Intravitreal acetazolamide implant for pseudophakic cystoid macular edema.

BACKGROUND: Pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (PCME) is the most common cause of visual acuity deterioration after uncomplicated cataract surgery. There is no consensus regarding how to manage recurrent or refractory cases. REPORT: A 54-year-old woman complained of decreased vision and central metamorphopsia in the right eye (OD) 3 months after uneventful cataract surgery. Visual acuity was 0.3 logMAR (20/40) OD and 0.1 logMAR (20/25) OS. Reduced macular brightness was seen OD on funduscopy associated with increased macular thickness on optical coherence tomography (OCT). Pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (PCME) was diagnosed, and treatment with oral acetazolamide was tried without success. The patient underwent a single intravitreal injection of an acetazolamide implant (260 µg) OD as off-label treatment. Four weeks following the injection, she reported complete resolution of her metamorphopsia and visual loss OD. Four months later, her visual acuity was 0.0 logMAR (20/20) in OD and 0.1 logMAR (20/25) in OS. The patient reported no discomfort after the injection procedure. Laboratory and ophthalmologic tests did not identify any adverse effects of the medication. CONCLUSION: We show that PCME refractory to conventional treatment improved after intravitreal acetazolamide implant injection. Further investigation is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings.

Anti-angiogenic activity and safety of intraocular application of triterpenes.

PURPOSE: Assessment of the anti-angiogenic activity and the safety of ophthalmic use of four pentacyclic triterpenes (friedelin, friedelinol, lupenone, and lupeol). METHODS: Triterpenes cytotoxicity (5-640 µmol L-1) was examined in ARPE-19 cells by sulforhodamine B colorimetric method, and the anti-angiogenic activity (50-1000 µmol L-1) was evaluated in the chorioallantoic membrane model. Full-field electroretinography and histological analysis were performed to evaluate intraocular effects of these four triterpenes (at 100 or 500 µmol L-1) in eyes of Wistar rats, for 15 days. RESULTS: In the cytotoxicity assay, friedelin and friedelinol were not able to drastically reduce cell growth. A dose-dependent response was observed in groups exposed to lupeol or lupenone. During the chorioallantoic membrane assay, friedelinol at 500 µmol L-1 reduced the vascularity in 26%; lupeol and lupenone showed promising anti-angiogenic activity, reducing three parameters: vascularized area (> 30%), number of junctions (> 20%), and vessel length (> 15%). According to the electroretinographic and histologic findings, triterpenes at 100 µmol L-1 or lupenone at 500 µmol L-1 did not induce any transient or permanent disturbance in retinal structure or functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Triterpenes at 100 µmol L-1 or lupenone at 500 µmol L-1 were considered safe for potential ophthalmic use.

Assessment of the safety of intravitreal injection of metoprolol tartrate in rabbits.

PURPOSE: To verify the safety of different doses of intravitreal metoprolol tartrate (MT) after intravitreal injection in rabbit eyes. METHODS: Animals were randomly assigned into 2 groups: group I received 50 µg of MT and group II 100 µg of MT. A volume of 0.05 mL of the drug solution was administered through an intravitreal injection, while the control eyes received an equal volume of saline solution. Safety was assessed by clinical observation, electroretinography (ERG) and histological evaluation. RESULTS: No evidence of clinical toxicity was observed. ERG waveforms from the MT treated eyes were similar to those recorded from the control eyes in dark-adapted state, amplitude and the implicit time are similar between the groups in light-adapted state, and their retinas had no signs of toxicity by histological evaluation 7 days after intravitreal injection. CONCLUSIONS: The intravitreal use of metoprolol at 50 and 100 µg dosages does not cause short-term retinal toxicity in rabbits.

Sirolimus-Loaded Intravitreal Implant for Effective Treatment of Experimental Uveitis.

