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

• Published in: Nature communications Vol. 9; no. 1; pp. 4433 - 12
• Main Authors: Than, Aung, Liu, Chenghao, Chang, Hao, Duong, Phan Khanh, Cheung, Chui Ming Gemmy, Xu, Chenjie, Wang, Xiaomeng, Chen, Peng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 06.11.2018; Nature Publishing Group; Nature Portfolio
• Subjects: 631/154/152; 631/61/54/990; Angiogenesis; Animals; Controlled release; Cornea; Delayed-Action Preparations; Diclofenac; Drug delivery; Drug Delivery Systems; Eye; Eye - drug effects; Eye diseases; Eye injuries; Humanities and Social Sciences; Inflammation; Inflammation - pathology; Mice; Monoclonal antibodies; multidisciplinary; Needles; Pharmaceutical Preparations - administration & dosage; Prostheses and Implants; Science; Science (multidisciplinary); Sus scrofa; Sustained release; Transdermal medication; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A - antagonists & inhibitors; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A - metabolism; Vascularization
• ISSN: 2041-1723; 2041-1723
• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06981-w

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