Subretinal and Intravitreal Retinal Injections in Monkeys

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Toxicology
• Primate Models

Background:

• Cynomolgus monkeys (Macacca fascicularis) possess ocular anatomy and physiology closely resembling the human visual system.
• Despite ethical and economic considerations, these primates serve as a crucial model for toxicological and biodistribution assessments in ophthalmic drug development.
• Investigational new drug (IND) delivery methods in non-human primates mirror those used in human clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the precise methodologies for administering investigational new drugs (INDs) into the ocular tissues of cynomolgus monkeys.
• To provide a standardized protocol for ocular drug delivery in a relevant primate model for research purposes.

Main Methods:

• Detailed description of drug application techniques for the vitreous cavity in cynomolgus monkeys.
• Step-by-step protocol for subretinal space drug administration in cynomolgus monkeys.
• Emphasis on methods directly translatable to clinical ocular drug delivery.

Main Results:

• Established a reliable protocol for ocular drug delivery in cynomolgus monkeys.
• Demonstrated the feasibility of targeting specific ocular compartments (vitreous and subretinal space).

Conclusions:

• Cynomolgus monkeys are an appropriate model for studying ocular drug delivery and efficacy.
• The described methods facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies for various ocular disorders.
• This protocol supports preclinical safety and distribution studies for new ophthalmic treatments.