow microneedle is fabricated using a laser or
similar optical energy source. In one example, a microcannula may
be cut using a laser to represent the desired microneedle length.
The laser may also be use to shape single or multiple tip openings.
Single or multiple cuts may be performed on a single microcannula
to shape the desired microneedle structure. In one example, the
microcannula may be made of metal such as stainless steel and cut
using a laser with a wavelength in the infrared region of the light
spectrum (0.7-300 .mu.m). Further refinement may be performed using
metal electropolishing techniques familiar to those in the field.
In another embodiment, the microneedle length and optional bevel is
formed by a physical grinding process, which for example may
include grinding a metal cannula against a moving abrasive surface.
The fabrication process may further include precision grinding,
micro-bead jet blasting and ultrasonic cleaning to form the shape
of the desired precise tip of the microneedle.
[0075] Further details of possible manufacturing techniques are
described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2006/0086689 A1 to Raju et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication
No. 2006/0084942 to Kim et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication
No. 2005/0209565 to Yuzhakov et al., U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2002/0082543 A1 to Park et al., U.S. Pat. No.
6,334,856 to Allen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,611,707 to Prausnitz et
al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,743,211 to Prausnitz et al., all of which are
incorporated herein by reference for their disclosure of
microneedle fabrication techniques.
[0076] Fluid Drug Formulation
[0077] The fluid drug formulation may be in the form of a liquid
drug, a liquid solution that includes a drug in a suitable solvent,
or liquid suspension. The liquid suspension may include
microparticles or nanoparticles dispersed in a suitable liquid
vehicle for infusion. In various embodiments, the drug may be
included in the liquid vehicle, in the microparticles or
nanoparticles, or in both the vehicle and particles. The fluid drug
formulation is sufficiently fluid to flow into and within the
suprachoroidal space. In a preferred embodiment, the viscosity of
the fluid drug formulation is about 1 cP at 37.degree. C.
[0078] A wide range of drugs may be formulated for delivery to
ocular tissues with the present microneedle devices and methods. As
used herein, the term "drug" refers to essentially any
prophylactic, therapeutic, or diagnostic agent, i.e., an ingredient
useful for medical, veterinary, or cosmetic applications. The drug
may be selected from suitable proteins, peptides and fragments
thereof, which can be naturally occurring, synthesized or
recombinantly produced. The drug may be selected from suitable
oligonucleotides (e.g., antisense oligonucleotide agents),
polynucleotides (e.g., therapeutic DNA), ribozymes, dsRNAs, siRNA,
RNAi, gene therapy vectors, and/or vaccines for therapeutic use.
The drug may be an aptamer (e.g., an oligonucleotide or peptide
molecule that binds to a specific target molecule).
[0079] Representative examples of types of drugs for delivery to
ocular tissues include antibiotics, antiviral agents, analgesics,
anesthetics, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents, and
antineoplastic agents. Non-limiting examples of specific drugs and
classes of drugs include .beta.-adrenoceptor antagonists (e.g.,
carteolol, cetamolol, betaxolol, levobunolol, metipranolol,
timolol), miotics (e.g., pilocarpine, carbachol, physostigmine),
sympathomimetics (e.g., adrenaline, dipivefrine), carbonic
anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., acetazolamide, dorzolamide),
prostaglandins, anti-microbial compounds, including anti-bacterials
and anti-fungals (e.g., chloramphenicol, chlortetracycline,
ciprofloxacin, framycetin, fusidic acid, gentamicin, neomycin,
norfloxacin, ofloxacin, polymyxin, propamidine, tetracycline,
tobramycin, quinolines), anti-viral compounds (e.g., acyclovir,
cidofovir, idoxuridine, interferons), aldose reductase inhibitors,
anti-inflammatory and/or anti-allergy compounds (e.g., steroidal
compounds such as betamethasone, clobetasone, dexamethasone,
fluorometholone, hydrocortisone, prednisolone and non-steroidal
compounds such as antazoline, bromfenac, diclofenac, indomethacin,
lodoxamide, saprofen, sodium cromoglycate), artificial tear/dry eye
therapies, local anesthetics (e.g., amethocaine, lignocaine,
oxbuprocaine, proxymetacaine), cyclosporine, diclofenac,
urogastrone and growth factors such as epidermal growth factor,
mydriatics and cycloplegics, mitomycin C, and collagenase
inhibitors and treatments of age-related macular degeneration such
as pegagtanib sodium, ranibizumab, and bevacizumab.
