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Crespo-Garcia S, Fournier F, Diaz-Marin R, Klier S, Ragusa D, Masaki L, Cagnone G, Blot G, Hafiane I, Dejda A, Rizk R, Juneau R, Buscarlet M, Chorfi S, Patel P, Beltran PJ, Joyal JS, Rezende FA, Hata M, Nguyen A, Sullivan L, Damiano J, Wilson AM, Mallette FA, David NE, Ghosh A, Tsuruda PR, Dananberg J, Sapieha P. Therapeutic targeting of cellular senescence in diabetic macular edema: preclinical and phase 1 trial results. Nat Med 2024; 30:443-454. [PMID: 38321220 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-02802-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Compromised vascular endothelial barrier function is a salient feature of diabetic complications such as sight-threatening diabetic macular edema (DME). Current standards of care for DME manage aspects of the disease, but require frequent intravitreal administration and are poorly effective in large subsets of patients. Here we provide evidence that an elevated burden of senescent cells in the retina triggers cardinal features of DME pathology and conduct an initial test of senolytic therapy in patients with DME. In cell culture models, sustained hyperglycemia provoked cellular senescence in subsets of vascular endothelial cells displaying perturbed transendothelial junctions associated with poor barrier function and leading to micro-inflammation. Pharmacological elimination of senescent cells in a mouse model of DME reduces diabetes-induced retinal vascular leakage and preserves retinal function. We then conducted a phase 1 single ascending dose safety study of UBX1325 (foselutoclax), a senolytic small-molecule inhibitor of BCL-xL, in patients with advanced DME for whom anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy was no longer considered beneficial. The primary objective of assessment of safety and tolerability of UBX1325 was achieved. Collectively, our data suggest that therapeutic targeting of senescent cells in the diabetic retina with a BCL-xL inhibitor may provide a long-lasting, disease-modifying intervention for DME. This hypothesis will need to be verified in larger clinical trials. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04537884 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Crespo-Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- École d'optométrie, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Frédérik Fournier
- Department of Biochemistry, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Roberto Diaz-Marin
- Department of Biochemistry, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centre Universitaire d'Ophtalmologie (CUO-HMR) Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sharon Klier
- UNITY Biotechnology, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Derek Ragusa
- UNITY Biotechnology, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Gael Cagnone
- Departments of Pediatrics Ophthalmology, and Pharmacology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Guillaume Blot
- Department of Biochemistry, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ikhlas Hafiane
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centre Universitaire d'Ophtalmologie (CUO-HMR) Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Agnieszka Dejda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centre Universitaire d'Ophtalmologie (CUO-HMR) Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rana Rizk
- Department of Biochemistry, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rachel Juneau
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centre Universitaire d'Ophtalmologie (CUO-HMR) Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Manuel Buscarlet
- Department of Biochemistry, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sarah Chorfi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centre Universitaire d'Ophtalmologie (CUO-HMR) Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Jean-Sebastien Joyal
- Departments of Pediatrics Ophthalmology, and Pharmacology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Flavio A Rezende
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centre Universitaire d'Ophtalmologie (CUO-HMR) Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Masayuki Hata
- Department of Biochemistry, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alex Nguyen
- UNITY Biotechnology, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Ariel M Wilson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centre Universitaire d'Ophtalmologie (CUO-HMR) Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Frédérick A Mallette
- Department of Biochemistry, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Przemyslaw Sapieha
- Department of Biochemistry, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centre Universitaire d'Ophtalmologie (CUO-HMR) Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- UNITY Biotechnology, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
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2
