Development of a novel implantable biodegradable device for sustained ocular drug delivery

In the UK, every day more than 250 people start to lose their sight - creating a major health challenge to the NHS and global healthcare systems. The growth of new blood vessels and leak fluid below or within the retina contributes to severe ocular diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in adults over 65 yrs. old. For example, in the UK, nearly 400 individuals are diagnosed with AMD every day. Nearly 48% of the UK adults are blind due to AMD - which affects the central vision in the elderly making simple daily tasks such as reading, watching TV, driving or recognising faces difficult. With increasing lifespan and the incidence of obesity, the prevalence of these diseases will continue to rise.

Currently, ophthalmologists treat their AMD patients by direct injection of expensive aqueous formulations of biologics into the eye. However, the need for monthly injections leads to poor patient compliance due to several unwanted effects including bleeding in the eye, discomfort, redness, irritation and increase in intraocular pressure. A major issue is the travel to and from the hospital, with 62 % of patients requiring escort -- leading to poor adherence. The rise in the number of AMD patients combined with the need for monthly injections puts pressure on a stretched NHS. Surveys by the Macular Society, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, and the Royal National Institute of Blind People, have consistently show that many clinics fail to meet recommended waiting times for AMD treatment; and some clinicians frankly admit that patients have lost sight as a result.

Re-Vana has developed a novel disruptive photocrosslinked proprietary biodegradable sustained release drug delivery implant, EyeLief. The implant will provide significant clinical benefits over current monthly intravitreal injections. Following injection into the eye, the implant would provide a continuous release for effective AMD treatment over a 4-6 months period. Therefore, the impact of this research will offer major benefits to a wide variety of users such as patients, scientists, clinicians, industry and healthcare providers.