[0080] In certain embodiments the drug may be an integrin
antagonist, a selectin antagonist, an adhesion molecule antagonist
(e.g., Intercellular Adhesion Molecule (ICAM)-1, ICAM-2, ICAM-3,
Platelet Endothelial Adhesion Molecule (PCAM), Vascular Cell
Adhesion Molecule (VCAM)), or a leukocyte adhesion-inducing
cytokine or growth factor antagonist (e.g., Tumor Neucrosis
Factor-.alpha. (TNF-.alpha.), lnterleukin-1.beta. (IL-1.beta.),
Monocyte Chemotatic Protein-1 (MCP-1) and a Vascular Endothelial
Growth Factor (VEGF)), as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,524,581 to
Adamis. In certain other embodiments, the drug may be
sub-immunoglobulin antigen-binding molecules, such as Fv
immunoglobulin fragments, minibodies, and the like, as described in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,773,916 to Thiel et al. In another embodiment, the
drug may be a diagnostic agent, such as a contrast agent, known in
the art.
[0081] The drug typically needs to be formulated for storage and
delivery via the microneedle device described herein. The "drug
formulation" is a formulation of a drug, which typically includes
one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipient materials known
in the art. The term "excipient" refers to any non-active
ingredient of the formulation intended to facilitate handling,
stability, dispersibility, wettability, release kinetics, and/or
injection of the drug. In one embodiment, the excipient may include
or consist of water or saline.
[0082] In one embodiment, the fluid drug formulation includes
microparticles or nanoparticles, either of which includes at least
one drug. Desirably, the microparticles or nanoparticles provide
for the controlled release of drug into the ocular tissue. As used
herein, the term "microparticle" encompasses microspheres,
microcapsules, microparticles, and beads, having a number average
diameter of 1 to 100 .mu.m, most preferably 1 to 25 .mu.m. The term
"nanoparticles" are particles having a number average diameter of 1
to 1000 nm. Microparticles may or may not be spherical in shape.
"Microcapsules" are defined as microparticles having an outer shell
surrounding a core of another material. The core can be liquid,
gel, solid, gas, or a combination thereof. In one case, the
microcapsule may be a "microbubble" having an outer shell
surrounding a core of gas, wherein the drug is disposed on the
surface of the outer shell, in the outer shell itself, or in the
core. (Microbubbles may be respond to acoustic vibrations as known
in the art for diagnosis or to burst the microbubble to release its
payload at/into a select ocular tissue site.) "Microspheres" can be
solid spheres, can be porous and include a sponge-like or honeycomb
structure formed by pores or voids in a matrix material or shell,
or can include multiple discrete voids in a matrix material or
shell. The microparticle or nanoparticles may further include a
matrix material. The shell or matrix material may be a polymer,
amino acid, saccharide, or other material known in the art of
microencapsulation.
[0083] The drug-containing microparticles or nanoparticles may be
suspended in an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid vehicle. The liquid
vehicle may be a pharmaceutically acceptable aqueous solution, and
optionally may further include a surfactant. The microparticles or
nanoparticles of drug themselves may include an excipient material,
such as a polymer, a polysaccharide, a surfactant, etc., which are
known in the art to control the kinetics of drug release from
particles.
[0084] In one embodiment, the fluid drug formulation further
includes an agent effective to degrade collagen or GAG fibers in
the sclera, which may enhance penetration/release of the drug into
the ocular tissues. This agent may be, for example, an enzyme, such
a hyaluronidase, a collagenase, or a combination thereof. In a
variation of this method, the enzyme is administered to the ocular
tissue in a separate step from--preceding or following--infusion of
the drug. The enzyme and drug are administered at the same
site.
[0085] In another embodiment, the drug formulation is one which
undergoes a phase change upon administration. For instance, a
liquid drug formulation may be injected through hollow microneedles
into the suprachoroidal space, where it then gels and the drug
diffuses out from the gel for controlled release.
Control Features for Directing Movement of the Microneedle in the
Methods of Use
[0086] The microneedle device may comprise a means for controllably
inserting, and optionally retracting, the microneedle into the
ocular tissue. In addition, the microneedle device may include
means of controlling the angle at which the at least one
microneedle is inserted into the ocular tissue (e.g., by inserting
the at least one microneedle into the surface of the ocular tissue
at an angle of about 90 degrees).
