Qualitätsunterschiede zwischen Ranibizumab aus Originalbehältern und aus Fertigspritzen

A Silicone Oil-Free Syringe Tailored for Intravitreal Injection of Biologics

Intravitreal injections (IVI) of biologics targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) led to a paradigm shift in the management and prognosis of prevalent retinal conditions. Yet, IVI are typically performed with syringes that are neither developed nor approved for this purpose. Notably, syringes lubricated with silicone oil (SiO) are extensively used despite multiple reports showing that such syringes can cause deposition of SiO droplets in the vitreous body and patient discomfort. Thus, there is a need for SiO-free substitutes specifically tailored for IVI. Here, we report on the development and testing of such a syringe. This syringe has no dead volume, and its design allows for high-accuracy dosing. Also, it permits pharmaceutical compounding and storage of bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept for up to 30 days without compromising their functional binding or transport properties. Finally, the new syringe demonstrated a favorable safety profile regarding release of SiO compared to SiO lubricated alternatives, including commercially prefilled syringes. Accordingly, the newly developed syringe is an appealing alternative for IVI.

Intravenous anti-VEGF agents with RGD peptide-targeted core cross-linked star (CCS) polymers modified with indocyanine green for imaging and treatment of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization

S-PEG-ICG-RGD-RBZ NPs were synthesized to intravenously deliver anti-VEGF agents to choroidal neovascularization (CNV) areas for the treatment of CNV.

A new method for pharmaceutical compounding and storage of anti-VEGF biologics for intravitreal use in silicone oil-free prefilled plastic syringes

Intravitreal injections of antibody-based biologics targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are highly effective and have markedly decreased the risk of visual impairment associated with prevalent retinal diseases, such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetes macular oedema. The diseases are chronic in their nature, and most patients need long-term therapy to suppress disease activity. We previously reported a compounding method for repackaging and storage of aflibercept (Eylea), a commonly used anti-VEGF biologic, in silicone oil-coated plastic syringes without compromising drug stability or activity. In addition to improving safety and time spent per patient, compounding of anti-VEGF biologics enables single-dose vials to be split into multiple syringes, thereby considerably reducing waste and drug expenses. However, symptomatic silicone oil droplets may deposit in the eye’s vitreous body after repetitive injections. To fully avoid this complication, we here report on a novel pharmaceutical compounding method using silicone oil-free syringes and a 33 G × 9 mm Low Dead Space Needle hub injection needle. We evaluate the method for three anti-VEGF biologics commonly used in ophthalmology: aflibercept, ranibizumab (Lucentis) and bevacizumab (Avastin). Our results show that compounding and storage for one week does not compromise the functional activity of the biologics and allows for safe and cost-effective compounding of anti-VEGF biologics for intravitreal injections in prefilled silicone oil-free syringes.

Pharmaceutical compounding of aflibercept in prefilled syringes does not affect structural integrity, stability or VEGF and Fc binding properties

Macular edema due to neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetes or retinal vein occlusion can cause central vision loss. Intravitreal treatment with antibody-based biopharmaceutical compounds designed to neutralize vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has proven to be an efficient strategy to ameliorate macular edema and restore visual acuity. At the same time, the use of anti-VEGF drugs places an economic burden on the health care system; the drugs are expensive, and repeated injections are usually required to maintain the therapeutic effect. Thus, there is an unmet need for more cost-effective procedures. We here describe how the most recently approved anti-VEGF drug, aflibercept, can be compounded into prefilled sterile syringes and stored for up to 4 weeks without compromising its quality, stability or functional properties, including VEGF and neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) binding. The novel compounding method for repackaging of aflibercept in sterile plastic syringes can greatly reduce both cost and time spent per patient in the injection room.

PLGA Microparticles Entrapping Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles for the Ocular Delivery of Ranibizumab

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of certified vision loss worldwide. The standard treatment for neovascular AMD involves repeated intravitreal injections of therapeutic proteins directed against vascular endothelial growth factor, such as ranibizumab. Biodegradable polymers, such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), form delivery vehicles which can be used to treat posterior segment eye diseases, but suffer from poor protein loading and release. This work describes a "system-within-system", PLGA microparticles incorporating chitosan-based nanoparticles, for improved loading and sustained intravitreal delivery of ranibizumab. Chitosan-N-acetyl-l-cysteine (CNAC) was synthesized and its synthesis confirmed using FT-IR and (1)H NMR. Chitosan-based nanoparticles composed of CNAC, CNAC/tripolyphosphate (CNAC/TPP), chitosan, chitosan/TPP (chit/TPP), or chit/TPP-hyaluronic acid (chit/TPP-HA) were incorporated in PLGA microparticles using a modified w/o/w double emulsion method. Nanoparticles and final nanoparticles-within-microparticles were characterized for their protein-nanoparticle interaction, size, zeta potential, morphology, protein loading, stability, in vitro release, in vivo antiangiogenic activity, and effects on cell viability. The prepared nanoparticles were 17-350 nm in size and had zeta potentials of -1.4 to +12 mV. Microscopic imaging revealed spherical nanoparticles on the surface of PLGA microparticles for preparations containing chit/TPP, CNAC, and CNAC/TPP. Ranibizumab entrapment efficiency in the preparations varied between 13 and 69% and was highest for the PLGA microparticles containing CNAC nanoparticles. This preparation also showed the slowest release with no initial burst release compared to all other preparations. Incorporation of TPP to this formulation increased the rate of protein release and reduced entrapment efficiency. PLGA microparticles containing chit/TPP-HA showed the fastest and near-complete release of ranibizumab. All of the prepared empty particles showed no effect on cell viability up to a concentration of 12.5 mg/mL. Ranibizumab released from all preparations maintained its structural integrity and in vitro activity. The chit/TPP-HA preparation enhanced antiangiogenic activity and may provide a potential biocompatible platform for enhanced antiangiogenic activity in combination with ranibizumab. In conclusion, the PLGA microparticles containing CNAC nanoparticles showed significantly improved ranibizumab loading and release profile. This novel drug delivery system may have potential for improved intravitreal delivery of therapeutic proteins, thereby reducing the frequency, risk, and cost of burdensome intravitreal injections.

