Controlled-release biocompatible ocular drug delivery implant devices and methods
First Claim
1. A biocompatible implantable ocular controlled release drug delivery device sized for implantation within an eye for continuously delivering a drug within the eye for a period of at least several weeks comprising a polymeric outer layer that is substantially impermeable to the drug and ocular fluids covering a core comprising a drug that dissolves in ocular fluids, wherein said outer layer has one or more orifices through which ocular fluids may pass to contact the core and dissolve drug and dissolved drug may pass to the exterior of the device, said orifices in total having an area less than one percent of the total surface area of said device, and wherein the rate of release of the drug is determined solely by the composition of the core and the total surface area of the one or more orifices relative to the total surface area of said device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Controlled release devices are disclosed which are biocompatible and can be implanted into the eye. The devices have a core comprising a drug and a polymeric outer layer which is substantially impermeable to the entrance of an environmental fluid and substantially impermeable to the release of the drug during a delivery period, and drug release is effected through an orifice in the outer layer. These devices have an orifice area of less than 10% of the total surface area of the device and can be used to deliver a variety of drugs with varying degrees of solubility and or molecular weight. Methods are also provided for using these drug delivery devices.
916 Citations
19 Claims
- 1. A biocompatible implantable ocular controlled release drug delivery device sized for implantation within an eye for continuously delivering a drug within the eye for a period of at least several weeks comprising a polymeric outer layer that is substantially impermeable to the drug and ocular fluids covering a core comprising a drug that dissolves in ocular fluids, wherein said outer layer has one or more orifices through which ocular fluids may pass to contact the core and dissolve drug and dissolved drug may pass to the exterior of the device, said orifices in total having an area less than one percent of the total surface area of said device, and wherein the rate of release of the drug is determined solely by the composition of the core and the total surface area of the one or more orifices relative to the total surface area of said device.
Specification