Endocapsular Drug Delivery Ring for Intraocular Use

Age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma are two of the leading causes of blindness in the United States and across the world. Approximately 1 in 27 Americans suffer from age-related macular degeneration.

This invention presents a novel drug delivery device to deliver medications to the eye through an intraocular implant. It is insertable into the lens capsule at the time of cataract surgery, which is the most common eye surgery with low complication rates, and requires no implantation into the back of the eye or suturing. It offers a refillable, biocompatible way of delivering drugs for glaucoma, macular degeneration, and a variety of other chronic eye diseases.

Proof of Concept

·       This technology would offer a sustained release of medication over 6 months to 1 year, thus eliminating the need for patients to put up to 40 drops a day in one eye.

·       No sutures or retinal or vitreous surgery are required.

·       Device is refillable thereby increasing its cost effectiveness.

·       General ophthalmologists can use the device as opposed to sub-specialty surgeons.

·       Ambati et al (2003) An animal model of age-related macular degeneration in senescent Ccl-2 or Ccr-2-deficient mice. Nat Med. 9(11): 1390-7.

Publication Number: US 2013/0302398
Patent Title: Intraocular Drug Delivery Device and Associated Methods
Jurisdiction/Country: United States
Application Type: Non-Provisional

Huy Tran
(801) 581-7792
huy.tran@utah.edu