Dexamethasone Sustained Drug Delivery Implant for the Treatment of Severe Uveitis

A review of evidence guiding the use of corticosteroids in the treatment of intraocular inflammation

“…[112][113][114] There is a report of one patient with uveitis whose condition responded well to a dexamethasone implant until the device became depleted. 115 A sustained-release betamethasone phosphate implant that has the shape of a nail or tack has been designed to be inserted through the pars plana with the head remaining external, and to release the drug from the pointed tip. 77 This implant, which appeared safe when tested in rabbits, is unusual in its configuration as well as in delivering intraocular betamethasone, a drug for which the commercially available injectable formulation is not suitable for intraocular use, due to the preservative vehicle.…”

Effects of a new dexamethasone-delivery system (Surodex) on experimental intraocular inflammation models

“…There are also various reports of other unique corticosteroid-drug delivery systems for uveitis in animals and patients. Intravitreal implants were successfully placed after a vitrectomy and exhibited effectiveness for posterior segment uveitis [4,6,7,8]. Our report clearly demonstrated the efficacy of Surodex in treating various forms of uveitis, since Surodex treatment inhibited EAU (panuveitis), which could not be prevented by systemic dexamethasone injection [10].…”

A review of implantable intravitreal drug delivery technologies for the treatment of posterior segment eye diseases

“…113 Currently, the same type of implant containing dexamethasone, fluocinolone acetonide, or cyclosporine is being tested to treat severe uveitis. 94,114,115 The sustained release of triamcinolone and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was studied in the treatment of experimental proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). 116 However, the sustained release of these steroids may cause secondary glaucoma and cataract.…”