[0087] The depth of microneedle insertion into the ocular tissue
can be controlled by the length of the microneedle, as well as
other geometric features of the microneedle. For example, a flange
or other a sudden change in microneedle width can be used to limit
the depth of microneedle insertion. The microneedle insertion can
also be controlled using a mechanical micropositioning system
involving gears or other mechanical components that move the
microneedle into the ocular tissue a controlled distance and,
likewise, can be operated, for example, in reverse, to retract the
microneedle a controlled distance. The depth of insertion can also
be controlled by the velocity at which the microneedle is inserted
into the ocular tissue. The retraction distance can be controlled
by elastic recoil of the ocular tissue into which the microneedle
is inserted or by including an elastic element within the
microneedle device that pulls the microneedle back a specified
distance after the force of insertion is released.
[0088] The angle of insertion can be directed by positioning the
microneedle at a first angle relative to the microneedle base and
positioning the base at a second angle relative to the ocular
surface. In one embodiment, the first angle can be about 90.degree.
and the second angle can be about 0.degree.. The angle of insertion
can also be directed by having the microneedle protrude from a
device housing through a channel in that housing that is oriented
at a specified angle.
[0089] One skilled in the art may adapt mechanical systems known in
the art in combination with the disclosure set forth herein and in
the Examples below to devise suitable structures to controllably
drive the microneedle insertion, which structures may be manually
operable, electromechanically operable, or a combination
thereof.
Control of Transport Through Microneedle
[0090] The transport of drug formulation or biological fluid
through a hollow microneedle can be controlled or monitored using,
for example, one or more valves, pumps, sensors, actuators, and
microprocessors. For instance, in one embodiment the microneedle
device may include a micropump, microvalve, and positioner, with a
microprocessor programmed to control a pump or valve to control the
rate of delivery of a drug formulation through the microneedle and
into the ocular tissue. The flow through a microneedle may be
driven by diffusion, capillary action, a mechanical pump,
electroosmosis, electrophoresis, convection or other driving
forces. Devices and microneedle designs can be tailored using known
pumps and other devices to utilize these drivers. In one
embodiment, the microneedle device may further include an
iontophoretic apparatus, similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,319,240 to Beck, for enhancing the delivery of the drug
formulation to the ocular tissue. In another embodiment the
microneedle devices can further include a flowmeter or other means
to monitor flow through the microneedles and to coordinate use of
the pumps and valves.
[0091] The flow of drug formulation or biological fluid can be
regulated using various valves or gates known in the art. The valve
may be one which can be selectively and repeatedly opened and
closed, or it may be a single-use type, such as a fracturable
barrier. Other valves or gates used in the microneedle devices can
be activated thermally, electrochemically, mechanically, or
magnetically to selectively initiate, modulate, or stop the flow of
material through the microneedles. In one embodiment, the flow is
controlled with a rate-limiting membrane acting as the valve.
[0092] The present invention may be further understood with
reference to the following non-limiting examples.
EXAMPLES
[0093] Experiments were conducted to evaluate whether microneedles
could be used to pierce to the base of the sclera and target the
suprachoroidal space. More specifically, experiments were conducted
to evaluate whether hollow microneedles can deliver small molecules
and particles to the suprachoroidal space of pig, rabbit and human
cadaver eyes. Additional experiments were conducted to measure the
effect of microneedle length, infusion pressure, and intraocular
pressure on the delivery of particles ranging from 20-1000 nm in
diameter in pig eyes. Finally, experiments were conducted to
examine the role that particle size plays and the influence of
ocular anatomical barriers on delivery to the suprachoroidal
space.
[0094] Whole rabbit eyes (Pel-Freez Biologicals, Rogers, Ark.), pig
eyes (Sioux-Preme Packing, Sioux Center, Iowa) and human eyes
(Georgia Eye Bank, Atlanta, Ga.), all with the optic nerve
attached, were shipped on ice and stored wet at 4.degree. C. for up
to 3 days. Prior to use, eyes were allowed to come to room
temperature and any fat and conjunctiva were removed to expose the
sclera.
