A Novel Implantable Device to Treat Wet Macular Degeneration

We plan to optimize a new implantable drug delivery device for wet AMD that is implanted in the suprachoroidal space and continuously releases drugs directly beneath the areas of pathological vessels.

Therapeutics to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are injected into the vitreous, while the actual site of pathology occurs deeper in the eye, at the level of the choroid and retina. The suprachoroidal space is in direct contact with pathologic vessels in wet AMD and direct targeting could increase local drug concentrations and possibly improve efficacy. We propose using a novel device consisting of a refillable drug reservoir and a tiny tube inserted into the suprachoroidal space for extended localized drug delivery, providing a new way to treat AMD.

To our knowledge, no one has attempted to provide an extended drug delivery solution directly to the neovascular membranes in wet AMD. This will be the first device to both spatially target the pathology in wet AMD and provide a long-term continuous drug delivery solution.

Successful completion of the proposed study will develop a new method to manage AMD that is easily modifiable for new therapies and diseases, including glaucoma, optic neuropathy, and uveitis. This work will provide the translational framework for further preclinical work, surgical refinement, and eventual human clinical trials. We believe this could provide a new therapy for wet AMD which is safe and will provide long-term treatment to our patients.