The unique anatomy of the eye and its efficient barrier mechanisms challenge the development of ophthalmic dosage forms. Conventionally, most ophthalmic drugs are delivered topically in the form of eye drops. However, the short pre-corneal residence time requires frequent instillation which results in fluctuations in therapeutic concentration, and low patient compliance coupled with high health care cost. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of vision loss after cataract in the world. Approximately 10% of people with glaucoma who receive proper treatment still experience loss of vision. This makes the long-term effectiveness and efficacy of current therapies questionable. Biodegradable polymeric implants offer potential for exact drug delivery at the intraocular target site. The FDA‑approved PLGA has been investigated for implantable ocular dosage forms. From a manufacturing stand point, the copolymer provides several merits. However, the risk of distortion on hydration causing endothelial contact, the biological fate of the polymeric system and the physico-chemical properties of the active compound are all issues that need to be integrated into the design. The effect of the copolymer composition and molecular weight has been addressed. However the effect of endcapping of PLGA polymers on hydrophilicity and drug-polymer interaction in attempts to tune drug delivery is scarce in the literature. The current study investigates the utilization of end capping in achieving desired drug release kinetics and implant mechanical profiles upon intraocular exposure.
| Date of Award | 13 Apr 2018 |
|---|
| Original language | English |
|---|
| Awarding Institution | - University Of Strathclyde
|
|---|
| Sponsors | University of Strathclyde & Allergan |
|---|
| Supervisor | Clive Wilson (Supervisor) & Peter Cormack (Supervisor) |
|---|