The Systemic and Intraocular Levels of Bevacizumab After Topical Administration

Abstract

Purpose:: Bevacizumab is an anti-VEGF agent used to treat ocular neovascularization. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether topical administration of bevacizumab penetrates the anterior chamber in rabbits.

Methods:: The right eyes of 12 dutch-belted rabbits were treated with topical Bevacizumab 4 times daily after applying a drop of topical proparacaine. Three rabbits were euthanized after 3, 6, and 9 days of topical administration. The medication was discontinued after 9 days of therapy, and the remaining 3 rabbits were sacrificed at day 12 to allow for a washout period. Immediately after euthanization, a blood sample was collected. Paracentesis was performed on all right and left eyes, with withdrawal of 0.1 ml of aqueous humor. The eyes were then enucleated and rapidly frozen in liquid nitrogen for later dissection of the vitreous gel. An immunoassay was performed to measure bevacizumab levels.

Results:: Bevacizumab was detected in the anterior chambers of the treated eyes when administered topically 4 times daily. Bevacizumab levels of treated eyes were significantly higher (48.95 ± 28.40 mg/ml) when compared to the untreated eyes (8.02 ± 8.31 mg/ml). Analysis of vitreous and serum levels is being performed.

Conclusions:: Topical bevacizumab penetrates the anterior chamber.

Keywords: neovascularization • anterior chamber • cornea: basic science