Non-infectious uveitis, an ocular inflammatory condition that affects the iris, ciliary body, choroid, and adjacent tissues (retina, optic nerve, and vitreous), is an important cause of blindness worldwide. Sirolimus (SRL), a potent immunomodulatory drug, has shown promising results in the treatment of inflammatory ocular diseases. Despite this therapeutic potential, its clinical use is a major challenge due to low bioavailability and poor solubility. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a biodegradable polymer commonly used for ophthalmic drug delivery due to its suitable characteristics such as biocompatibility, good mechanical properties, and improvement of the pharmacokinetic profile of the drug. In the present study, we investigated the effects of SRL-PLGA implant on experimental autoimmune uveitis in rabbits. Clinical and histopathological examinations were performed, followed by assessment of protein levels and determination of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) activity in the aqueous humor/vitreous. As a result, treated eyes had decreased average inflammatory scores, protein significant decreases in treated eyes, assessed after 35 days. Histopathological examination showed less severe intraocular inflammation and decreased tissue damage in treated eyes. According to these results, the SRL-PLGA implant evaluated in this study was apparently safe, reducing inflammation in treated eyes, with an extended effect possibly associated with prolonged release of SRL in the posterior segment of the eye. Therefore, intravitreal SRL-PLGA implant could be a promising alternative for treatment of non-infectious uveitis.

Rosmarinic Acid Intravitreal Implants: A New Therapeutic Approach for Ocular Neovascularization.

Rosmarinic acid, a plant-derived compound with antiangiogenic activity, can be applied for the treatment of ocular diseases related to neovascularization, such as diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and age-related macular degeneration. These diseases represent the leading causes of blindness worldwide if they are not properly treated. Intravitreal devices allow for localized drug delivery to the posterior segment, increasing the drug bioavailability and promoting extended release, thus, reducing side effects and enhancing the patient's compliance to the treatment. In this work, rosmarinic acid-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid intraocular implants were developed with a view for the treatment of ocular neovascularization. Physical-chemical, biocompatibility, and safety studies of the implants were carried out in vitro and in vivo as well as an evaluation of the antiangiogenic activity in a chorioallantoic membrane assay. Data obtained showed that rosmarinic acid released from the implants was quantified in the vitreous for 6 weeks, while when it was in the solution formulation, after 24 h, no drug was found in the vitreous. The delivery device did not show any sign of toxicity after clinical evaluation and in electroretinographic findings. Histological analysis showed normal eye tissue. Rosmarinic acid released from implants reduced 30% of new vessel's formation. The intravitreal implant successfully allowed for the prolonged release of rosmarinic acid, was safe to rabbits eyes, and demonstrated activity in vessel reduction, thus demonstrating potential in preventing neovascularization in ophthalmic diseases.

Corosolic acid: antiangiogenic activity and safety of intravitreal injection in rats eyes.

PURPOSE: Investigate the potential application of corosolic acid (CA) in the treatment of diseases causing retinal neovascularization. METHODS: CA cytotoxicity effect was evaluated in ARPE-19 cells by sulforhodamine B colorimetric method, and antiangiogenic activity was studied using chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. An amount of 0.01 mL of CA formulations at 5, 10 and 25 µM was injected in the right eyes of Wistar rats, and the contralateral eyes received the vehicle to verify the safety of ophthalmic use. Electroretinography (ERG) was performed before, 7 and 15 days after CA administration. Animals were killed on the 15th day, and the histological analysis of retina was carried out under light microscopy. RESULTS: CA did not present cytotoxicity at concentrations below 35.5 µM after 48 h of treatment. The antiangiogenic activity was confirmed by CAM assay, since CA (range from 5 to 25 µM) induced a significant reduction in vascularity without any signs of toxicity. ERG recordings and histological evaluation did not show any signs of retinal toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: CA was effective in reducing vascularity in a CAM model and was found to be safe for potential ophthalmic use.

Toxicity and in vivo release profile of sirolimus from implants into the vitreous of rabbits' eyes.