Influence of seasonal sunlight intensity and iris color on the anti-VEGF therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To investigate the influence of seasonal light intensity and patients' iris color on the visual recovery after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy with ranibizumab or bevacizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

METHODS

The visual acuity of 555 eyes (529 patients) with neovascular AMD was evaluated after intravitreal injections of either ranibizumab or bevacizumab in respect to global radiation intensity and iris color.

RESULTS

The functional results during anti-VEGF therapy revealed a seasonal oscillation with a negative correlation between visual recovery and global radiation intensity (R(2)=-0.756, P=0.004). Although the influence of the sunlight intensity on the visual recovery was significant after the first injection, this effect vanished within the continuous course of treatment. Regarding the improvement of functional recovery depending on iris color, dark-colored eyes (16.0%) gained 8.5 ± 10.0 letters after the first injection and 9.9 ± 12.8 letters after the second injection, compared with 3.4 ± 8.6 letters and 4.4 ± 11.0 letters in light-colored eyes (84.0%), respectively (P=0.005 and P=0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that seasonal sunlight intensity and iris color might influence the visual recovery of neovascular AMD patients undergoing anti-VEGF therapy. Our findings may be used as suggestions to refine individual anti-VEGF therapy regimens, especially in patients with light-colored eyes.

Clinical predictors of sustained intraocular pressure elevation due to intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy

PURPOSE

We assess for frequency and predictive factors related to sustained intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration receiving intravitreal injections of ranibizumab and/or bevacizumab.

METHODS

A total of 328 patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (449 eyes) who presented to a single physician over a 6-month period were retrospectively assessed for baseline demographic/clinical information, total number of bevacizumab and/or ranibizumab injections, and sustained IOP elevation on 2 or more consecutive visits (absolute IOP >25 mmHg, increase above baseline >10 mmHg, or IOP of >21 mmHg and increase of >5 mmHg). Cox regression survival analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to assess the influence of intravitreal injections on experiencing sustained IOP elevation.

RESULTS

Overall, 32 eyes (7.1%) experienced sustained IOP elevation. Survival analysis showed a significant effect of the number of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections on sustained IOP elevation (hazard ratio, 1.085; 95% confidence interval: 1.06-1.11, P < 0.001). Also, there was an increased odds ratio (16.1, P = 0.008) of sustained IOP elevation in eyes receiving ≥29 injections compared with ≤12 injections. After controlling for the confounder (prior intravitreal steroid injection), total number of injections still showed a statistically significant association (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

A greater number of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections is associated with an increased risk for sustained IOP elevation in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration receiving intravitreal ranbizumab and/or bevacizumab.

Preclinical aspects of anti-VEGF agents for the treatment of wet AMD: ranibizumab and bevacizumab

Three anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies are currently used for the treatment of patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD): pegaptanib, ranibizumab, and bevacizumab. Ranibizumab is an antibody fragment approved for the treatment of wet AMD. Bevacizumab is a full-length antibody registered for use in oncology but unlicensed for wet AMD. However, it is used off-label worldwide not only for wet AMD but also for various other ocular diseases associated with macular edema and abnormal vessel growth. We consider aspects of ranibizumab and bevacizumab in relation to their molecular characteristics, in vitro and in vivo properties, and preclinical safety data. Before 2009, most studies described the short-term toxicity of bevacizumab in multiple cell types of the eye. Since 2009, an increasing number of studies have compared the properties of ranibizumab and bevacizumab and investigated their impact on retinal cell functioning. Compared with bevacizumab, ranibizumab neutralizes VEGF better at low concentrations, maintains efficacy for longer, and has a higher retinal penetration and potency. Studies in animals demonstrate ranibizumab to be better localized to the injected eye, whereas bevacizumab appears to have a greater effect in the fellow eye. In humans, a localized and systemic effect has been reported for both molecules. In conclusion, overlapping yet distinct pharmacological properties of ranibizumab and bevacizumab indicate that safety or efficacy data from one cannot be extrapolated to the other.