Ocular Drug Delivery – Developing Polymeric Implants And Other Formulations For Precise Intravitreal Administration

By Troy Carter, R&D Manager for Advanced Drug Delivery at Evonik Health Care

The development of polymeric formulations such as intra-ocular implants designed for the precise intravitreal delivery of drug products represents one of the most promising, yet challenging, areas of pharmaceutical focus today. To address the specific safety, biocompatibility and extended release requirements of intra-ocular implant formulations, the industry has created highly specialized polymeric biomaterials and process technologies that can enhance product performance and commercial scalability. This article will review key challenges and emerging opportunities for ocular drug delivery, as well as some of the latest excipients and process options that are available today.