Long-Term Subconjunctival Delivery of Brimonidine Tartrate for Glaucoma Treatment Using a Microspheres/Carrier System.
Core-shell polymer microspheres with poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) core and poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) shell are developed for the long-term subconjunctival release of brimonidine tartrate (BT) in order to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in the treatment of glaucoma. The PLLA-rich shell acts as a diffusion barrier, enabling linear release of BT over an extended period of 40 d. The microspheres are encased in a porous non-degradable methacrylate-based carrier for ease of subconjunctival implantation in a glaucoma-induced rabbit model. In vivo release of BT from the microspheres/carrier system has enabled a significant, immediate IOP reduction of 20 mmHg, which is sustained for 55 d. Long-term IOP reduction may be maintained by periodic replacement of the microspheres/carrier system.
Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos, 138669, Singapore.
Y Shona
YS
Pek
Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos, 138669, Singapore.
Hong
H
Wu
Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos, 138669, Singapore.
Siti Thaharah
ST
Mohamed
Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos, 138669, Singapore.
Jackie Y
JY
Ying
D000818:Animals; D000068438:Brimonidine Tartrate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008863:Microspheres; D011091:Polyesters / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D011817:Rabbits
D011091:Polyesters; C033616:poly(lactide); D000068438:Brimonidine Tartrate
animal models; controlled drug release; glaucoma; microspheres