Thermosensitive Poly(DHSe/PEG/PPG Urethane)-Based Hydrogel Extended Remdesivir Application in Ophthalmic Medication

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Polymer Chemistry
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, highlights the need for effective ocular delivery methods.
• Current treatments lack suitable formulations to prevent viral transmission via ocular routes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel thermosensitive, selenium-containing polymer for sustained topical ocular drug delivery.
• To assess the potential of this system for delivering remdesivir (RDV) to combat SARS-CoV-2 ocular transmission.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a poly(DHSe/PEG/PPG urethane) thermosensitive polymer.
• Formulation of an in situ gel loaded with poorly water-soluble remdesivir (RDV).
• Characterization using rheology, thermology, SEM, in vitro release studies, and in vivo ocular tests in rabbits.

Main Results:

• The developed polymer formed a thermosensitive in situ gel with a sol-gel transition at 35°C.
• In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated prolonged release and retention of RDV in ocular tissues.
• The RDV-loaded gel showed no cytotoxicity to corneal cells and good ocular tolerance in rabbits.

Conclusions:

• The selenium-containing thermosensitive polymer is a viable platform for sustained ocular drug delivery.
• This novel formulation offers a promising approach for preventing SARS-CoV-2 ocular transmission with improved drug release and safety.