Subretinal Drug Delivery Capabilities
The inner and outer blood retinal barriers of the eye separate the retina and vitreous from systemic circulation, putting the retina and the vitreous cavity in a unique position regarding pharmacokinetics. In these areas, topical drops produce minimal therapeutic concentrations. Alternative drug delivery systems are needed to address this issue. In addition to the intravitreal space, the subretinal space presents another possible location for the effective delivery of pharmacotherapies. Use of this space to deliver drugs has the possibility of targeting diseases that are currently addressed through frequent intraocular/intravitreal injections, laser and surgical procedures, and intravitreal implants. In addition, microsurgical instrumentation is needed to facilitate working in this space.
SurModics has two products under development designed to work in the subretinal space, SurModics' Subretinal sustained drug delivery system, and the RetinaJect™ Subretinal Cannula.
Subretinal Sustained Drug Delivery System
A subretinal drug delivery implant system has been developed by SurModics to provide site-specific delivery of compounds to the macula. Delivery of drugs directly to the disease site may ensure both limited exposure of other tissues and the lowest necessary dose.
RetinaJect™ Subretinal Cannula*
The RetinaJect Subretinal Cannula* provides a non-surgical alternative for the delivery of therapeutic agents into the subretinal space. The device utilizes a 25 gauge needle to transconjunctivally enter the vitreous. An internal flexible 39 gauge cannula is then advanced to create the retinotomy. The procedure can be performed without vitrectomy and results in a self-sealing sclerotomy, eliminating the need for sutures and minimizing the risk of infection. The device is currently being investigated in laboratory animals.
Additional Information
Click links on right to download abstracts for published papers regarding the subretinal drug delivery system.
*Disclaimer
The RetinaJect™ Subretinal Cannula is a device for investigational use in laboratory animals or other tests that do not involve human subjects.
