A novel intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide implant (Iluvien(®)) in the treatment of patients with chronic diabetic macular edema that is insufficiently responsive to other medical treatment options: a case series

Current Insights into Targeting Strategies for the Effective Therapy of Diseases of the Posterior Eye Segment

The eye is one a unique sophisticated human sense organ with a complex anatomical structure. It is encased by variety of protective barriers as responsible for vision. There has been a paradigm shift in the prevalence of several major vision threatening ocular conditions with enhanced reliance on computer-based technologies in our workaday life and work-from-home modalities although aging, pollution, injury, harmful chemicals, lifestyle changes will always remain the root cause. Treating posterior eye diseases is a challenge faced by clinicians worldwide. The clinical use of conventional drug delivery systems for posterior eye targeting is restricted by the ocular barriers. Indeed, for overcoming various ocular barriers for efficient delivery of the therapeutic moiety and prolonged therapeutic effect requires prudent and target-specific approaches. Therefore, for efficient drug delivery to the posterior ocular segment, advancements in the development of sustained release and nanotechnology-based ocular drug delivery systems have gained immense importance. Therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance are of paramount importance in clinical translation of these investigative drug delivery systems. This review provides an insight into the various strategies employed for improving the treatment efficacies of the posterior eye diseases. Various drug delivery systems such as systemic and intraocular injections, implants have demonstrated promising outcomes, along with that they have also exhibited side-effects, limitations and strategies employed to overcome them are discussed in this review. The application of artificial intelligence-based technologies along with an appreciation of disease, delivery systems, and patient-specific outcomes will likely enable more effective therapy for targeting the posterior eye segment.

Intravitreal Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant (ILUVIEN®) for the Treatment of Retinal Conditions. A Review of Clinical Studies

Fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) intravitreal implant (Iluvien®) is a corticosteroid implant indicated for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DMO) in patients who have previously received conventional treatment without good response, non-infectious posterior uveitis, and as an off-label treatment of the macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion. FAc is a non-biodegradable 0.19 mg intravitreal implant which is designed to release FAc over 3 years at a rate of approximately 0.2 mcg per day. The aim of this review is to describe the special pharmacological properties of Iluvien and display the outcomes of the most important clinical trials and real-world studies regarding its efficacy and safety for the management of the above retinal disorders.

Persistent diabetic macular edema: Definition, incidence, biomarkers, and treatment methods

Intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment has drastically improved the visual and anatomical outcomes in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME); however, success is not always guaranteed, and a proportion of these eyes demonstrate persistent DME (pDME) despite intensive treatment. While standardized criteria to define these treatment-resistant eyes have not yet been established, many studies refer to eyes with no clinical response or an unsatisfactory partial response as having pDME. A patient is considered to have pDME if the retinal thickness improves less than 10-25% after 6 months of treatment. A range of treatment options have been recommended for eyes with pDME, including switching anti-VEGF agents, using corticosteroids and/or antioxidant drugs in adjunct with anti-VEGF therapy, and vitrectomy. In addition, multimodal imaging of DME eyes may be advantageous in predicting the responsiveness to treatment; this is beneficial when initiating alternative therapies. We explore the literature on persistent DME regarding its defining criteria, incidence, the baseline biological markers that may be useful in anticipating the response to treatment, and the available treatment options.

Management of Diabetic Macular Edema: Guidelines from the Emirates Society of Ophthalmology

In the United Arab Emirates, retinopathy has been shown to be present in 19% of the diabetic population, with diabetes identified in up to 40% of individuals aged over 55 years. Despite the prevalence of diabetic retinal diseases, there are no unified national guidelines on the management of diabetic macular edema (DME). These published guidelines are based on evidence taken from the literature and published trials of therapies, and consensus opinion of a representative expert panel with an interest in this condition, convened by the Emirates Society of Ophthalmology. The aim is to provide evidence-based, clinical guidance for the best management of different aspects of DME, with a special focus on vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy. Treatment should be initiated in patients with best-corrected visual acuity 20/30 or worse, and/or features of DME as seen on optical coherence tomography (OCT) with central retinal thickness (CRT) of at least 300 μm or in symptomatic patients with vision better than 20/25, and/or CRT less than 300 μm where there are OCT features consistent with center-involving macular edema. The treatment of DME is effective irrespective of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, and treatment must not be denied or delayed in order to optimize systemic parameters. All ophthalmic treatment options should be discussed with the patient for better compliance and expectations. Non-center-involving DME can be initially observed until progression toward the center is documented. Macular laser no longer has a primary role in center-involving DME, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy should be considered as first-line treatment for all patients, unless contraindicated. If anti-VEGF is contraindicated, a steroid dexamethasone implant can be considered for first-line treatment. Recommendations for the treatment of DME in special circumstances and in relapsing and refractory DME are also discussed.

Considerations for Polymers Used in Ocular Drug Delivery

PURPOSE

Age-related eye diseases are becoming more prevalent. A notable increase has been seen in the most common causes including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and cataract. Current clinical treatments vary from tissue replacement with polymers to topical eye drops and intravitreal injections. Research and development efforts have increased using polymers for sustained release to the eye to overcome treatment challenges, showing promise in improving drug release and delivery, patient experience, and treatment compliance. Polymers provide unique properties that allow for specific engineered devices to provide improved treatment options. Recent work has shown the utilization of synthetic and biopolymer derived biomaterials in various forms, with this review containing a focus on polymers Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for ocular use.

METHODS

This provides an overview of some prevalent synthetic polymers and biopolymers used in ocular delivery and their benefits, brief discussion of the various types and synthesis methods used, and administration techniques. Polymers approved by the FDA for different applications in the eye are listed and compared to new polymers being explored in the literature. This article summarizes research findings using polymers for ocular drug delivery from various stages: laboratory, preclinical studies, clinical trials, and currently approved. This review also focuses on some of the challenges to bringing these new innovations to the clinic, including limited selection of approved polymers.

RESULTS

Polymers help improve drug delivery by increasing solubility, controlling pharmacokinetics, and extending release. Several polymer classes including synthetic, biopolymer, and combinations were discussed along with the benefits and challenges of each class. The ways both polymer synthesis and processing techniques can influence drug release in the eye were discussed.

CONCLUSION

The use of biomaterials, specifically polymers, is a well-studied field for drug delivery, and polymers have been used as implants in the eye for over 75 years. Promising new ocular drug delivery systems are emerging using polymers an innovative option for treating ocular diseases because of their tunable properties. This review touches on important considerations and challenges of using polymers for sustained ocular drug delivery with the goal translating research to the clinic.

Posterior Segment Ophthalmic Drug Delivery: Role of Muco-Adhesion with a Special Focus on Chitosan

Posterior segment eye diseases (PSEDs) including age macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) are amongst the major causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. Due to the numerous barriers encountered, highly invasive intravitreal (IVT) injections represent the primary route to deliver drugs to the posterior eye tissues. Thus, the potential of a more patient friendly topical route has been widely investigated. Mucoadhesive formulations can decrease precorneal clearance while prolonging precorneal residence. Thus, they are expected to enhance the chances of adherence to corneal and conjunctival surfaces and as such, enable increased delivery to the posterior eye segment. Among the mucoadhesive polymers available, chitosan is the most widely explored due to its outstanding mucoadhesive characteristics. In this review, the major PSEDs, their treatments, barriers to topical delivery, and routes of topical drug absorption to the posterior eye are presented. To enable the successful design of mucoadhesive ophthalmic drug delivery systems (DDSs), an overview of mucoadhesion, its theory, characterization, and considerations for ocular mucoadhesion is given. Furthermore, chitosan-based DDs that have been explored to promote topical drug delivery to the posterior eye segment are reviewed. Finally, challenges of successful preclinical to clinical translation of these DDSs for posterior eye drug delivery are discussed.

Current intravitreal therapy and ocular hypertension: A review

To determine the effect of commonly used intravitreal agents on immediate and long-term IOP elevations and their association, if any, with glaucoma. Literature searches in PubMed and the Cochrane databased in January 2020 yielded 407 individual articles. Of these, 87 were selected for review based on our inclusion criteria. Based on the evidence provided, 20 were assigned level I, 27 level II, and 22 level III. Eight articles were rejected because of poor quality, insufficient clarity, or irrelevance based on standardized protocols set out by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The studies that reported on short-term IOP elevation (i.e., between 0 and 60 min) showed that an immediate increase in IOP is seen in all patients who receive anti-VEGF agents or triamcinolone acetonide when measured between 0 and 30 min of intravitreal injection and that the IOP elevation decreases over time. The data on long-term IOP elevation were mixed; Pretreatment with glaucoma medications, anterior chamber tap, vitreous reflux, longer intervals between injections, and longer axial lengths were associated with lower IOP elevations after injection of anti-VEGF agents, while the position of the implant vis-à-vis, the anterior chamber was important for steroid therapy. Data were mixed on the relationship between IOP increase and the type of intravitreal injection, number of intravitreal injections, preexisting glaucoma, and globe decompression before injection. There were no data on the onset or progression of glaucoma in the studies reviewed in this assessment. However, some studies demonstrated RNFL thinning in patients receiving chronic anti-VEGF therapy. Most, if not all, intravitreal agents cause ocular hypertension, both in the short term and long term. The functional consequences of these observations are not very clear.

Efficacy and safety of intravitreal Fluocinolone Acetonide microimplant (ILUVIEN®) in patients with chronic diabetic macular edema: 1 year follow-up

PURPOSE

Evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal 0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) micro implant in patients with chronic diabetic macular edema (cDME).

METHODS

Prospective study recruiting subjects with cDME. Inclusion criteria: cDME for at least 2 years documented with OCT imaging; pseudophakia; previous treatments with laser photocoagulation and intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF and/or dexamethasone. Exclusion criteria: phakia; ocular hypertension; tractional component visible on OCT; glaucoma; previous vitrectomy. Outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity (BVCA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and central macular thickness (CMT), measured 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-injection. Data were compared with the Friedman test and significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 18 eyes with a median duration of cDME of 45 months (25-118 months). The 77% of subjects either maintained or improved their BVCA. About 17% and 33% of subjects showed an improvement of 15 ETDRS letters or more at 3 and 12 months respectively. The 17% and 28% of subjects showed a CMT <250 microns at 3 and 12 months, respectively. The median change in CMT thickness was of -370 and -373.5 microns at 3 and 12 months post-injection respectively (p-value is 0.025). Changes in median IOP at 3 and 12 months post-injection were not statistically significant (p-value is 0.210). Ocular hypertension (OHT) was detected in two eyes (11%).

CONCLUSION

The FAc micro implant has proved efficacy in improving and/or maintaining BVCA in 77% of patients with cDME up to 12 months post-injection. Ocular hypertension is the most common side effect but responds well to topical therapy.

Anti-VEGF-Resistant Retinal Diseases: A Review of the Latest Treatment Options

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy currently plays a central role in the treatment of numerous retinal diseases, most notably exudative age-related macular degeneration (eAMD), diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusions. While offering significant functional and anatomic benefits in most patients, there exists a subset of 15–40% of eyes that fail to respond or only partially respond. For these cases, various treatment options have been explored with a range of outcomes. These options include steroid injections, laser treatment (both thermal therapy for retinal vascular diseases and photodynamic therapy for eAMD), abbreviated anti-VEGF treatment intervals, switching anti-VEGF agents and topical medications. In this article, we review the effectiveness of these treatment options along with a discussion of the current research into future directions for anti-VEGF-resistant eyes.

Emerging innovations in nano-enabled therapy against age-related macular degeneration: A paradigm shift

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a degenerative eye disease, is the major cause of irreversible loss of vision among individuals aged 50 and older. Both genetic and environmental factors are responsible for the progressive damage to central vision. It is a multifactorial retinal disease with features such as drusen, hypopigmentation and/or hyperpigmentation of the retinal pigment epithelium, and even choroidal neovascularization in certain patients. AMD is of two major forms: exudative (wet) and atrophic (dry) with changes affecting the macula leading to impaired vision. Although the retina remains an accessible portion for delivering drugs, there are no current options to cure or treat AMD. The existing expensive therapeutics are unable to treat the underlying pathology but display several side effects. However, recent innovations in nanotherapeutics provide an optimal alternative of drug delivery to treat the neovascular condition. These new-age technologies in the nanometer scale would enhance bioactivity and improve the bioavailability of drugs at the site of action to treat AMD. The nanomedicine also provides sustained release of the drug with prolonged retention after penetrating across the ocular tissues. In this review, the insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with the pathophysiology of AMD are provided. It also serves to review the current progress in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems that offer feasible treatments in AMD.

Biotechnology and Biomaterial-Based Therapeutic Strategies for Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Part I: Biomaterials-Based Drug Delivery Devices

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is an up-to-date untreatable chronic neurodegenerative eye disease of multifactorial origin, and the main causes of blindness in over 65 years old people. It is characterized by a slow progression and the presence of a multitude of factors, highlighting those related to diet, genetic heritage and environmental conditions, present throughout each of the stages of the illness. Current therapeutic approaches, mainly consisting of intraocular drug delivery, are only used for symptoms relief and/or to decelerate the progression of the disease. Furthermore, they are overly simplistic and ignore the complexity of the disease and the enormous differences in the symptomatology between patients. Due to the wide impact of the AMD and the up-to-date absence of clinical solutions, the development of biomaterials-based approaches for a personalized and controlled delivery of therapeutic drugs and biomolecules represents the main challenge for the defeat of this neurodegenerative disease. Here we present a critical review of the available and under development AMD therapeutic approaches, from a biomaterials and biotechnological point of view. We highlight benefits and limitations and we forecast forthcoming alternatives based on novel biomaterials and biotechnology methods. In the first part we expose the physiological and clinical aspects of the disease, focusing on the multiple factors that give origin to the disorder and highlighting the contribution of these factors to the triggering of each step of the disease. Then we analyze available and under development biomaterials-based drug-delivery devices (DDD), taking into account the anatomical and functional characteristics of the healthy and ill retinal tissue.

Corticosteroids in ophthalmology: drug delivery innovations, pharmacology, clinical applications, and future perspectives

Corticosteroids remain the mainstay of the treatment for various ocular conditions affecting the ocular surface, anterior and posterior segments of the eye due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-oedematous, and anti-neovascularization properties. Prednisolone, prednisolone acetate, dexamethasone, triamcinolone acetonide, fluocinolone acetonide, and loteprednol etabonate are amongst the most widely used ophthalmic corticosteroids. Corticosteroids differ in their activity and potency in the eye due to their inherent pharmacological and pharmaceutical differences. Different routes and regimens are available for ocular administration of corticosteroids. Conventional topical application to the eye is the route of choice when targeting diseases affecting the ocular surface and anterior segment, while periocular, intravitreal, and suprachoroidal injections can be potentially effective for posterior segment diseases. Corticosteroid-induced intraocular pressure elevation and cataract formation remain the most significant local risks following topical as well as systemic corticosteroid administration. Invasive drug administration via intracameral, subconjunctival, and intravitreal injection can enhance ocular bioavailability and minimize dose and dosing frequency of administration, yet may exacerbate ocular side effects of corticosteroids. This review provides a critical appraisal of the ophthalmic uses of corticosteroid, routes of administration, drug delivery fundamentals and novel ocular implantable steroid delivery systems, factors influencing side effects, and future perspectives for ocular corticosteroid therapy.

Retinal thickness fluctuations in patients receiving fluocinolone acetonide implant for diabetic macular edema

Objectives: To evaluate central foveal thickness (CFT) variability and accompanying changes in visual acuity (VA) 12 months before and after treatment with the 190 mcg fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) intravitreal implant for diabetic macular edema (DME).Methods: The Iluvien Clinical Evidence cohort study in the United Kingdom (ICE-UK) investigated the effectiveness of the FAc implant in people treated at 13 hospitals from April 2013 to April 2015. The following parameters were calculated for CFT for each patient: mean, standard deviation (SD), retinal thickness amplitude (RTA, the difference between maximum and minimum values), and coefficient of variation (CV).Results: In 149 eyes with ≥2 CFT observations both before and after FAc implantation, the median VA was 50 ETDRS letters at implantation. Mean CFT was 487 µm at implantation and 135 µm at 12 months post-implant. Before implantation, the mean CV and mean SD for CFT were 24.6% and 112 µm, respectively; the mean RTA was 254 µm. A statistically significant (p < .001) decrease in all three parameters was observed after implantation (18.3%, 68.2 μm and 146 μm, respectively). There was an association between CFT change between extremes and the corresponding change in VA (Pearson's correlation coefficient, r = -0.292, p < .001, prior to the implant; r = -0.379, p < .001, post-implant).Conclusions: After accounting for the reduction in CFT, retinal thickness stabilized following FAc implantation. There might be VA benefits in reducing variability in CFT over time. This merits further exploration but would require more frequent CFT observations in order to properly determine patterns of retinal thickness variability.

Outcomes in diabetic macular edema switched directly or after a dexamethasone implant to a fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant following anti-VEGF treatment

AIMS

Fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) is an intravitreal corticosteroid implant approved for the second-line treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). This study compared outcomes of patients with DME switched directly to an FAc implant, versus indirectly via dexamethasone, after anti-VEGF therapy failure.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, single-center chart review. Patients were assigned to Group A (switched to FAc after anti-VEGF) or Group B (switched to dexamethasone and then to FAc after > 4 months). Charts were reviewed for best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), intraocular pressure (IOP) and cataract development.

RESULTS

Forty-nine eyes were included. BCVA increased and CMT decreased with anti-VEGF (both groups), and dexamethasone (Group B only), but regressed after stopping treatment. With FAc, BCVA increased rapidly and significantly: increases were maintained up to 36 months (P < 0.001), except at 18 and 9 months in Groups A and B, respectively. Significant CMT reductions (P < 0.001) were evident after 3 months and maintained up to 36 months in both groups. IOP increase > 21 mmHg occurred in 14 patients (nine in Group A, five in Group B): all were sufficiently treated with IOP-lowering drops. Nineteen phakic eyes (73.1%) developed cataract: seven underwent phaco-emulsification (two in Group A, five in Group B).

CONCLUSIONS

Similar functional and anatomical improvements occurred in FAc-treated eyes, regardless of whether they first received dexamethasone or switched directly to FAc after anti-VEGF. Safety signals were consistent with corticosteroid class effects. Early switch to FAc could benefit patients who respond insufficiently to anti-VEGF.

A New Approach for Diabetic Macular Edema Treatment: review of clinical practice results with 0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant including vitrectomized eyes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Fluocinolone acetonide is a synthetic fluorinated glucocorticoid. It has selective and potent agonist properties by binding to the cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor with high affinity; it is devoid of mineralocorticoid activity. Two extended-release (i.e. lasting up to 3 years) drug delivery systems containing fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) have been approved by the FDA for intravitreal use: Retisert ® (Bausch&Lomb, New Jersey, USA) and Iluvien ® (Alimera Sciences, Atlanta, USA). The former contains 0.59 mg of FAc, which is approved for the treatment of chronic noninfectious posterior segment uveitis. The latter contains a dose of 0.19 mg of FAc and is approved for the treatment of diabetic macular edema and here we review the results published in the clinical literature relating to its use in the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME).

RECENT FINDINGS

The 0.19 mg FAc implant (Iluvien®) is a new approved treatment approach for DME. It is a non-biodegradable implant that continuously releases a microdose of FAc into the vitreous cavity for up to three years. It is effective in chronic DME with the added value of decreasing the treatment burden of multiple intravitreal injections. Recently, clinical practice studies are reporting its efficacy and safety profile (intra-ocular pressure rise and cataract), as well as its use in clinical setting not included in clinical trial such as vitrectomized eyes.

SUMMARY

The FAc implant has demonstrated in clinical practice results that mirror the results of the clinical trials efficacy wise. Regarding its safety profile, cataract is a common complication, however, intra-ocular pressure rises may be lower than the ones reported in trials. The implant has shown effectiveness in vitrectomized eyes. An increasing evidence of real-world studies have supported utility of the implant in DME patients. It's extended-release format for up to 3 years benefits to the patient and carer as it means fewer injections and visits to the clinic.

The Outcomes of Switching from Short- to Long-Term Intravitreal Corticosteroid Implant Therapy in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema

BACKGROUND

First-line treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME) is usually with antivascular endothelial growth factor agents, followed by intravitreal corticosteroids as a second-line treatment option. Long-term corticosteroids may offer quality of life and effectiveness benefits over short-term implants.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate outcomes of patients with persistent or recurrent DME who switched from a short-term (dexamethasone) to a long-term (fluocinolone acetonide, FAc) corticosteroid intravitreal implant in a real-world setting.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study in 9 Portuguese centers. An FAc intravitreal implant was administered according to product labeling. Effectiveness outcomes were mean change in visual acuity (VA; ETDRS letters), central retinal thickness (CRT; µm), and macular volume (MV; mm3). The safety outcome was mean change in intraocular pressure (IOP; mm Hg). All were analyzed at months 1 and 3, and then quarterly until month 24 after implantation.

RESULTS

Forty-four eyes from 36 patients were analyzed. Mean duration of DME was 3.3 ± 1.9 years, and mean follow-up was 8 months. From baseline following FAc implantation, VA increased significantly at months 1 and 6 (mean +6.82 and +13.02 letters, respectively; p = 0.005), and last observation carried forward (LOCF; mean +8.3 letters; p = 0.002). CRT improved significantly at months 1 and 6 (mean -71.81 and -170.77 µm, respectively; p = 0.001), and LOCF (mean -121.46 µm; p = 0.001). MV was consistently, but not significantly, decreased from baseline to LOCF (mean -0.69 mm3; p = 0.062). The mean change in IOP was -0.25 and +0.88 mm Hg at months 1 and 6, respectively (p = 0.268), and +1.86 mm Hg at LOCF (p = 0.036). Increases were controlled with topical medication in most cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The FAc intravitreal implant is effective in patients previously treated with short-term corticosteroid implants. Thus, after a suboptimal response to antiangiogenics or a short-term corticosteroid, a single FAc implant may be considered an effective and tolerable treatment that can improve long-term outcomes for patients with sight-threatening DME.

Challenges and opportunities for drug delivery to the posterior of the eye

Drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye remains challenging even though the eye is readily accessible. Its unique and complex anatomy and physiology contribute to the limited options for drug delivery via non-invasive topical treatment, which is the prevalent ophthalmic treatment. To treat the most common retinal diseases, intravitreal (IVT) injection has been a common and effective therapy. With the advancement of nanotechnologies, novel formulations and drug delivery systems are being developed to treat posterior segment diseases. Here, we discuss the recent advancement in ocular delivery systems, including-sustained release formulations, IVT implants, and preclinical topical formulations, and the challenges faced in their clinical translation.

Fluocinolone acetonide 0.19 mg intravitreal implant improves foveal thickness and reduces treatment burden for up to 1 year in eyes with persistent diabetic macular edema

Objective: To assess the effectiveness, safety, and treatment burden in eyes with persistent diabetic macular edema (DME) for up to 1 year after administration of 0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant (Iluvien^®).

Methods: This retrospective study at one private practice in the US included 40 eyes from 33 patients treated with an FAc implant. Eyes had previously been treated with VEGF antagonists, dexamethasone, or focal laser. The primary outcome was change in central foveal thickness from baseline. Data were also collected on demographics, visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), use of IOP-lowering drugs for elevated IOP, lens clarity, and treatment burden before and after the implant.

Results: Average duration of diabetes and DME at baseline was 19 and 5 years, respectively, and average glycated hemoglobin was 7.21%. Severity of diabetic retinopathy before the implant had a slight bimodal distribution: moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (35%) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (40%). Improvements in central foveal thickness from baseline were evident at 3 months (mean change –74.2 µm, P<0.001) and sustained through 12 months (–55.3 µm; P=0.005) for most eyes. Mean visual acuity remained stable (66.2 letters at baseline versus 67.2 letters at 12 months, roughly equivalent to 20/50 vision; P=0.855). On average, eyes required one anti-VEGF injection every 1.9 months before and one every 6.6 months after the implant, while 60% of eyes did not require additional anti-VEGF injections. Small but significant increases in IOP at months 3, 6, and 9 were not sustained to month 12, and mean IOP was normal throughout follow-up.

Conclusion: In patients with DME previously treated with a steroid, and treated according to licensed indications in the US, an FAc implant not only reduces the burden of disease in the real-world setting, but also the burden of injections and office visits for patients.

Advanced implantable drug delivery technologies: transforming the clinical landscape of therapeutics for chronic diseases

Chronic diseases account for the majority of all deaths worldwide, and their prevalence is expected to escalate in the next 10 years. Because chronic disorders require long-term therapy, the healthcare system must address the needs of an increasing number of patients. The use of new drug administration routes, specifically implantable drug delivery devices, has the potential to reduce treatment-monitoring clinical visits and follow-ups with healthcare providers. Also, implantable drug delivery devices can be designed to maintain drug concentrations in the therapeutic window to achieve controlled, continuous release of therapeutics over extended periods, eliminating the risk of patient non-compliance to oral treatment. A higher local drug concentration can be achieved if the device is implanted in the affected tissue, reducing systemic adverse side effects and decreasing the challenges and discomfort of parenteral treatment. Although implantable drug delivery devices have existed for some time, interest in their therapeutic potential is growing, with a global market expected to reach over $12 billion USD by 2018. This review discusses implantable drug delivery technologies in an advanced stage of development or in clinical use and focuses on the state-of-the-art of reservoir-based implants including pumps, electromechanical systems, and polymers, sites of implantation and side effects, and deployment in developing countries.

Early adoption of the fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) intravitreal implant in patients with persistent or recurrent diabetic macular edema (DME)

Objective: To assess long-term outcomes for effectiveness, safety, and treatment burden after injection of 0.2 µg/day fluocinolone acetonide [FAc] intravitreal implant (ILUVIEN^®) in patients with persistent or recurrent diabetic macular edema (DME) and 6–18 months of follow-up.

Methods: Retrospective case series in 18 eyes (13 patients) treated with the FAc implant. Prior to the implant, eyes were treated with an anti-VEGF therapy, dexamethasone implant, or focal or panretinal photocoagulation. Effectiveness outcomes included changes in visual acuity and macular edema. Safety outcomes included intraocular pressure (IOP) changes, IOP drugs, and IOP-related surgeries/interventions. Treatment burden was assessed by comparing the number of DME treatments before and after FAc implantation.

Results: The FAc implant reduced macular volume in 16/18 (89%) eyes, with a statistically significant mean change of –1.33 mm³ (p=0.001). The average central retinal thickness reduction for all 18 eyes was statistically significant, decreasing from 444 µm at baseline to 359 µm after the FAc implant (p<0.001). In 90% of eyes, visual acuity was stable throughout the follow-up period, with increases or no worsening in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letter score. Although mean IOP was statistically higher after treatment, it was within the normal range at all timepoints, and most (83.3%) eyes remained in the IOP category 0–22 mmHg, and the number of IOP treatments required did not increase and no patients required IOP-lowering surgery. Treatment burden for DME was reduced after the implant was administered, with 56% of eyes not requiring any additional treatment. The average number of treatments was 1.3 in the 6 months after the FAc implant versus 4.6 in the 12 months preceding the implant.

Conclusion: The FAc implant is an appropriate option to incorporate earlier in the DME treatment process, leading to positive long-term outcomes with an acceptable safety profile, and a reduced treatment burden for patients, and reduced clinical staff time.

Three-year results from the Retro-IDEAL study: Real-world data from diabetic macular edema (DME) patients treated with ILUVIEN® (0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide implant)

INTRODUCTION

The Retro-IDEAL (ILUVIEN Implant for chronic DiabEtic MAcuLar edema) study is a retrospective study designed to assess real-world outcomes achieved with the ILUVIEN® (0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide (FAc)) in patients with chronic diabetic macular edema (DME) in clinical practices in Germany.

METHODS

This study was conducted across 16 sites in Germany and involved 81 eyes (63 patients) with persistent or recurrent DME and a prior suboptimal response to a first-line intravitreal therapy (primarily anti-VEGF intravitreal therapies).

RESULTS

Patients were followed-up for 30.8 ± 11.3 months (mean ± standard deviation) and had a mean age of 68.0 ± 10.4 years. Best-recorded visual acuity (BRVA) improved by +5.5 letters at month 9 (P ⩽ 0.005, n=56; from a baseline of 49 letters) and this was maintained through to month 30 (P ⩽ 0.05, n = 42). There was a concurrent improvement in central macular thickness with a reduction from 502 µm at baseline to 338 µm at year 1 (P ⩽ 0.0001, n = 43). This effect was sustained to year 3 (i.e. 318 µm; P ⩽ 0.0001, n = 29). Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) remained constant between baseline and year 3 with a peak change of 1.9 mm Hg occurring at year 1. Elevated IOP was observed in a similar percentage of patients prior to (22.2% of cases) and following (27.2%) treatment with the FAc implant. In the majority of cases, these elevations were managed effectively with IOP medications.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite substantial amounts of prior intravitreal treatments - primarily with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs - this real-world study showed that sustained structural and functional improvements can last for up to 3 years with a single FAc implant.

Treatment of refractory diabetic macular edema with a fluocinolone acetonide implant in vitrectomized and non-vitrectomized eyes

AIM

To report real-life data on the use of an intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide implant in the treatment of refractory diabetic macular edema (DME) in pars plana vitrectomized (PPV) and non-PPV eyes.

METHODS

This was a comparative retrospective observational study of 23 eyes with chronic DME. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were recorded at baseline, 1, 4 and 12mo. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were performed to analyze and compare PPV and non-PPV eyes.

RESULTS

Seven PPV and 16 non-PPV eyes were included in the study. Median BCVA in the non-PPV group varied from 0.65 logMAR [Interquartile range (IQR): 0.40] at baseline to 0.42 logMAR (IQR: 0.40) at 12mo. Median CMT varied from 430 µm (IQR: 131.3) at baseline to 317 µm (IQR: 107.5) at 12mo. Median BCVA in the PPV group varied from 0.60 logMAR (IQR: 0.62) at baseline to 0.74 logMAR (IQR: 0.34) at 12mo. Median CMT varied from 483 µm (IQR: 146) at baseline to 397 µm (IQR: 132) at 12mo. Of 0/7 eyes and 1/16 eyes in the PPV and non-PPV eyes respectively had a baseline visual acuity of 6/12 or better (0.3 logMAR). At last follow up, 1/7 and 5/16 eyes in the PPV and non-PPV group respectively achieved a visual acuity of 6/12 or better.

CONCLUSION

Visual outcomes are modest following the use of the fluocinolone acetonide implant for chronic DME. The steroid implant is a useful treatment option in the management of refractory DME in vitrectomized and non-vitrectmized eyes.

Intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide implant (ILUVIEN®) for diabetic macular oedema: a literature review

Diabetic macular oedema (DMO) is a common complication of diabetic retinopathy and may lead to severe visual loss. In this review, we describe the pathophysiology of DMO and review current therapeutic options such as macular laser photocoagulation, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents, and steroid implants with a focus on the new fluocinolone acetonide implant, ILUVIEN®. The results of the Fluocinolone Acetonide in Diabetic Macular Edema (FAME) studies are also presented together with the results of real-world studies to support the clinical use of ILUVIEN® in achieving efficient resolution of DMO and improving vision and macular anatomy in this challenging group of patients.

Changes in intraocular pressure after intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide (ILUVIEN): real-world experience in three European countries

Aims

The ILUVIEN Registry Safety Study is an ongoing, multicentre, open-label, observational study collecting real-world data on the safety and effectiveness of the 0.2 µg/day fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant in patients treated according to the European label requirements.

Methods

Patients included in this analysis were treated for the licensed indication of chronic diabetic macular oedema (cDMO; that is, DMO that persists or recurs despite treatment). Data presented in the current analysis were collected from patient records up to 6 March 2017. Visual acuity (VA) data, including mean change in VA over time and at last observation, intraocular pressure (IOP) over the course of the study, IOP events, use of IOP-lowering therapy and cup:disc ratio were analysed. Information on additional DMO treatments post-FAc implant was also captured.

Results

Five hundred and sixty-three patients (593 eyes) were enrolled on the study. Mean IOP for the overall population remained within the normal range throughout follow-up and 76.7% of patients did not require IOP-lowering therapy following treatment with the FAc implant. Sixty-nine per cent of eyes did not require additional DMO treatments. Mean VA in the overall population increased from 51.9 letters at baseline to 55.6 letters at month 12, with a significant increase of 2.9 letters at last observation. Patients with short-term cDMO experienced greater VA gains than those with long-term cDMO.

Conclusions

The results of this analysis are comparable with those of other studies, including the Fluocinolone Acetate for Macular Edema study. The study reinforces the good safety and effectiveness profile of FAc, and demonstrates the benefit of early FAc treatment.

Pharmacology of Corticosteroids for Diabetic Macular Edema

Purpose

Corticosteroids remain the mainstay of treatment for inflammatory diseases almost 80 years after their first clinical use. Topical ophthalmic formulations of corticosteroids have been available to treat disease of the anterior segment of the eye, but the approval of corticosteroids to treat vitreoretinal diseases, including vein occlusion, diabetic macular edema, and uveitis, has occurred only recently. Although most diseases respond to corticosteroid therapy, some patients are resistant to this therapy and side effects, including cataract and elevated intraocular pressure, can limit their use. The purpose of this review is to detail the basic science of corticosteroids focusing on differences in potency, drug delivery, pharmacokinetics, and gene activation, and how these differences affect safety and efficacy in the treatment of diabetic macular edema.

Methods

A review was conducted of basic science and pharmacology of the corticosteroids used to treat diabetic macular edema.

Results

Clinically available corticosteroids not only have differing potency and pharmacokinetics, but also activate different genes in different target tissues. These differences are associated with distinct efficacy, pharmacokinetic, and safety profiles. It is important to understand these differences in selecting corticosteroids to treat diabetic macular edema.

Conclusions

Recent advances in our understanding of the basic science of corticosteroids can explain clinical differences in these agents regarding efficacy and safety. Importantly, this understanding should allow the future discovery of additional novel corticosteroids to treat diabetic macular edema.

Evaluation of the clinical effectiveness in routine practice of fluocinolone acetonide 190 µg intravitreal implant in people with diabetic macular edema

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the Iluvien Clinical Evidence study in the UK (ICE-UK) was to assess the real-world effectiveness of fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) 190 µg intravitreal implant for the treatment of clinically significant chronic diabetic macular edema (DME) in routine clinical practice.

METHODS

This retrospective study collected data from patient medical records in 13 ophthalmology centers for people with DME prescribed FAc intravitreal implant between April 1, 2013 and April 15, 2015. Visual acuity (VA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were collected for 12 months prior to and after implant.

RESULTS

Two hundred and eight people, contributing 233 eyes, treated with FAc implant were included. Mean age was 68.1 years and 62% were male. In the 12 months prior to FAc implant, VA declined. Median (interquartile range, IQR) VA was 0.66 (0.48-1.00) LogMAR units (equivalent to 52.0 ETDRS letters) at implant, improving to 0.60 (0.38-0.90) LogMAR units (55.0 letters) at 12 months post-implant (p < 0.001). In total, 44%, 30%, and 18% of people achieved an improvement in ETDRS score of ≥5, ≥10, and ≥15 letters, respectively, over the same period. A small but significant (p < .001) increase in median IOP was observed (median = 15.0, IQR = 13.0-18.0 mmHg at implant to 18.0, 15.0-21.0 mmHg at 12 months). In the 12 months following implant, additional IOP-lowering therapy was prescribed in 15% of subjects previously not requiring such therapy.

CONCLUSION

Following FAc implant, an overall significant improvement in VA was observed over a period of 12 months, accompanied by a significant but small increase in IOP.

Recurrent Diabetic Macular Edema: What to Do

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a leading cause of blindness in the working population. Herein, we report the case of a patient with recurrent DME for about 6 years, uncontrolled by several medical and surgical treatments, that was successfully treated with a single sustained-release fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant in her right eye. The affected eye had presented a visual acuity of 2/10 and a central macular thickness of 488 µm prior to the injection. After treatment with the fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant, the patient's right eye presented an improvement in best corrected visual acuity to 6/10 and a reduction of central macular thickness to 198 µm. These functional and anatomical results were continuous and sustained during a follow-up period of more than 12 months, and with an acceptable and manageable safety profile. These results show that fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implantation is an effective treatment option in DME and should be considered in the DME treatment pathway.

Fluocinolone acetonide for the treatment of diabetic macular edema

INTRODUCTION

Fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant is a non-erodible implant approved for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) insufficiently responsive to available therapies. Areas covered: The injectable intravitreal implant releases fluocinolone acetonide at an average rate of 0.2 µg/day for at least 36 months. The two pooled pivotal FAME trials showed that, in patients with DME previously treated with laser photocoagulation, fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant was more beneficial than sham injection when looking at the proportion of patients with an improvement from baseline in visual acuity of more than 15 letters at 24 months and at 36 months. Cataract (82%) and intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation (37%) were the most common adverse events. Raised IOP was mostly treated with IOP-lowering medications, with <5% of eyes requiring incisional IOP-lowering surgery. FAME trial program results are confirmed by a series of real-world studies in eyes with chronic/recalcitrant DME. Expert opinion: data indicate that fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant is a useful second-line option for the treatment of DME.

Real-world experience with 0.2 μg/day fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant (ILUVIEN) in the United Kingdom

Aims

To compare safety outcomes and visual function data acquired in the real-world setting with FAME study results in eyes treated with 0.2 μg/day fluocinolone acetonide (FAc).

Methods

Fourteen UK clinical sites contributed to pseudoanonymised data collected using the same electronic medical record system. Data pertaining to eyes treated with FAc implant for diabetic macular oedema (DMO) was extracted. Intraocular pressure (IOP)-related adverse events were defined as use of IOP-lowering medication, any rise in IOP>30 mm Hg, or glaucoma surgery. Other measured outcomes included visual acuity, central subfield thickness (CSFT) changes and use of concomitant medications.

Results

In total, 345 eyes had a mean follow-up of 428 days. Overall, 13.9% of patients required IOP-lowering drops (included initiation, addition and switching of current drops), 7.2% had IOP elevation >30 mm Hg and 0.3% required glaucoma surgery. In patients with prior steroid exposure and no prior IOP-related event, there were no new IOP-related events. In patients without prior steroid use and without prior IOP-related events, 10.3% of eyes required IOP-lowering medication and 4.3% exhibited IOP >30 mm Hg at some point during follow-up. At 24 months, mean best-recorded visual acuity increased from 51.9 to 57.2 letters and 20.8% achieved ≥15-letter improvement. Mean CSFT reduced from 451.2 to 355.5 μm.

Conclusions

While overall IOP-related emergent events were observed in similar frequency to FAME, no adverse events were seen in the subgroup with prior steroid exposure and no prior IOP events. Efficacy findings confirm that the FAc implant is a useful treatment option for chronic DMO.

Fluocinolone Acetonide Intravitreal Implant 0.19 mg (ILUVIEN®): A Review in Diabetic Macular Edema

Fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant 0.19 mg (ILUVIEN^®) is a nonbiodegradable, injectable, corticosteroid implant that is approved in several countries, including the USA, for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). ILUVIEN^® releases fluocinolone acetonide at an initial rate of 0.25 µg/day (average rate 0.2 µg/day) and lasts 36 months. In the two pooled pivotal FAME trials in patients with DME previously treated with macular laser photocoagulation, fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant 0.2 µg/day was significantly more effective than sham injection with respect to the proportion of patients with an improvement from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity of ≥15 letters at 24 months (primary endpoint). This therapeutic effect was maintained at 36 months. The implant also significantly decreased foveal thickness at 24 months. FAME study results are broadly supported by real-world studies in patients with chronic DME considered insufficiently responsive to available therapies. Consistent with corticosteroid class-specific adverse events, cataract and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) were the most common adverse events with the fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant. Raised IOP was treated with medications in most patients, with <5% requiring incisional IOP-lowering surgery. In the USA, fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant should be used only in patients who have been previously treated with a course of corticosteroids and did not have a clinically significant increase in IOP. Available data indicate that fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant 0.19 mg is a useful option for the treatment of DME in these patients.

Intravitreal Aflibercept for Patients With Diabetic Macular Edema Refractory to Bevacizumab or Ranibizumab: Analysis of Response to Aflibercept

PURPOSE

To investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of intravitreal aflibercept in a case series of patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) refractory to ranibizumab or bevacizumab.

DESIGN

A retrospective chart review.

METHODS

From September 2013 to March 2016, we identified patients with DME who developed resistance to bevacizumab or ranibizumab. Three monthly intravitreal aflibercept injections were administered in refractory cases. Nonresponse to aflibercept was defined as a paradoxical increase in central foveal thickness (CFT) and gain in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of less than 1 line at 1 month after treatment compared with before aflibercept administration.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 72 eyes in 72 refractory patients, 42 eyes (58.3%) responded to aflibercept injections. The BCVA and CFT were 0.65 ± 0.32 logMAR and 438.5 ± 80.1 μm, respectively, before aflibercept treatment and significantly improved to 0.31 ± 0.17 logMAR (P = 0.0008) and 297.9 ± 19.1 μm (P = 0.0004), respectively, 1 month after 3 aflibercept injections in responders. No differences in baseline characteristics, including age, sex, glycosylated hemoglobin, serum creatinine, total cholesterol, lens status, grades of diabetic retinopathy, and CFT/BCVA before aflibercept management (P > 0.05), were observed between responders and nonresponders. There were 17 vitrectomized eyes in 30 nonresponders (56.7%), a significantly higher rate than among the 42 responders (0%; P = 0.00001).

CONCLUSIONS

Three monthly intravitreal aflibercept injections had benefit in nearly two thirds of cases with DME resistant to bevacizumab or ranibizumab over short-term follow-up. Vitrectomized eyes responded poorly to aflibercept treatment.

New Drugs and New Posterior Delivery Methods in CME

PURPOSE

To discuss the characteristics, indications and adverse events (AEs) of sustained-release corticosteroid devices for the treatment of cystoid macular edema (CME).

RECENT FINDINGS

Ozurdex® is approved for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME), retinal vein occlusion related-CME and noninfectious posterior uveitis (NIPU). It releases dexamethasone over a maximum period of 6 months making repeated intravitreal injections necessary for recurrent CME. Iluvien® releases fluocinolone for up to 36 months and is effective for the treatment of chronic DME. Retisert® (Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY) also releases fluocinolone, and is approved for chronic NIPU. Both Iluvien® and Retisert® are non-biodegradable devices and are highly associated with cataract and glaucoma.

SUMMARY

Long-acting intraocular corticosteroid formulations offer a more predictable drug-release profile and reduced dosing frequency in comparison to conventional formulations of the same compounds but the risk-benefit ratio must be taken into consideration previous to the implantation of those devices.

Clinical utility of intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide (Iluvien®) implant in the management of patients with chronic diabetic macular edema: a review of the current literature

The first-line therapy for patients with center-involving diabetic macular edema (DME) is with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, with or without adjunctive macular laser treatment. However, a significant proportion of patients have persistent and recurrent edema despite repeated anti-VEGF injections. The fluocinolone acetonide (FA) 190 μg intravitreal implant has been shown in pivotal clinical trials to be efficacious for the treatment of DME and has been approved in many countries for use in patients who have not responded to first-line therapy. In this report, we have collated the latest data from the increasing number of studies to illustrate the pattern of usage of the Iluvien FA implant for DME during the current anti-VEGF era. We have shown that there is now a wealth of published evidence from real-world studies to support the clinical utility of the FA implant in achieving further resolution of edema and improving visual acuity outcomes in this challenging group of patients.

Diabetic macular edema outcomes in eyes treated with fluocinolone acetonide 0.2 µg/d intravitreal implant: real-world UK experience

PURPOSE

To conduct an observational, multicenter study to evaluate real-world clinical efficacy and safety of the 0.2 µg/day fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant in the treatment of patients with chronic diabetic macular edema (DME) in 3 large hospital ophthalmology departments in the United Kingdom.

METHODS

Fluocinolone acetonide implants were inserted into the study eyes following a suitable washout period; phakic eyes received FAc implant following cataract surgery. Follow-up visits took place 2-4 weeks postinjection and then at 3, 6, and 12 months; change in central macular thickness (CMT) from baseline was measured by optical coherence tomography and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was also assessed. Adverse events and changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) were recorded in order to evaluate the safety profile for the FAc implant.

RESULTS

Improvements in BCVA and CMT were observed from 3 months and sustained for the duration of observation. At 12 months, the overall mean change from baseline CMT was -126 μm and mean increase in BCVA from baseline was 5.1 letters. Increases in IOP following FAc implant were easily managed with IOP-lowering medication. Implant migration into the anterior chamber occurred in 2 eyes where prior vitrectomy had resulted in a posterior capsule defect; this was rectified and resolved.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study provide further efficacy and safety profile data for FAc implant treatment of chronic DME in a real-world clinical setting; the FAc implant appears to be a valuable therapeutic approach for patients with chronic DME who have suboptimal response to other treatment options.

A Novel Method for Preparing Surface-Modified Fluocinolone Acetonide Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles for Ocular Use: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations

Our objective was to prepare nanoparticulate system using a simple yet attractive innovated method as an ophthalmic delivery system for fluocinolone acetonide to improve its ocular bioavailability. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles were prepared by adopting thin film hydration method using PLGA/poloxamer 407 in weight ratios of 1:5 and 1:10. PLGA was used in 75/25 and 50/50 copolymer molar ratio of DL-lactide/glycolide. Results revealed that using PLGA with lower glycolic acid monomer ratio exhibited high particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP) and drug encapsulation efficiency (EE) values with slow drug release pattern. Also, doubling the drug concentration during nanoparticles preparation ameliorated its EE to reach almost 100%. Furthermore, studies for separating the un-entrapped drug in nanoparticles using centrifugation method at 20,000 rpm for 30 min showed that the separated clear supernatant contained nanoparticles encapsulating an important drug amount. Therefore, separation of un-entrapped drug was carried out by filtrating the preparation using 20-25 μm pore size filter paper to avoid drug loss. Aiming to increase the PLGA nanoparticles mucoadhesion ability, surface modification of selected formulation was done using different amount of stearylamine and chitosan HCl. Nanoparticles coated with 0.1% w/v chitosan HCl attained most suitable results of PS, ZP and EE values as well as high drug release properties. Transmission electron microphotographs illustrated the deposition of chitosan molecules on the nanoparticles surfaces. Pharmacokinetic studies on Albino rabbit's eyes using HPLC indicated that the prepared novel chitosan-coated PLGA nanoparticles subjected to separation by filtration showed rapid and extended drug delivery to the eye.

Efficacy and safety of sustained-delivery fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant in patients with chronic diabetic macular edema insufficiently responsive to available therapies: a real-life study

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sustained-delivery fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) intravitreal implant for diabetic macular edema (DME).

Patients and methods

Prospective study in patients with DME insufficiently responsive to laser and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF). Patients with history of rise of intraocular pressure after intravitreal corticosteroids were excluded.

Results

The macular edema rapidly decreased both in group 1 (prior laser only; n=7 eyes) and group 2 (prior laser and ≥3 monthly anti-VEGF therapy; n=10 eyes) and central subfield thickness was reduced by −299 μm (P=0.008) and −251 μm (P=0.016) at 12 months, respectively. Mean area under the curve from baseline to last value for pseudophakic eyes was +4.2 letters in group 1 and +9.5 letters in group 2. Overall, the FAc implant was well tolerated.

Conclusion

This prospective study confirms the efficacy of the FAc implant in DME patients insufficiently responsive to laser and anti-VEGF. Moreover, with a careful patient selection, our safety results would support an earlier use of FAc in the DME treatment pathway.

Fluocinolone acetonide for the treatment of diabetic macular edema

In addition to VEGF inhibitors such as ranibizumab, aflibercept or bevacizumab, clinical and experimental investigations have revealed the great potential of steroids in the treatment of DME. At present two intravitreal steroid inserts are approved for the treatment of DME containing either dexamethasone or fluocinolone acetat (FA) as a pharmacological compound. The non degradable intravitreal FA insert releases 0.2 µg FA per day (Iluvien, Alimera Sciences). Clinical phase III studies have demonstrated the beneficial effect of the FA insert to last up to three years, especially in patients with a prolonged history of DME of at least three years at the initiation of therapy. While the treatment appears to be well tolerated over all, side effects such as cataract formation in nearly all treated phakic patients and raise of intraocular pressure need to be discussed with the patients as potential complications of the treatment.