PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of Ocular delivery system

 

There are a variety of diseases that affect the back of the eye which can lead to blindness in affected individuals. Researchers at University of North Texas and The University of Texas at Austin used PLGA (AP040) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop an ocular delivery system to release a novel compound that reduces ocular disease. This research holds promise to provide for treatments against blindness. Read more: Garrett, Meredith, Stacy Curry, Sherri Feris, Yan Lu, Qi Gu, Abe Clark, Stephen F. Martin, and Michail Kastellorizios. "Delivery of a novel neuroprotective compound to the retina in rat and rabbit animal models." Journal of Controlled Release (2025): 113659. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168365925002792

“Posterior segment-related diseases are among the leading causes of irreversible blindness and loss of vision globally. These diseases are extremely difficult to treat due to the drug delivery barriers posed by the eye, among other challenges. One delivery method that bypasses many of these obstacles, albeit not without risk, is ocular injections, and long-acting formulations such as implants can improve patient compliance by allowing for longer intervals between injections. Here, we report our development of a preclinical in situ-forming implant dosage form that provides sustained release of a novel compound, DKR-1677, with a target in the retina. An in situ-forming implant based on polylactic co glycolic acid (PLGA) was chosen in this preclinical stage because it is readily translatable to a preformed implant product. The formulations were tested in vitro, in rat and rabbit animal models for drug release and pharmacokinetics. A two-step in vitro dissolution method with implant formation in a biorelevant gel followed by incubation in release media showed a 30-day three-phase release profile with an initial burst release of 36.04 ± 4.23 %, a plateau, and a controlled release up to 93.75 ± 4.68 % at day 30, typical of PLGA-based implant formulations. Immediate and controlled-release formulations were tested in rat and rabbit animal models and confirmed that DKR-1677 is taken up by the retina after intravitreal administration. Furthermore, the in situ-forming implant was found to prolong drug presence in the retina to 30 days following a single administration, confirming that a PLGA-based implant is a viable approach for this drug candidate.”

PCL (Cat# AP040): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP040#h

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