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Lowater SJ, Grauslund J, Subhi Y, Vergmann AS. Clinical Trials and Future Outlooks of the Port Delivery System with Ranibizumab: A Narrative Review. Ophthalmol Ther 2024; 13:51-69. [PMID: 38055121 PMCID: PMC10776525 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-023-00843-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The port delivery system (PDS) of anti-VEGF therapy provides continuous delivery of ranibizumab (RBZ). In October of 2021, the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the PDS with RBZ as a treatment option for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). As the field of PDS with RBZ is progressing rapidly, this narrative review provides a much-needed overview of existing clinical trials as well as ongoing and upcoming trials investigating PDS with RBZ. The phase 2 LADDER trial reported that the mean time to first refill with RBZ PDS 100 mg/ml was 15.8 months (80% CI 12.1-20.6), and pharmacokinetic profiling revealed a sustained concentration of RBZ in serum and aqueous humor. Later, the phase 3 ARCHWAY trial reported that PDS with RBZ (100 mg/ml) refilled every 24 weeks was non-inferior to monthly intravitreal injection (IVI) with RBZ (0.5 mg) in patients with nAMD over 9 months and 2 years. However, patients with PDS had a higher rate of adverse events including vitreous hemorrhage and endophthalmitis. Patients indicate high treatment satisfaction with both PDS and IVI, but the lower number of treatments with PDS was reported as a preferred choice. Several ongoing and future clinical trials, of which details are discussed in this paper, are further exploring the potentials of PDS with RBZ. We conclude that the PDS provides continuous deliverance of RBZ and that clinical efficacy levels are non-inferior to IVI therapy for nAMD. Yet, a higher rate of adverse events remains a concerning detail for widespread implementation. Future studies are warranted to better understand which patients may benefit best from this treatment approach, if long-term efficacy can be sustained, and if safety of PDS can be further improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Joel Lowater
- Research Unit of Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Odense University Hospital, J. B. Winsløws Vej 4, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.
| | - Jakob Grauslund
- Research Unit of Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Odense University Hospital, J. B. Winsløws Vej 4, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Odense, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Yousif Subhi
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna Stage Vergmann
- Research Unit of Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Odense University Hospital, J. B. Winsløws Vej 4, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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3
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Lee S, Hong HK, Song JS, Jeong SI, Chung JY, Woo SJ, Park KD. Intravitreal injectable hydrogel rods with long-acting bevacizumab delivery to the retina. Acta Biomater 2023; 171:273-288. [PMID: 37739248 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Retinal vascular diseases such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. They can be treated with intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents by inhibiting VEGF which is a major agent of abnormal blood vessel growth. However, because of drug's short half-life, clinical treatment often requires monthly repeated intravitreal injections, causing treatment burden and undertreatment. Among various kinds of drug carriers, in situ forming hydrogels have been studied as potential intravitreal drug carriers for the high drug loading, easy injection, controlled drug release, and protection of encapsulated drugs from the environment. However, gelation time, crosslinking degree, and drug release patterns following injection of a liquid that will be subsequently gelled in situ are susceptible to be hindered by dilution of the hydrogel precursor solution with body fluids (e.g., blood or vitreous). Here, we report an injectable pre-crosslinked hydrogel rod to overcome the limitations of in situ forming hydrogels and to extend intravitreal half-life of anti-VEGF for reducing intraocular injection frequency. Hydrogel rods can be simply prepared using in situ forming hydrogels, and injectable using a designed rod injector. The adjustable crosslinking degree of hydrogel rods easily controlled bevacizumab release profiles in a sustained manner. Compared with in situ forming hydrogels, hydrogel rods effectively reduced initial burst release, and showed sustained release with long-term drug efficacy in vitro. From the 4-month in vivo pharmacokinetic analysis, following the intravitreal injection of hydrogel rods, the half-life of bevacizumab in the vitreous and retina was significantly extended, and drug elimination to aqueous humor was effectively reduced. Finally, intraocular stability, degradation, and inflammatory response of hydrogel rods were evaluated. We expect that the hydrogel rod can be a potential drug delivery system for the treatment of nAMD and other conditions that need long-term and local sustained drug administration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Herein, we report an injectable pre-crosslinked hydrogel rod based on an in situ forming hydrogel to achieve intravitreal long-acting anti-VEGF delivery to reduce injection frequency and improve the long-term visual outcomes of patients with retinal vascular diseases. Hydrogel rods were readily prepared using removable molds and injected using customized injectors. Compared to the in situ forming hydrogel, hydrogel rods showed significantly reduced initial burst release, controllable release profiles for several months, physical stability, and a long-acting anti-angiogenic effect. Animal studies demonstrated that the hydrogel rods dramatically prolonged the intraocular drug half-life while significantly reducing drug elimination for up to four months. Moreover, the biodegradability and safety of the hydrogel rods suggest their suitability as an advanced intravitreal DDS for treating retinal vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Lee
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Kyoung Hong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Shin Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea; Department of Ophthalmology, Armed Forces Capital Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae Im Jeong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Yong Chung
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, and Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Joon Woo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ki Dong Park