[0095] Hollow microneedles were fabricated from borosilicate
micropipette tubes (Sutter Instrument, Novato, Calif.), as
described previously (J. Jiang, et al., Pharm. Res. 26:395-403
(2009)). FIG. 7A shows a comparison of the hollow microneedle
compared to the tip of a 30 gauge hypodermic needle (scale=500
.mu.m). A custom, pen-like device with a threaded cap was
fabricated to position the microneedle and allow precise adjustment
of its length. This device was attached to a micropipette holder
(MMP-KIT, World Precision Instruments, Sarasota, Fla.) with tubing
that was connected to a carbon dioxide gas cylinder for application
of infusion pressure. The holder was attached to a micromanipulator
(KITE, World Precision Instruments) which was used to control
insertion of the microneedle into the sclera.
[0096] Carboxylate-modified FluoSpheres.RTM. (Invitrogen, Carlsbad,
Calif.) were injected as 2 wt % solids suspension of 20 nm, 100 nm,
500 nm, and 1000 nm diameter particles. Tween 80 (Sigma-Aldrich,
St. Louis, Mo.) at a final concentration of 0.5 wt %, was added to
the suspension and sonicated prior to use. Sulforhodamine B
(Sigma-Aldrich) was dissolved in Hanks' balanced salt solution
(Mediatech, Manassas, Va.) to make a sulforhodmine solution of
10.sup.-4 M. Barium sulfate particles (Fisher Scientific, Waltham,
Mass.) measuring 1 .mu.m in diameter were suspended in balanced
salt solution (BSS Plus, Alcon, Fort Worth, Tex.) to form a 1.5 wt
% suspension.
[0097] A custom acrylic mold, shaped to fit a whole eye, was built
to hold the eye steady and used for all experiments (FIG. 7B). A
catheter was inserted through the optic nerve into the vitreous and
connected to a bottle of BSS Plus raised to a height to generate
internal eye pressure (18 or 36 mm Hg). Suction was applied to a
channel within the mold to hold the external surface of the eye
steady during microneedle insertion and manipulation. Each
microneedle was pre-filled with a desired volume of the material to
be injected. The microneedle was placed in the device holder at a
set microneedle length, attached to the micromanipulator and
connected to the constant pressure source. Microneedles were then
inserted perpendicular to the sclera tissue 5-7 mm posterior from
the limbus. A set pressure was applied to induce infusion. Thirty
seconds were allowed to see if infusion of the solution began. If
infusion occurred, the pressure was stopped immediately upon
injection of the specified volume. If visual observation of the
injected material showed localization in the suprachoroidal space,
the injection was considered a success. If infusion had not begun
within that timeframe, then the applied pressure was stopped and
the needle was retracted. This was considered an unsuccessful
delivery.
[0098] Eyes to be imaged using microscopy were detached from the
set-up within minutes after delivery was completed. The eyes were
placed in acetone or isopentane kept on dry ice or liquid nitrogen,
causing the eye to freeze completely within minutes after
placement. The frozen eye was removed from the liquid and portions
of the eye were hand cut using a razor blade for imaging of
injected material. Imaging was performed using a stereo microscope
using brightfield and fluorescence optics (model SZX12, Olympus
America, Center Valley, Pa.). The portions containing the sclera,
choroid and retina were placed in Optimal Cutting Temperature media
(Sakura Finetek, Torrance, Calif.) and frozen under dry ice or
liquid nitrogen. These samples were cryosectioned 10-30 .mu.m thick
(Microm Cryo-Star HM 560MV, Walldorf, Germany) and imaged by
brightfield and fluorescence microscopy (Nikon E600, Melville,
N.Y.) to determine the location of injected material in the eye.
Images were collaged as necessary using Adobe Photoshop software
(Adobe Systems, San Jose, Calif.).
[0099] Pig eyes used for microcomputed tomography imaging were not
frozen after injection. Instead, pig eyes were injected with a
barium sulfate suspension and stabilized in a 30 mm diameter sample
tube and scanned in air using a Scanco .mu.CT40 desktop conebeam
system (Scanco Medical AG, Bruttisellen, Switzerland) at 30 .mu.m
isotropic voxel size, E=55 kVp, I=145 .mu.A, and integration
time=200 ms. Through a convolution backprojection algorithm based
on techniques from Feldkamp et. al. (J. Opt. Soc. Am. A-Opt. Image
Sci. Vis. 1:612-619 (1984)), raw data were automatically
reconstructed to generate 2D grayscale tomograms. Global
segmentation values (Gauss sigma, Gauss support, and threshold)
were chosen for the contrast-enhanced region as well as general eye
tissue. Grayscale tomograms were stacked, and 3D binarized images
were produced by applying the optimal segmentation values (one
image for the entire eye and another for the region injected with
contrast agent). These images were overlayed using Scanco image
processing language to demonstrate the relative 3D position of the
contrast-enhanced region within the entire eye.
