Clinical Translation of Long-Acting Drug Delivery Systems for Posterior Capsule Opacification Prophylaxis

Abstract

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) remains the most common cause of vision loss post cataract surgery. The clinical management of PCO formation is limited to either physical impedance of residual lens epithelial cells (LECs) by implantation of specially designed intraocular lenses (IOL) or laser ablation of the opaque posterior capsular tissues; however, these strategies cannot fully eradicate PCO and are associated with other ocular complications. In this review, we critically appraise recent advances in conventional and nanotechnology-based drug delivery approaches to PCO prophylaxis. We focus on long-acting dosage forms, including drug-eluting IOL, injectable hydrogels, nanoparticles and implants, highlighting analysis of their controlled drug-release properties (e.g., release duration, maximum drug release, drug-release half-life). The rational design of drug delivery systems by considering the intraocular environment, issues of initial burst release, drug loading content, delivery of drug combination and long-term ocular safety holds promise for the development of safe and effective pharmacological applications in anti-PCO therapies.

Microfluidics-based PLGA nanoparticles of ratiometric multidrug: From encapsulation and release rates to cytotoxicity in human lens epithelial cells

“…In human LECs as well as cancer cells, the fixed-dose MMC and DOX combination (MMC-DOX) can synergistically reduce cell viability at markedly lower concentrations than single agent treatment [ 18 , 19 ], which suggests that co-delivery of MMC-DOX may lead to favorable outcomes in the effort to control the pathogenesis of LECs. Unlike anticancer therapy, which is administered intravenously at specific intervals, prevention of PCO involves intraoperative single-dosing of the pharmacological agent(s) [ 20 , 21 ]. Thus, a long-acting formulation capable of ratiometric drug release is highly preferable in PCO drug therapy.…”

Physicochemical Properties and Release Study of Antimetabolite-Incorporated Stearoyl Chitosan

“…Furthermore, methotrexate has been studied in poly­(lactic- co -glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles and deoxycholate- d -α-tocopheryl polyethylene . A new study was conducted by Li et al to design a long-acting drug delivery system of intraocular lenses to encapsulate methotrexate for posterior capsule opacification prophylaxis . All of the aforementioned carriers exhibited either sustained or controlled drug release via both oral and intravenous administration routes.…”