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
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4
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Boddu SH, Acharya D, Hala V, Jani H, Pande S, Patel C, Shahwan M, Jwala R, Ranch KM. An Update on Strategies to Deliver Protein and Peptide Drugs to the Eye. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:35470-35498. [PMID: 37810716 PMCID: PMC10552503 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
In the past few decades, advancements in protein engineering, biotechnology, and structural biochemistry have resulted in the discovery of various techniques that enhanced the production yield of proteins, targetability, circulating half-life, product purity, and functionality of proteins and peptides. As a result, the utilization of proteins and peptides has increased in the treatment of many conditions, including ocular diseases. Ocular delivery of large molecules poses several challenges due to their high molecular weight, hydrophilicity, unstable nature, and poor permeation through cellular and enzymatic barriers. The use of novel strategies for delivering protein and peptides such as glycoengineering, PEGylation, Fc-fusion, chitosan nanoparticles, and liposomes have improved the efficacy, safety, and stability, which consequently expanded the therapeutic potential of proteins. This review article highlights various proteins and peptides that are useful in ocular disorders, challenges in their delivery to the eye, and strategies to enhance ocular bioavailability using novel delivery approaches. In addition, a few futuristic approaches that will assist in the ocular delivery of proteins and peptides were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai H.
S. Boddu
- College
of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
- Center
of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Devarshi Acharya
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Vivek Hala
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Harshil Jani
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
- Gujarat
Technological University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382424, India
| | - Sonal Pande
- Gujarat
Technological University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382424, India
- Department
of Pharmacology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Chirag Patel
- Department
of Pharmacology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Moyad Shahwan
- College
of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
- Center
of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Renukuntla Jwala
- School
of
Pharmacy, The University of Texas at El
Paso, 1101 N Campbell
St., El Paso, Texas 79902, United States
- Department
of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, High Point University, High Point, North Carolina, 27240, United States
| | - Ketan M. Ranch
- Department
of Pharmaceutics, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
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5
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Castleberry S. Preclinical modeling of intravitreal suspensions. Int J Pharm 2023; 636:122807. [PMID: 36898620 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
There are a number of obstacles that complicate the development of intravitreal delivered small molecules therapies. One serious complication is the potential need for complex polymer depot formulations early in the drug discovery process. The development of such formulations often requires substantial investment of time and material which may not be readily available in preclinical development. Herein I present a diffusion limited pseudo-steady state model to provide prediction of drug release from an intravitreally administered suspension formulation. By using such a model, a preclinical formulator may be able to more confidently determine if development of a complex formulation is required or if a simple suspension may work to support a study design. In this report, the model is used to predict the intravitreal preformance of two different molecules (triamcinolone acetonide and GNE-947) at multiple dose levels in rabbit eyes as well as provide a prediction for the performance of a marketed formulation of Trimacinolone Acetonide in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Castleberry
- Small Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
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6
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Paliwal H, Prajapati BG, Srichana T, Singh S, Patel RJ. Novel Approaches in the Drug Development and Delivery Systems for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020568. [PMID: 36836923 PMCID: PMC9960288 DOI: 10.3390/life13020568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of patients with ocular disorders has increased due to contributing factors such as aging populations, environmental changes, smoking, genetic abnormalities, etc. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the common ocular disorders which may advance to loss of vision in severe cases. The advanced form of AMD is classified into two types, dry (non-exudative) and wet (exudative) AMD. Although several therapeutic approaches are explored for the management of AMD, no approved therapy can substantially slow down the progression of dry AMD into the later stages. The focus of researchers in recent times has been engaged in developing targeted therapeutic products to halt the progression and maintain or improve vision in individuals diagnosed with AMD. The delivery of anti-VEGF agents using intravitreal therapy has found some success in managing AMD, and novel formulation approaches have been introduced in various studies to potentiate the efficacy. Some of the novel approaches, such as hydrogel, microspheres, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, implants, etc. have been discussed. Apart from this, subretinal, suprachoroidal, and port delivery systems have also been investigated for biologics and gene therapies. The unmet potential of approved therapeutic products has contributed to several patent applications in recent years. This review outlines the current treatment options, outcomes of recent research studies, and patent details around the novel drug delivery approach for the treatment of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Paliwal
