Out-licensing

Application of Hyper-Osmotic Agent in Drug Delivery for the Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Introduction/Background

Current treatment for wet-type age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may require multiple injections over six months. This is a painful treatment and can cause multiple risks of endophthalmitis.

Aims/Hypothesis

There is thus a need for the development of novel treatments.

Research

Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have developed an original method that utilizes a laser to open implanted drug delivery packages. This novel technology will provide the option to the patient of one-time implantation of a carrier system of the drug. Each time the patient requires medication, at the discretion of the doctor, a ND-YAG or other laser beam will propagate through the cleared sclera to release the drug in measurable doses from the carrier system directly into the vitreous humor. This will reduce the discomfort that patients with wet AMD feel with regular treatment and provide a non-invasive access to the drug carrier.

Conclusion

UT Austin inventors offer a novel technology that will reduce the risk from multiple injections in the eye. It will also reduce the cost for treating wet AMD. (Currently it costs patients $1,800 per injection and may require multiple injections over six months, based on the progression of the disease.) Additionally, this technology can also be used in skin treatments or for endoscopic techniques.

Relevance/Opportunity

This technology can be used to treat various eye conditions such as wet AMD, as well as skin and endocrine diseases, by utilizing an on-demand drug release strategy. Please enquire quoting reference no. 1726-AL regarding licensing or codevelopment partnerships.

Preclinical

One U.S. patent application filed