Abstract
Purpose :
To evaluate the performance, safety, and efficacy of a new customizable device designed for targeted suprachoroidal delivery as a novel approach for administering ophthalmic therapies. Existing barriers around current intravitreal injections highlight the need for advanced localized drug delivery.
Methods :
The innovative delivery system comprises a minimally invasive device to precisely inject adjustable therapeutic agent doses into the suprachoroidal space for prolonged retention and sustained release kinetics. The delivery system is design so that the amount of needle penetration into the choroidal space can be adjusted for each patient according to the personal scleral thickness, reducing the chance of the retinal perforation or under penetration of the device. The device features a specially design needle to prevent retinal penetration. The device was examined using rabbits eyes to confirm safety and efficacy of the device. Blue dye and steroid suspensions were used for evaluation.
Results :
Successful and well-tolerated localized delivery into the suprachoroidal space was achieved using the device across rabbits eyes. No serious ocular or systemic safety issues were identified. In all animals tested, large volume of either dye or steroid were detected both clinically and histologically in the injected eyes.
Conclusions :
This early animal data reveals promising treatment potential for the customizable suprachoroidal injection device that may significantly expand drug choices, improve outcomes and reduce treatment burden across major retinal diseases. Larger prospective studies over longer durations evaluating expanded therapeutic agents are warranted to further validate safety and efficacy.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.