Thursday, July 26, 2012

Could microneedles be the key to targeted drug delivery for the eye?

Targeted drug delivery to the eye is difficult, but researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University have found that microneedles may be the key to delivering medication to the back of the eye.

According to Fierce Drug Delivery, The method of delivery using microneedles includes:
The researchers used microneedles less than a millimeter in length to inject a fluorescent dye, a drug (bevacizumab) and small polymer particles into the suprachoroidal space in rabbits' eyes. This is just behind the sclera (the white part of the eye) and allows drug to flow along the inner surface of the eye to the back, including the retina.

While this method is in its early stages, it provides drug makers a way to enclose medication in degradable particles.  Many Pharma companies are in the process of development, but it has been hard to figure a way to deliver drugs both targeted and safely to the eye.

At Drug Delivery Partnerships, hundreds of pharmaceutical and drug delivery thought leaders come together to develop partnerships to create the next great product that will bring relief to millions of patients. Sign up for updates on the 17th Annual Drug Delivery Partnerships Conference taking place February 6-8, 2012, in San Diego, CA.

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