Ocular therapeutic agent delivery devices and methods for making and using such devices
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
InventorsMichael R. Robinson, Karl G. Csaky, Peng Yuan, Cynthia Sung, Robert B. Nussenblatt, Janine A. Smith
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Abstract
Ocular implant devices for the delivery of a therapeutic agent to an eye in a controlled and sustained manner. Dual mode and single mode drug delivery devices are illustrated and described. Implants suitable for subconjunctival placement are described. Implants suitable for intravitreal placement also are described. The invention also includes fabrication and implementation techniques associated with the unique ocular implant devices that are presented herein.
Claims18
An ocular implant providing sustained-release of a first therapeutic agent to the eye for a prolonged period of time, comprising:
- a composite material matrix layer including:
- (i) a first therapeutic agent,
- (ii) a polymeric matrix material into which the first therapeutic agent is dispersed, including (1) a bioerodible polymer permeable to the therapeutic agent, the permeable polymer being superhydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol, and (2) a water-soluble polymer having greater water solubility than the permeable polymer, the water-soluble polymer being a cellulose ether polymer, and
- (iii) a discrete solid core containing the first or a second therapeutic agent, the therapeutic agent being dispersed, and the solid core being embedded within the composite material matrix layer.
An ocular implant providing sustained-release of a therapeutic agent to the eye for a prolonged period of time, comprising:
- (a) a composite material matrix layer including:
- (i) a first therapeutic agent, and
- (ii) a polymeric matrix material into which the first therapeutic agent is dispersed, including poly(ethylene vinyl) acetate and a cellulose ether polymer, and
- (b) optionally, a discrete solid core containing an additional amount of the first therapeutic agent or a second different therapeutic agent, wherein said solid core being embedded within the composite material matrix layer.
A method of delivering a therapeutic agent to an eye in need of treatment thereof, comprising attaching an implant containing a therapeutic agent to the eye, wherein the implant comprises a composite material matrix layer including a therapeutic agent, and a polymeric matrix material into which the therapeutic agent is dispersed including a superhydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol permeable to the therapeutic agent and a cellulose ether polymer, and, optionally, a discrete solid core containing additional therapeutic agent and embedded within the composite material matrix layer, effective to deliver the therapeutic agent to the eye.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.