- Drug Delivery System Excellence Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shree S. K. Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Ganpat University, Kherva, Mehsana 384012, Gujarat, India
| | - Bhupendra Gopalbhai Prajapati
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shree S. K. Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Ganpat University, Kherva, Mehsana 384012, Gujarat, India
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +91-9429225025
| | - Teerapol Srichana
- Drug Delivery System Excellence Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Sudarshan Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Ravish J. Patel
- Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy (RPCP), Charotar University of Science and Technology, Anand 388421, Gujarat, India
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Jung JH, Kim SS, Chung H, Hejri A, Prausnitz MR. Six-month sustained delivery of anti-VEGF from in-situ forming hydrogel in the suprachoroidal space. J Control Release 2022; 352:472-484. [PMID: 36309098 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) require intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (Bev) or other drugs, often on a monthly basis, which is a burden on the healthcare system. Here, we developed an in-situ forming hydrogel comprised of Bev and hyaluronic acid (HA) crosslinked with poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate for slow release of Bev after injection into the suprachoroidal space (SCS) of the eye using a microneedle. Liquid Bev formulations were cleared from SCS within 5 days, even when formulated with high viscosity, unless Bev was conjugated to a high molecular-weight HA (2.6 MDa), which delayed clearance until 1 month. To extend release to 6 months, we synthesized in-situ forming Bev-HA hydrogel initially as a low-viscosity mixture suitable for injection and flow in the SCS to cover a large area extending to the posterior pole of the eye where the macula is located in humans. Within 1 h after injection, Bev and HA were crosslinked, which retained Bev for slow release as the hydrogel biodegraded. In vivo studies in the rabbit eye reported Bev release for >6 months, depending on gel formulation and Bev assay. The in-situ forming Bev-HA hydrogel was well tolerated, as assessed by clinical exam, fundus imaging, histological analysis, and intraocular pressure measurement. We conclude that Bev released from an in-situ forming hydrogel may enable long-acting treatments of AMD and other posterior ocular indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hwan Jung
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA; Dankook University, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Shik Kim
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hyunwoo Chung
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Amir Hejri
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mark R Prausnitz
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Liberski S, Wichrowska M, Kocięcki J. Aflibercept versus Faricimab in the Treatment of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Macular Edema: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169424. [PMID: 36012690 PMCID: PMC9409486 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic macular edema (DME) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) are common retinal vascular diseases responsible for most blindness in the working-age and older population in developed countries. Currently, anti-VEGF agents that block VEGF family ligands, including ranibizumab, bevacizumab (off-label use), brolucizumab, and aflibercept, are the first-line treatment for nAMD and DME. However, due to the complex pathophysiological background of nAMD and DME, non-response, resistance during anti-VEGF therapy, and relapses of the disease are still observed. Moreover, frequent injections are a psychological and economic burden for patients, leading to inadequate adhesion to therapy and a higher risk of complications. Therefore, therapeutic methods are strongly needed to develop and improve, allowing for more satisfactory disease management and lower treatment burden. Currently, the Ang/Tie-2 pathway is a promising therapeutic target for retinal vascular diseases. Faricimab is the first bispecific monoclonal antibody for intravitreal use that can neutralize VEGF and Ang-2. Due to the prolonged activity, faricimab allows extending the interval between successive injections up to three or four months in nAMD and DME patients, which can be a significant benefit for patients and an alternative to implanted drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sławomir Liberski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, ul. Augustyna Szamarzewskiego 84, 61-848 Poznan, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-723-675-258
| | - Małgorzata Wichrowska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, ul. Augustyna Szamarzewskiego 84, 61-848 Poznan, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, ul. Bukowska 70, 60-812 Poznan, Poland
| | - Jarosław Kocięcki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, ul. Augustyna Szamarzewskiego 84, 61-848 Poznan, Poland
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