Example 1: Delivery of a Model Compound to the Suprachoroidal Space
Using a Hollow Microneedle
[0100] Red-fluorescent sulforhodamine B was used as a model
compound and injected into pig eyes ex vivo using a single hollow
microneedle inserted just to the base of the sclera in order to
target the suprachoroidal space. A brightfield microscopic image of
the saggital cross section of an untreated pig eye, shown in FIGS.
8A and 8B (Scale bar: 500 .mu.m), was taken both before and after
injection of 35 .mu.L of sulforhodamine B. The normal ocular tissue
(FIG. 8A) can be distinguished to identify the sclera, choroid,
retina, and vitreous humor. After infusion of the model compound
(FIG. 8B), the sulforhodamine solution can be seen just below the
sclera and above the choroid in the suprachoroidal space,
confirming that the solution was injected and spread within the
suprachoroidal space from the initial injection site. Volumes up to
35 .mu.L were able to be injected without leakage, but larger
volumes leaked out from openings on the surface of the eye where
vortex veins would be attached in vivo. However, subsequent
experiments in pigs and rabbits in vivo have demonstrated
suprachoroidal delivery of up to 100 .mu.L without leakage through
these openings (data not shown).
Example 2: Delivery of Particles to the Suprachoroidal Space Using
Hollow Microneedles
[0101] Particles with diameters of 500 nm or 1000 nm were injected
into the suprachoroidal space of rabbit, pig and human eyes ex vivo
and imaged to evaluate the distribution and localization of the
particles just below the sclera. The sclera (1), choroid (2), and
retina (3) were identified in a fluoroscopic image of a cryosection
of a pig eye with no infusion into the suprachoroidal space (FIG.
9A, Scale bar: 500 .mu.m). Fluoroscopic images of cryosections of a
rabbit eye after injection of 500 nm particles were taken in the
axial plane and the images were collaged to form a panoramic view
(FIG. 9B, Scale bar: 500 .mu.m). The spread of the fluorescent
particles (which appear as the bright white regions in the images)
was observed along the equator of the eye in a thin sheath just
below the sclera. A volume of 15 .mu.L was injected and, in this
particular cross-section taken in the plane of the insertion site,
the injection had spread approximately 20 mm, which corresponds to
about 36% of the total circumference of the eye.
[0102] Fluoroscopic images of cryo sections of pig and human eyes
were taken in the sagittal directions so that the images show the
anterior of the eye to the right and the posterior of the eye to
the left (FIGS. 9C and 9D, respectively). These images show the
ability of microinjected particles (which appear bright white) to
spread in the suprachoroidal space both in the anterior and
posterior direction of the eye from the injection site. In these
experiments, a single microneedle delivered 30 .mu.L of a 2 wt %
particle suspension into the suprachoroidal space of both species.
Leakage was observed at the vortex vein openings away from the
injection site similar to what was observed with sulforhodamine
injections.
[0103] The insets in these images show magnified views of the
microneedle insertion site. In each case, the insertion site within
the sclera was filled with particles. In the case of the pig (FIG.
9C) and human (FIG. 9D), the retina was still attached and visible,
and it was clear that the microneedle had not penetrated to the
retina. In the case of the rabbit (FIG. 9B), the retina separated
during the cryosectioning procedure and was not visible. These
results confirmed that a microneedle was able to target the
suprachoroidal space of rabbit, pig, and human eyes to deliver
particles up to 1000 nm in diameter. The results further confirmed
that these particles spread from the injection site
circumferentially in all directions within the suprachoroidal
space.
