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Nanofiber-coated implants: Development and safety after intravitreal application in rabbits
Maria Carolina Andrade Guerra1, Julia Teixeira Neto2, Michele Gouvea Gomes3
1Federal University of Goias, Rua 240 w/n, CEP 74605-220, Goias, Goiania, Brazil; Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Ezequiel Dias Foundation, Rua Conde Pereira Carneiro 80, Gameleira, CEP 30510-010, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|March 9, 2023
Summary
New nanofiber-coated implants deliver dexamethasone and bevacizumab for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This sustained release system offers a safer, more effective treatment alternative to frequent intravitreal injections.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Intravitreal injections are standard for posterior eye segment drug delivery but require frequent administration, leading to patient complications and poor adherence.
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss, involves vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inflammatory pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate nanofiber-coated intravitreal implants for sustained, simultaneous delivery of dexamethasone and bevacizumab for AMD treatment.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of this novel drug delivery system in a preclinical setting.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of nanofiber-coated intravitreal implants incorporating dexamethasone and bevacizumab.
- Characterization of implant coating using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
- In vitro drug release studies and in vivo safety and efficacy assessments using electroretinography (ERG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Main Results:
- Successful preparation of nanofiber-coated implants confirmed by SEM.
- Controlled release profiles: 68% dexamethasone released over 35 days, 88% bevacizumab released within 48 hours.
- The formulation demonstrated anti-angiogenic activity and was found to be safe for the retina, with no observed clinical, histopathological, functional, or structural changes over 28 days.
Conclusions:
- Nanofiber-coated intravitreal implants offer a promising sustained-release system for dual drug delivery in AMD.
- This technology may provide an effective and safer alternative to repeated intravitreal injections for managing AMD.
