Advancements in ocular drug delivery

Area of Science:

• Veterinary ophthalmology
• Ophthalmic drug delivery systems
• Biomedical engineering

Background:

• Veterinary ophthalmic diseases require effective drug delivery for successful treatment.
• Current drug delivery methods face challenges in duration, targeting, and patient compliance.
• Developing new ophthalmic drug delivery systems is crucial for improving animal eye care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review noninvasive and invasive ophthalmic drug delivery systems for veterinary applications.
• To discuss physiological challenges and commercial development factors for these systems.

Main Methods:

• Review of noninvasive approaches: gel technologies, permeation enhancement, nanoparticles, iontophoresis, microneedles, drug-eluting contact lenses, eye misters, and microdroplets.
• Review of invasive systems: eroding and noneroding implants, diffusion systems, pumps, intraocular lenses, suprachoroidal delivery, and episcleral reservoirs.
• Discussion of physiological challenges (duration, targeting, compliance) and commercial factors (biocompatibility, sterilization, manufacturability, stability).

Main Results:

• A comprehensive overview of diverse ophthalmic drug delivery technologies for veterinary use.
• Identification of key challenges in achieving effective and compliant drug delivery in animals.
• Consideration of critical commercial development aspects for successful product realization.

Conclusions:

• Both noninvasive and invasive ophthalmic drug delivery systems offer potential for treating veterinary eye diseases.
• Addressing physiological and commercial factors is essential for the successful development and application of these systems in veterinary medicine.
• Further research and development in this area can significantly advance animal eye care.