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Multi-loaded PLGA microspheres as neuroretinal therapy in a chronic glaucoma animal model
Alba Aragón-Navas1,2, Maria Jesus Rodrigo3,4,5, Inés Munuera4,5
1Innovation, Therapy and Pharmaceutical Development in Ophthalmology (InnOftal) Research Group, UCM 920415, Department of Pharmaceutics and Food Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
This study developed poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres for co-delivering three neuroprotective drugs to treat glaucoma. The optimized formulation improved retinal ganglion cell function and preserved retinal thickness in an animal model.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Ophthalmology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
- Neuroprotection is a promising therapeutic strategy for glaucoma.
- Effective drug delivery systems are needed to enhance the efficacy of neuroprotective agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To co-encapsulate and simultaneously co-deliver three neuroprotective drugs using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres for glaucoma treatment.
- To optimize the formulation for sustained drug release and long-term application.
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the developed formulation in a chronic glaucoma animal model.
Main Methods:
- Solid-in-oil-in-water emulsion solvent extraction-evaporation technique was employed for co-encapsulation of dexamethasone, ursodeoxycholic acid, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF).
- Physicochemical characterization using SEM, TEM, DSC, XRD, and gas chromatography.
- In vivo evaluation in a chronic glaucoma rat model with intravitreal injections and a 24-week follow-up.
Main Results:
- Achieved encapsulation efficiencies above 50% for all three drugs.
- Optimized formulation demonstrated suitable properties for at least 3 months of sustained release.
- The formulation significantly improved retinal ganglion cell (RGC) functionality and preserved neuroretinal thickness in the animal model.
Conclusions:
- Co-encapsulation of multiple neuroprotective agents in PLGA microspheres is feasible and effective for glaucoma treatment.
- The developed formulation offers a promising long-term therapeutic strategy for preserving vision in glaucoma patients.
- This approach has the potential to advance neuroprotective therapies for ocular diseases.
