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Punctum plugs deliver sustained fluoroquinolone after cataract surgery
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SEATTLE — Moxifloxacin-loaded punctum plugs delivered and maintained moxifloxacin levels in the tear fluid above the minimum inhibitory concentration for common susceptible pathogens for 7 days after cataract surgery, according to a poster here.
“Consistent and therapeutic dosing from the punctum plug may be advantageous over patient-administered topical drops to avoid relapse, reduce contagion and cure the disease,” Michael Bassett and colleagues said in a poster presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology meeting.
The Singapore National Eye Center conducted a prospective, single-arm pharmacokinetic study with 10 patients to test the safety and feasibility of moxifloxacin-loaded punctum plugs.
Ease of insertion, retention and moxifloxacin levels in tear fluid were recorded in all patients at 1 hour and 24 hours and days 3, 7, 10, 20 and 30 postoperatively.
Average moxifloxacin levels in the tear film ranged from 2,465 ng/mL to 3,236 ng/mL, above the minimum inhibitory concentration of 250 ng/mL for common susceptible pathogens for 7 days after cataract surgery.
No ocular complications and no adverse events were reported other than normal post-cataract symptoms, according to the presentation.
Disclosure: Bassett is an employee of Ocular Therapeutix.