Ocular Therapeutix is developing sustained release anti-infectives for treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. The product is inserted within the punctum and resides within the canaliculus, delivering drug to the ocular surface for a 10-day duration with a single administration. The consistent therapeutic levels of anti-infectives may enable more effective treatment for the patient.
A preclinical study (see figure below) demonstrated 10-day release of anti-infectives in canine eyes, well above the amount necessary to achieve therapeutic levels to treat the disease. The anti-infective punctum plugs are designed with dual performance of a drug ‘burst’ in the immediate period after insertion, followed by a sustained drug release over a 10-day period. After therapy is complete, the plug resorbs and exits the nasolacrimal system, so there is no need for removal.
About bacterial conjunctivitis…
*Data on file, Ocular Therapeutix, Inc.
About Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Punctum Plug Depot
Conjunctivitis (also called “pink eye”) is a microbial infection of the eye which results in redness, inflammation, and discharge from the eyelids (conjunctiva). It is a common condition which is discomforting and highly contagious, with direct cost of treatment estimated at $765 million in 2005 in the United States.1
Patients who have contracted bacterial conjunctivitis are often prescribed topical anti-infectives for faster recovery and reduced chances of relapse and contagion. Eye drops which deliver high drug concentrations (Cmax) coupled with low persistence times have the potential for intermittent periods of low or no drug levels. If a patient or caregiver does not administer eye drops according to the dosing schedule, the therapeutic level of drugs may fall below the amount necessary, or minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), to cure the disease, avoid relapse, and reduce contagion.