Thermogelling PLGA-PEG-PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of ocular treatment against secondary cataract formation

Cataracts are a common ocular problem and can lead to blindness. Unfortunately, even after cataract removal, there is a common incidence of secondary cataracts which can also obstruct vision. Recently, researchers at Rowan University used PLGA-PEG-PLGA (AK097) from PolySciTech (www.polyscitech.com) to develop an ocular Thermogel system for treatment of secondary cataracts. This research holds promise to improve therapies against development of blindness even after cataract removal. Read more: Osorno, Laura L., Jamie DR Medina, Daniel E. Maldonado, Robert J. Mosley, and Mark E. Byrne. "Extended Release of Doxorubicin-Loaded 3DNA Nanocarriers from In-Situ Forming, Self-Assembled Hydrogels." Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics (2020). https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jop.2019.0145

“Purpose: Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, resulting in over 30 million surgeries each year. These cases are expected to double within the next 10 years. About 25% of all patients develop secondary cataracts or posterior capsule opacification (PCO) postsurgery. PCO is a vision impairment disorder that develops from myofibroblasts migration and contraction that deforms the capsule surrounding the lens. Currently, Nd:YAG laser therapy is used to treat PCO; however, laser is not available worldwide and adverse side effects may arise. Thus, there is a considerable unmet need for more efficacious and convenient preventive treatments for PCO. Our work focuses on engineering an innovative, prophylactic sustained release platform for DNA-based nanocarriers to further reduce the incidence of PCO. Methods: Novel, optically clear, self-assembled poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-PEG) triblock copolymer hydrogels were used for the sustained release of the DNA-based nanocarriers (3DNA®) loaded with cytotoxic doxorubicin (DOX) and targeted with a monoclonal antibody called G8 (3DNA:DOX:G8), which is specific to cells responsible for PCO. Results: The 29 (w/v)% polymer hydrogels with the 3DNA nanocarriers presented over 80% of light transmittance, soft mechanical properties (