Cubosomes and other potential ocular drug delivery vehicles for macromolecular therapeutics.
BACKGROUND
Many macromolecular therapeutics designed to treat posterior segment eye diseases (PSEDs) are administered through frequent ocular injection, which can further deteriorate eye health. Due to the high frequency of injection and the high cost of the therapeutics, there is a need to develop new ways in which to deliver these therapeutics: ways which are both safer and more cost effective.


METHODS
Using the most common PSED, age-related macular degeneration, as an example of a debilitating ocular disease, this review examines the key barriers limiting the delivery of macromolecular therapeutics to the posterior segment of the eye and defines the key requirements placed on particulate drug delivery vehicles (DDVs) to be suitable for this application. Recent developments in macromolecular drug delivery to treat this disease as well as the remaining shortcomings in its treatment are surveyed. Lastly, an emerging class of DDVs potentially suited to this application, called cubosomes, is introduced.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on their excellent colloidal stability and high internal surface area, cubosomes hold great potential for the sustained release of therapeutics. Novel production methods and a better understanding of the mechanisms through which drug release from these particles can be controlled are two major recent developments toward successful application.
The University of Melbourne, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Particulate Fluids Processing Centre (PFPC) , Parkville, VIC 3010 , Australia +61 3 8344 6875 ; kladewig@unimelb.edu.au.
Terence E
TE
Hartnett
Andrea J
AJ
O'Connor
Katharina
K
Ladewig
D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D065546:Drug Liberation; D005079:Excipients / Q000737:chemistry; D005123:Eye / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D057972:Posterior Eye Segment / Q000378:metabolism
D005079:Excipients; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations
age-related macular degeneration; cubosome; ocular drug delivery; posterior segment eye disease