Development of a novel intraocular drug release system using an implant device

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K18849
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56060:Ophthalmology-related
• Research Institution: Nagoya City University
• Principal Investigator: Takase Noriaki 名古屋市立大学, 医薬学総合研究院(医学), 研究員 (00812124)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 網膜 / 加齢黄斑変性 / 抗体医薬 / ドラッグデリバリーシステム

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Age-related macular degeneration, myopic choroidal neovascularization, diabetic macular edema, and macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion cause severe visual impairment. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor therapy is the primary option, but requires vitreous injections directly into the eye, placing a significant physical and financial burden on the patient.
We tested whether a water-soluble polymeric formulation such as anti-VEGF can be sustained-released intraocularly and maintain drug efficacy intraocularly over the long term by animal experiments. An intraocular lens-type hollow device, a glaucoma implanted mimetic type, and a tubular cartridge type device were developed, all of which showed sustained drug release of monoclonal antibodies for more than 3 months from an openings implanted in the anterior chamber of a house rabbit.

Free Research Field

網膜　加齢黄斑変性

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

抗VEGF療法は、VEGFのはたらきを抑える抗VEGF薬を眼内に注射してVEGFを抑制し、滲出型加齢黄斑変性症や、糖尿病黄斑浮腫の治療として広く用いられる。
しかしながら再投与が必要であることが多く、また効果も最長で2ヶ月と短い。
これらの研究成果は、眼内薬物送達技術の進歩を示し、視力障害を抱える患者の生活の質の向上に貢献することが期待されます。現在、安全性と有効性の評価を行い、臨床応用への展開を目指して取り組んでいる。