The preparation of HEMA-MPC films for ocular drug delivery

There is a need to prolong drug residence time using a biocompatible formulation in the subconjunctival space after surgery to treat glaucoma. Drug releasing discs were prepared with 2-(hydroxyethyl)methacrylate (HEMA) and 2-methacryloyl-oxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC). The ratio of bound water (Wb) to free water (Wf) ratio increased from 1:0.3 to 1:6.8 with increasing MPC (0 to 50%, w/w). The optimal balance between water content, SR and mechanical strength were obtained with 10% MPC (w/w) hydrogels. Water-alcohol mixtures were examined to facilitate loading of poorly soluble drugs, and they showed greater hydrogel swelling than either water or alcohol alone. The SR was 1.2 ± 0.02 and 3.3 ± 0.1 for water and water:ethanol (1:1) respectively. HEMA-MPC (10%) discs were loaded with dexamethasone using either water:ethanol (1:1) or methanol alone. Drug release was examined in an outflow rig model that mimics the subconjunctival space in the eye. Dexamethasone loading increased from 0.3 to 1.9 mg/disc when the solvent was changed from water:ethanol (1:1) to methanol with the dexamethasone half-life (t½) increasing from 1.9 to 9.7 days respectively. These encouraging results indicate that HEMA-MPC hydrogels have the potential to sustain the residence time of a drug in the subconjunctival space of the eye

Outcomes of treatment of pediatric choroidal neovascularization with intravitreal antiangiogenic agents : the results of the KKESH International collaborative retina study group

To evaluate safety and clinical results of intravitreal antiangiogenic agents for choroidal neovascularization in pediatric patients. Methods: Retrospective, multicenter, interventional case series. A total of 45 eyes of 39 pediatric patients with choroidal neovascularization of various etiologies were treated with intravitreal injection of antiangiogenic agents (1.25 mg per 0.05 mL of bevacizumab or 0.5 mg per 0.05 mL of ranibizumab). Results: There were 24 girls and 15 boys with group median age of 13 years (range, 3\u201317 years). Mean follow-up period was 12.8 months (range, 3\u201360 months). Median visual acuity in terms of logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution at presentation and last follow-up was 0.87 and 0.7, respectively (P = 0.0003). Mean and median number of injections received over the follow-up period was 2.2 and 1, respectively. At the last follow-up, 22 eyes (48%) gained more than 3 lines of vision and 27 eyes (60%) had final visual acuity 20/50 or better. Nine eyes (20%) did not improve and had severe vision loss (20/200 or worse). Conclusion: Intravitreal antiangiogenic therapy for choroidal neovascularization in pediatric patients seems temporarily safe and effective in majority of affected eyes. Because of the rarity and character of this condition, it is unlikely that any clinical trials will soon take place to study this or other treatment option