PURPOSE: To assess the in vivo release profile and the retinal toxicity of a poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) sustained-release sirolimus (SRL) intravitreal implant in normal rabbit eyes. METHODS: PLGA intravitreal implants containing or not SRL were prepared, and the viability of ARPE-19 and hES-RPE human retinal cell lines was examined after 24 and 72 h of exposure to implants. New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into two groups that received intravitreal implants containing or not SRL. At each time point (1-8 weeks), four animals from the SRL group were euthanized, the vitreous was collected, and drug concentration was calculated. Clinical evaluation of the eyes was performed weekly for 8 weeks after administration. Electroretinography (ERG) was recorded in other eight animals, four for each group, at baseline and at 24 h, 1, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after the injection. ERG was carried out using scotopic and photopic protocols. The safety of the implants was assessed using statistical analysis of the ERG parameters (a and b waves, a and b implicit time, B/A ratio, oscillatory potential, and Naka-Rushton analysis) comparing the functional integrity of the retina between the PLGA and SRL-PLGA groups. After the last electrophysiological assessment, the rabbits were euthanized and retinal histopathology was realized. RESULTS: After 24 and 72 h of incubation with PLGA or SRL-PLGA implants, ARPE-19 and hES-RPE cells showed viability over 70%. The maximum concentration of SRL (199.8 ng/mL) released from the device occurred within 4 weeks. No toxic effects of the implants or increase in the intraocular pressure was observed through clinical evaluation of the eye. ERG responses showed no significant difference between the eyes that received PLGA or SRL-PLGA implants at baseline and throughout the 8 weeks of follow-up. No remarkable difference in retinal histopathology was detected in rabbit eyes treated with PLGA or SRL-PLGA implants. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal PLGA or SRL-PLGA implants caused no significant reduction in cell viability and showed no evident toxic effect on the function or structure of the retina of the animals. SRL was released from PLGA implant after application in the vitreous of rabbits during 8 weeks.

Etoposide-Loaded Poly(Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid) Intravitreal Implants: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation.

Etoposide-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) implants were developed for intravitreal application. Implants were prepared by a solvent-casting method and characterized in terms of content uniformity, morphology, drug-polymer interaction, stability, and sterility. In vitro drug release was investigated and the implant degradation was monitored by the percent of mass loss. Implants were inserted into the vitreous cavity of rabbits' eye and the in vivo etoposide release profile was determined. Clinical examination and the Hen Egg Test-Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM) method were performed to evaluate the implant tolerance. The original chemical structure of the etoposide was preserved after incorporation in the polymeric matrix, which the drug was dispersed uniformly. In vitro, implants promoted sustained release of the drug and approximately 57% of the etoposide was released in 50 days. In vivo, devices released approximately 63% of the loaded drug in 42 days. Ophthalmic examination and HET-CAM assay revealed no evidence of toxic effects of implants. These results tend to show that etoposide-loaded implants could be potentially useful as an intraocular etoposide delivery system in the future.

Ocular safety of Intravitreal Clindamycin Hydrochloride Released by PLGA Implants.

BACKGROUND: Drug ocular toxicity is a field that requires attention. Clindamycin has been injected intravitreally to treat ocular toxoplasmosis, the most common cause of eye posterior segment infection worldwide. However, little is known about the toxicity of clindamycin to ocular tissues. We have previously showed non intraocular toxicity in rabbit eyes of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) implants containing clindamycin hydrochloride (CLH) using only clinical macroscotopic observation. In this study, we investigated the in vivo biocompatibility of CLH-PLGA implants at microscotopic, cellular and molecular levels. METHODS: Morphology of ARPE-19 and MIO-M1 human retinal cell lines was examined after 72 h exposure to CLH-PLGA implant. Drug delivery system was also implanted in the vitreous of rat eyes, retinal morphology was evaluated in vivo and ex vivo. Morphology of photoreceptors and inflammation was assessed using immunofluorescence and real-time PCR. RESULTS: After 72 h incubation with CLH-PLGA implant, ARPE-19 and MIO-M1 cells preserved the actin filament network and cell morphology. Rat retinas displayed normal lamination structure at 30 days after CLH-PLGA implantation. There was no apoptotic cell and no loss in neuron cells. Cones and rods maintained their normal structure. Microglia/macrophages remained inactive. CLH-PLGA implantation did not induce gene expression of cytokines (IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6), VEGF, and iNOS at day 30. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated the safety of the implant and highlight this device as a therapeutic alternative for the treatment of ocular toxoplasmosis.

Anti-Toxoplasma activity and impact evaluation of lyophilization, hot molding process, and gamma-irradiation techniques on CLH-PLGA intravitreal implants.

Intraocular delivery systems have been developed to treat many eye diseases, especially those affecting the posterior segment of the eye. However, ocular toxoplasmosis, the leading cause of infectious posterior uveitis in the world, still lacks an effective treatment. Therefore, our group developed an intravitreal polymeric implant to release clindamycin, a potent anti-Toxoplasma antibiotic. In this work, we used different techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to investigate drug/polymer properties while manufacturing the delivery system. We showed that the lyophilization, hot molding process, and sterilization by gamma irradiation did not change drug/polymer physical-chemistry properties. The drug was found to be homogeneously dispersed into the poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) chains and the profile release was characterized by an initial burst followed by prolonged release. The drug profile release was not modified after gamma irradiation and non-covalent interaction was found between the drug and the PLGA. We also observed the preservation of the drug activity by showing the potent anti-Toxoplasma effect of the implant, after 24-72 h in contact with cells infected by the parasite, which highlights this system as an alternative to treat toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis.

In vivo release and retinal toxicity of cyclosporine-loaded intravitreal device.

PURPOSE: To determine the in vivo release profile and retinal safety of cyclosporine A (CsA) delivered from a biodegradable poly-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) device in the vitreous cavity of rabbits' eyes. METHODS: A total of 60 animals (60 eyes) divided into two groups were used. For the in vivo release study, 32 eyes received PLGA implants containing 350 µg of CsA, and 16 eyes received the implants without drug (control). Four animals of CsA group and two of the control group were killed weekly until 8 weeks; the vitreous was removed, and CsA concentration was evaluated. Ophthalmological examination was performed in the animals prior to implant placement and weekly during the study period. Electroretinography (ERG) was performed in other six animals for each group, treated and control, at the beginning and at the end of the study (8 weeks) when they were killed and had their eyes processed for histology. RESULTS: No sign of inflammation was noticed on slit lamp examinations and the IOP maintained stable during the study period in CsA and control groups. CsA concentration in the vitreous (ng/ml) was 257.07 ± 117.23, 271.15 ± 98.96, 296.66 ± 86.25, 256.27 ± 99.22, 304.50 ± 88.18, 326.35 ± 105.24, 491.25 ± 119.90 and 589.93 ± 132.55 after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 weeks of implantation, respectively. At the end of the study, 21.67 % of mass loss was found. The retina did not show any histological alteration in either group, but a significant reduction in dark-adapted b-wave amplitude was observed in the CsA group, with no changes in a-wave amplitude. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that the PLGA system is safe, but the selective reduction in ERG b-wave amplitude indicates that the PLGA with 350 µg CsA causes retinal function impairment, specifically on the rod postreceptor pathway, 8 weeks after implantation. These ERG changes were not associated with any histological damage as seen at the light microscopy level.

Neuroprotective effects of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide and dexamethasone implant in rabbit retinas after pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil injection.

PURPOSE: To investigate potential retinal neuroprotective effects of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide and dexamethasone implant in rabbits after pars plana vitrectomy and intravitreal silicone oil injection. METHODS: The right eyes of 84 rabbits, divided into 3 groups of 28 rabbits each, underwent standard 3-port pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil (SO group), silicone oil and intravitreal dexamethasone implant (SO/DEX group), or silicone oil and triamcinolone acetonide (SO/TA group). The retina from the left eye of each rabbit served as a control. The animals were killed at 4 weeks after surgery. Qualitative and quantitative histopathologic analyses were performed 4 weeks after surgery, and investigation for apoptosis was performed using the Tunel assay. RESULTS: Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide and dexamethasone implant were associated with increased retinal neuronal survival, primarily in the outer nuclear layer, inner nuclear layer, and ganglion cell layer. In the SO group, the cell density in eyes that underwent PPV/SO was 31% lower in the outer nuclear layer, 33% lower in the inner nuclear layer, and 45% lower in the ganglion cell layer compared to control eyes (p < 0.05 for all PPV/SO versus control comparisons). Compared to eyes that underwent PPV/SO, the cell density in eyes treated with triamcinolone was 27% higher in the outer nuclear layer, 66% higher in the inner nuclear layer, and 100% higher in the ganglion cell layer (p < 0.05 for all triamcinolone versus PPV/SO comparisons). Compared to eyes that underwent PPV/SO, the cell density in eyes treated with dexamethasone was 46% higher in the outer nuclear layer, 62% higher in the inner nuclear layer, and 77% higher in the ganglion cell layer (p < 0.05 for all dexamethasone versus PPV/SO comparisons). Analyses using the Tunnel assay demonstrated apoptotic bodies in all eyes in the SO group, compared with none of the eyes in the SO/TA and SO/DEX groups. The presence of cell nuclei stained with 49,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) was demonstrated in all groups. CONCLUSION: In this experimental model of neuroprotection, increased retinal neuronal survival was seen in the steroid-treated groups compared with the controls.

Montmorillonite clay based polyurethane nanocomposite as substrate for retinal pigment epithelial cell growth.

The subretinal transplantation of retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE cells) grown on polymeric supports may have interest in retinal diseases affecting RPE cells. In this study, montmorillonite based polyurethane nanocomposite (PU-NC) was investigated as substrate for human RPE cell growth (ARPE-19 cells). The ARPE-19 cells were seeded on the PU-NC, and cell viability, proliferation and differentiation were investigated. The results indicated that ARPE-19 cells attached, proliferated onto the PU-NC, and expressed occludin. The in vivo ocular biocompatibility of the PU-NC was assessed by using the HET-CAM; and through its implantation under the retina. The direct application of the nanocomposite onto the CAM did not compromise the vascular tissue in the CAM surface, suggesting no ocular irritancy of the PU-NC film. The nanocomposite did not elicit any inflammatory response when implanted into the eye of rats. The PU-NC may have potential application as a substrate for RPE cell transplantation.

Corneal Permeability and Uptake of Twenty-Five Drugs: Species Comparison and Quantitative Structure-Permeability Relationships.

The purpose of this study was to determine corneal permeability and uptake in rabbit, porcine, and bovine corneas for twenty-five drugs using an N-in-1 (cassette) approach and relate these parameters to drug physicochemical properties and tissue thickness through quantitative structure permeability relationships (QSPRs). A twenty-five-drug cassette containing ß-blockers, NSAIDs, and corticosteroids in solution at a micro-dose was exposed to the epithelial side of rabbit, porcine, or bovine corneas mounted in a diffusion chamber, and the corneal drug permeability and tissue uptake were monitored using an LC-MS/MS method. Data obtained were used to construct and evaluate over 46,000 quantitative structure-permeability (QSPR) models using multiple linear regression, and the best-fit models were cross-validated by Y-randomization. Drug permeability was generally higher in rabbit cornea and comparable between bovine and porcine corneas. Permeability differences between species could be explained in part by differences in corneal thickness. Corneal uptake between species correlated with a slope close to 1, indicating generally similar drug uptake per unit weight of tissue. A high correlation was observed between bovine, porcine, and rabbit corneas for permeability and between bovine and porcine corneas for uptake (R2 ≥ 0.94). MLR models indicated that drug characteristics such as lipophilicity (LogD), heteroatom ratio (HR), nitrogen ratio (NR), hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA), rotatable bonds (RB), index of refraction (IR), and tissue thickness (TT) are of great influence on drug permeability and uptake. When data for all species along with thickness as a parameter was used in MLR, the best fit equation for permeability was Log (% transport/cm2·s) = 0.441 LogD - 8.29 IR + 8.357 NR - 0.279 HBA - 3.833 TT + 10.432 (R2 = 0.826), and the best-fit equation for uptake was Log (%/g) = 0.387 LogD + 4.442 HR + 0.105 RB - 0.303 HBA - 2.235 TT + 1.422 (R2 = 0.750). Thus, it is feasible to explain corneal drug delivery in three species using a single equation.

Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Mometasone Furoate in Treating Ocular Inflammation.

Mometasone furoate (MF) is a medium-potency synthetic glucocorticosteroid with anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. However, its role in the treatment of ocular inflammation has not yet been explored. This work investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of MF in ocular tissues. First, the in vivo safety of the intravitreal (IVT) injection of MF (80, 160, and 240 µg) was evaluated via clinical examination (including the assessment of intraocular pressure), electroretinography (ERG), and histopathology. Second, MF was tested in an experimental model of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-induced uveitis in Wistar rats. Intraocular inflammation was then evaluated via a slit-lamp and fundus examination, ERG, histopathology, and the quantification of pro-inflammatory markers. Intravitreal MF showed no toxicity in all the investigated doses, with 160 µg leading to attenuated disease progression and improvement in clinical, morphological, and functional parameters. There was a significant reduction in the levels of inflammatory markers (myeloperoxidase, interleukins 6 and 1ß, CXCL-1, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) when compared to the levels in untreated animals. Therefore, MF should be further investigated as a promising drug for the treatment of ocular inflammation.

Thermoresponsive in-situ gel containing hyaluronic acid and indomethacin for the treatment of corneal chemical burn.