[0104] Microcomputed tomography (.mu.CT) was utilized to image the
circumferential spread and localization of injected material in the
suprachoroidal space in three dimensions using a noninvasive
method. After injecting 35 .mu.L of 1 .mu.m diameter barium sulfate
contrast agent particles into the suprachoroidal space of a pig
eye, cross sectional images showed the particles distributed as a
thin white strip that circled just below the outer edge of the eye,
i.e., just below the sclera (FIG. 10A). This profile is
characteristic of suprachoroidal delivery and similar to the
results from fluorescence imaging. The three-dimensional
reconstruction of these cross-sectional images showed the spread of
the particles in the posterior segment of the eye (FIG. 10B, Scale
Bar: 5 mm). The particles spread was approximately 5 mm in radius,
although asymmetrically distributed around the injection site, and
covered an approximate area of 70 mm.sup.2 (which represents 7% of
the surface area of the back of the eye). This further confirmed
the ability of microneedles to spread particles over a significant
portion of the posterior segment of the eye by targeting the
suprachoroidal space.
Example 3: Effect of Operating Parameters on Particle Delivery to
the Suprachoroidal Space
[0105] Particles of 20, 100, 500, and 1000 nm diameter were
injected into pig eyes ex vivo using a range of different
microneedle lengths and infusion pressures to determine the success
rate of suprachoroidal delivery. An attempted injection was
considered to be either fully successful (complete injection of the
25 .mu.L particle suspension into the suprachoroidal space) or
fully unsuccessful (an inability to inject at all). No partial
injections were observed. The effect of infusion pressure and
microneedle length on the success rate of suprachoroidal delivery
of particles are shown for 20 nm (FIG. 11A), 100 nm (FIG. 11B), 500
nm (FIG. 11C), and 1000 nm (FIG. 11D) particles into pig eyes.
[0106] The success rate increased with greater infusion pressure
and with greater microneedle length (ANOVA, p<0.05). For the 20
nm particles (FIG. 11A), 100% successful injections were achieved
using a pressure of 250 kPa at all microneedle lengths. For 100 nm
particles (FIG. 11B), the effects of pressure similarly plateaued
at 250 kPa and 100% success was achieved at all but the shortest
microneedle length (700 .mu.m). For the larger particles (500 and
1000 nm) (FIGS. 11C and 11D, respectively), the effects of pressure
generally plateaued at 300 kPa and success rate significantly
decreased for shorter microneedles. Not wishing to be bound by any
theory, it is believed that short microneedles lengths inject
within the sclera, such that particles must be forced through a
portion of the sclera to reach the suprachoroidal space. Smaller
particles (20 and 100 nm) can more easily force through a portion
of the sclera to reach the suprachoroidal space because the spacing
of collagen fiber bundles in the sclera is on the order of 300 nm.
Larger particles (500 and 1000 nm), however, have more difficulty
crossing this anatomical barrier, such that infusion pressure
becomes a more important parameter and injection success rate
decreases significantly.
[0107] A statistical comparison of the injection rates of particles
of different sizes at different microneedle lengths was made using
ANOVA and is summarized in the following table. Significance was
considered to be a p<0.05 and indicated by an asterisk (*).
TABLE-US-00001 Microneedle 20 vs 100 vs 500 vs 20 vs Length 100 nm
500 nm 1000 nm 1000 nm 700 .mu.m 0.02* 0.02* 0.09 0.02* 800 .mu.m
0.37 0.00* 0.10 0.01* 900 .mu.m 0.18 0.03* 0.18 0.03* 1000 .mu.m
0.18 0.37 0.21 0.18
The statistical analysis showed that at a microneedle length of 700
.mu.m, where the most scleral tissue must be traversed to reach the
suprachoroidal space, success rate depended strongly on particle
size. Using 800 and 900 .mu.m microneedles, particles smaller than
the collagen fiber spacing (20 and 100 nm) behaved similarly and
particles larger than the collagen fiber spacing (500 and 1000 nm)
also behaved similarly, but there was a significant difference
between 100 nm and 500 nm particles. The longest microneedles (1000
.mu.m), which probably reached the base of the sclera, showed no
significant dependence on particle size, suggesting that overcoming
the collagen barrier in the sclera was no longer needed.
[0108] Not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the
foregoing further suggested that particles of 20 and 100 nm can
spread within the sclera as well as the suprachoroidal space,
whereas particles of 500 and 1000 nm should localize exclusively in
the suprachoroidal space. The spread of 20 nm particles (FIG. 12A)
was compared to the spread of 1000 nm particles (FIG. 12B) under
identical conditions. As expected, the smaller particles exhibited
significant spread in the sclera as well as the suprachoroidal
space. In contrast, the larger particles were relegated primarily
to the suprachoroidal space and were largely excluded from the
sclera. This localization of large particles was consistent with
the results shown in FIG. 11.
