Sustained Drug Delivery Systems: Are We Making Progress?

Ophthalmologists currently have 3 types of intraocular implants available for use: Retisert (fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant for non-infectious uveitis), Ozurdex (dexamethasone intravitreal implant for DME and uveitis) and Iluvien (fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant for DME). Although all 3 are effective, these systems are limited by a narrow range of disease applicability, unwanted side effects, and a short duration of delivery. In this interview from AAO 2017, Dr. Glenn Jaffe discusses novel implants that are currently in development. Among the devices he discusses are an implant housing genetically engineered live cells secreting proteins for treating macular telangiectasia (Neurotech), a refillable posterior micropump for DME (Replenish), a port delivery system for AMD (Genentech) and an injectable fluocinolone acetonide implant for intermediate, posterior and panuveitis (pSivida).  

Relevant Financial Disclosures: Dr. Jaffe is a consultant for Neurotech and pSivida