Ocular chemical burns are prevalent injuries that must have immediate and effective treatment to avoid complications. Aiming to improve bioavailability and efficacy, a poloxamer-based thermoresponsive in-situ gelling system containing hyaluronic acid and indomethacin was developed. Formulations with different polymeric proportions were screened through rheological measurements resulting in an optimized system (F2) with gelling temperature of 34.2 ± 0.11 °C. Its maximum viscosity varied from 77.33 mPa (25 °C) to 82.95 mPa (34 °C) following a non-Newtonian profile and a pH of 6.86 ± 0.01. No incompatibilities were found after infrared analysis. Polarized light microscopy and cryo-transmission electron microscopy have demonstrated micelles of nano-sized dimensions (21.86 nm) with indomethacin entrapped in the core, forming a polymeric network under heating. In vitro tests revealed a cumulative release of 59.75 ± 3.17 % up to 24 h under a sustained release profile. Results from HET-CAM assay indicated that F2 was well tolerated. Corneal wound healing was significantly faster in animals treated with F2 compared to a commercial formulation and an untreated group. These findings suggests that F2 could be an efficient system to delivery drugs into the ocular surface improving wound healing.

Clinical outcomes of intravitreal treatment for ocular toxoplasmosis: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Ocular toxoplasmosis is the leading cause of infectious posterior uveitis worldwide, accounting for 30-50% of all cases in immunocompetent patients. Conventional treatment is associated with adverse effects and does not prevent recurrence. Intravitreal drug administration can improve disease outcomes and reduce side effects. Herein, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of intravitreal injections for treating ocular toxoplasmosis. METHODS: The systematic search was conducted using PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar with the descriptors "ocular toxoplasmosis" AND "intravitreal". We analyzed studies that met the inclusion criteria, i.e., experimental cases in patients treated intravitreally for ocular toxoplasmosis. Considering the systematic review, we focused on the number of intravitreal injections, the therapeutic drug class, and the presence of preexisting conditions. To assess the efficacy of intravitreal injections, a meta-analysis was performed using visual acuity, side effects, disease recurrence, and inflammatory responses as variables. RESULTS: Intravitreal injection-induced side effects were rarely observed (0.49% [0.00, 1.51%] ). The use of antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory drugs afforded improved visual acuity (99.81% [98.60, 100.00%]) and marked effectiveness in treating ocular toxoplasmosis. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal injections may facilitate the successful treatment of ocular toxoplasmosis. However, clinicians should carefully evaluate the presence of preexisting conditions for ocular toxoplasmosis or previous diseases, as these can impact the decision to administer intravitreal injections.

Nanofiber-coated implants: Development and safety after intravitreal application in rabbits.

Intravitreal injections are the preferred choice for drug administration to the posterior segment of the eye. However, the required frequent injections may cause complications to the patient and low adherence to the treatment. Intravitreal implants are able to maintain therapeutic levels for a long period. Biodegradable nanofibers can modulate drug release and allow the incorporation of fragile bioactive drugs. Age-related macular degeneration is one of the world major causes of blindness and irreversible vision loss. It involves the interaction between VEGF and inflammatory cells. In this work we developed nanofiber-coated intravitreal implants containing dexamethasone and bevacizumab for simultaneously delivery of these drugs. The implant was successfully prepared and the efficiency of the coating process was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Around 68% of dexamethasone was released in 35 days and 88% of bevacizumab in 48hs. The formulation presented activity in the reduction of vessels and was safe to the retina. It was not observed any clinical or histopathological change, neither alteration in retina function or thickness by electroretinogram and optical coherence tomography during 28 days. The nanofiber-coated implants of dexamethasone and bevacizumab may be considered as a new delivery system that can be effective for the treatment of AMD.

The Use of Polymer Blends in the Treatment of Ocular Diseases.

The eye is an organ with limited drug access due to its anatomical and physiological barriers, and the usual forms of ocular administration are limited in terms of drug penetration, residence time, and bioavailability, as well as low patient compliance. Hence, therapeutic innovations in new drug delivery systems (DDS) have been widely explored since they show numerous advantages over conventional methods, besides delivering the content to the eye without interfering with its normal functioning. Polymers are usually used in DDS and many of them are applicable to ophthalmic use, especially biodegradable ones. Even so, it can be a hard task to find a singular polymer with all the desirable properties to deliver the best performance, and combining two or more polymers in a blend has proven to be more convenient, efficient, and cost-effective. This review was carried out to assess the use of polymer blends as DDS. The search conducted in the databases of Pubmed and Scopus for specific terms revealed that although the physical combination of polymers is largely applied, the term polymer blend still has low compliance.