[0109] Thus, 20 and 100 nm particles were reliably injected using a
minimum microneedle length of 800 .mu.m and a minimum pressure of
250 kPa. To deliver 500 and 1000 nm particles, a minimum
microneedle length of 1000 .mu.m and a minimum pressure of 250-300
kPa was required.
Example 4: Effect of Intraocular Pressure on Delivery of Particles
to the Suprachoroidal Space
[0110] Intraocular Pressure (TOP) is the internal pressure within
the eye that keeps the eye inflated. It provides a back pressure
that can counteract the infusion pressure. To evaluate the effect
of intraocular pressure on particle delivery to the suprachoroidal
space, 1000 nm particles were injected at two different levels of
IOP, 18 and 36 mmHg. The effect of infusion pressure and
microneedle length on the success rate of suprachoroidal delivery
of 1000 nm particles at simulated IOP levels of 18 mmHg and 36 mmHg
is shown in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, respectively. The delivery
success rate generally increased with an increase in IOP. Notably,
at normal IOP, no particles were delivered at the lowest infusion
pressure (150 kPa) or using the shortest microneedles (700 .mu.m)
and only the longest microneedles (1000 .mu.m) achieved 100%
success rate at the highest infusion pressure (300 kPa) (FIG. 13A).
In contrast, at elevated IOP, particles were sometimes delivered at
the lowest infusion pressure and using the shortest microneedles,
and a 100% success rate was achieved using both 900 and 1000 .mu.m
microneedles at the highest infusion pressure (FIG. 13B).
[0111] Not wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that
the main effect of elevated IOP is to make the sclera surface more
firm, reducing tissue surface deflection during microneedle
insertion and thereby increasing the depth of penetration into
sclera for a microneedle of a given length. Although we did not
measure microneedle insertion depth directly, these results suggest
that microneedle insertion may be more effective at elevated IOP
because they insert deeper into the sclera and thereby increase
infusion success rate.
Example 5: Delivery of Model Compound to Suprachoroidal Space in
Live Animal Models
[0112] The delivery of a fluorescent molecule (sodium fluorescein)
to the suprachoroidal space was evaluated using rabbits according
to approved live animal experimental protocols. A one dimensional
scan of the eye (through line of sight) was taken within the first
five minutes after injection to determine the dispersion of the
fluorescent molecule in the eye (FIG. 14). The y-axis indicates the
fluorescent intensity (i.e., the concentration) and the x-axis
represents the position in the eye from front (160) to back (0).
Thus, the results illustrate that within the first 5 minutes after
injection, the fluorescein had already flowed through the
suprachoroidal space to the back of the eye, with some remaining at
the initial insertion site.
[0113] Similar scans were taken to evaluate the rate of clearance
of fluorescein from the suprachoroidal space over time (FIG. 15).
The fluorescent intensity was measured in two regions of the eye
(the suprachoroidal space and mid-vitreous region) over time. The
results illustrate that the bulk of the material injected remains
in the suprachoroidal space without passing into the mid-vitreous
region and that the material substantially cleared the
suprachoroidal space within 24 hours.
Example 6: Delivery of Particles to Suprachoroidal Space in Live
Animal Models
[0114] Live animal experiments also were conducted to evaluate the
delivery of particles to the suprachoroidal space. Fluorescent
particles having a diameter of 20 nm and 500 nm were infused into
rabbit eyes and the fluorescent intensity was evaluated to
determine the length of time the particles remained in two regions
of the eye (the suprachoroidal space and mid-vitreous region).
[0115] The smaller particles (FIG. 16) were successfully delivered
to the suprachoroidal space and remained in the suprachoroidal
space for at least 35 days. The larger particles (FIG. 17) also
were successfully delivered to the suprachoroidal space and
remained in the suprachoroidal space for at least 24 days. Notably,
both the smaller and larger particles were well localized as
indicated by the low level of fluorescence in the mid-vitreous
region.
[0116] Publications cited herein and the materials for which they
are cited are specifically incorporated by reference. Modifications
and variations of the methods and devices described herein will be
obvious to those skilled in the art from the foregoing detailed
description. Such modifications and variations are intended to come
within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *