A biocompatible reverse thermoresponsive polymer for ocular drug delivery.

ABSTRACT: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss, the treatment of which may require monthly intravitreal injections. This is a burden on patients and health services, and new delivery modalities that reduce injection frequency are required. To that end, we investigated the suitability of a novel reverse thermoresponsive polymer (RTP) as an ocular drug-delivery vehicle. In this work, we detail the structure and synthesis of a novel RTP, and determine drug release curves for two drugs commonly used in the treatment of AMD, bevacizumab and aflibercept. Biocompatibility of the RTP was assessed in vitro in human and rat cell lines and in vivo following intravitreal injection in rats. Bevacizumab demonstrated a more appropriate release profile than aflibercept, with 67%

SUBMITTER: Balachandra A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6442223 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature