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Updated: Jun 6, 2026

An Alternative and Validated Injection Method for Accessing the Subretinal Space via a Transcleral Posterior Approach
Published on: December 7, 2016
[Qualitative differences between ranibizumab from original and ready to use syringes]
1Augenklinik der Universität zu Lübeck, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, Lübeck, Germany. salvatore.grisanti@uk-sh.de
Storing ranibizumab in plastic syringes reduces its binding affinity to VEGF-165 over time, especially with light and room temperature exposure. This impacts the biological efficacy of the antibody fragment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ranibizumab is an antibody fragment used in treating neovascular eye conditions.
- The storage of ranibizumab in pre-filled plastic syringes is an emerging practice influenced by socioeconomic and legal factors.
- Understanding the stability and efficacy of ranibizumab in plastic syringes is crucial for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of time, temperature, and light on ranibizumab stored in plastic syringes.
- To assess the quality and biological efficacy of ranibizumab after storage in plastic syringes.
- To compare the stability of ranibizumab in pre-sampled syringes with commercially available ready-to-use syringes.
Main Methods:
- Ranibizumab samples were stored in plastic tuberculin syringes under various conditions (temperature, light).
- Analyzed parameters included pH, protein stability, concentration, and binding affinity to VEGF-165 using ELISA.
- Compared pre-sampled syringes with commercially available ready-to-use ranibizumab syringes.
Main Results:
- Stored ranibizumab maintained stable pH.
- Protein concentration showed slight decreases over time, unaffected by light or room temperature.
- Binding affinity to VEGF-165 significantly decreased over time, with further reductions due to light and room temperature exposure.
Conclusions:
- Storage of ranibizumab in plastic syringes affects its biological efficacy.
- The binding affinity to VEGF-165 is compromised by storage duration and environmental factors.
- These findings add a new consideration to the choice between original vials and pre-sampled ranibizumab syringes.
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