Implantable device in preclinical study for prolonged release of anecortave acetate

PITTSBURGH — An implantable transscleral drug delivery device may provide a prolonged supply of anecortave acetate to the posterior segment comparable to posterior juxtascleral deposition of the drug, according to a researcher speaking here.

The device is designed to be placed in the superior temporal quadrant through a limbal tunnel incision and is intended to release a unilateral efflux of the drug, said Abbot F. Clark, PhD, here at a symposium on “Angiogenesis and its inhibition” held by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

“The device and its drug depot are actually adjacent to the sclera, delivering the drug to the macula,” Dr. Clark said.

In safety studies evaluating implantation, retrieval and reimplantation of the device in rabbits and primates, no significant safety issues were identified. The implant showed no apparent effect on toxicity, body weight, IOP or corneal thickness, Dr. Clark said.

“It is very well tolerated in both rabbit and primate eyes,” he said. “It is easily retrievable as well. There is a slight encapsulation of the device, as you would expect from any foreign body. But it can be popped out easily up to 6 to 12 months after it was implanted.”

The implant provided sustained release of effective concentrations of anecortave acetate in both rabbit and primate eyes for up to 2 years postop, he noted. The highest concentrations of the drug were in the sclera, followed by the choroid, retina and vitreous, Dr. Clark said.