Abstract
Presentation Description :
We describe engineering of multifunctional peptides that efficiently enter cells and bind to melanin to act as a sustained-release depot in the eye. When the lead multifunctional peptide (HR97) was conjugated to brimonidine and injected in rabbits, intraocular pressure reduction was observed for up to 18 days. Further, the cumulative intraocular pressure lowering effect increased ~17-fold compared to free brimonidine injection. When HR97 was conjugated to sunitinib, effective protection of retinal ganglion cells was observed in a rat optic nerve crush model for up to 2 weeks after the last dose. Further, daily topical dosing for 7 days in rabbits led to effective drug concentrations in the retina. Engineered multifunctional peptide-drug conjugates have the potential to provide sustained therapeutic delivery in the eye to improve treatment efficacy and patient quality of life.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.