Ocular Drug Delivery by Using Phase Invertible Implants (360G-Wellcome-207222_Z_17_Z)

Age–related macular degeneration (AMD) currently affects more than 600,000 people in the UK and is the leading cause of vision loss. Intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an effective treatment for AMD patients. However, frequent injections are required in the treatment, which is expensive and often associated with complications and poor patient tolerance. This study focuses on the development of novel ocular drug delivery using in situ forming implants to treat AMD. In this study, in situ formed implants composed of biodegradable polymers will be formulated using PLGA and biocompatible organic solvent. Various properties of the in situ forming systems will be investigated, such as thermal properties, rheological properties, degradation behaviors and in vitro drug release profiles. These in situ forming implants can sustain the release of incorporated drugs, reduce complications caused by frequent administration and ultimately improve patient comfort.