Biomechanics of suprachoroidal drug delivery: From benchtop to clinical investigation in ocular therapies

Abstract

Introduction: As research in suprachoroidal drug delivery advances, and therapeutic candidates, ranging from small molecule suspensions to gene therapy, progress through clinical trials, an understanding of suprachoroidal space (SCS) biomechanics assumes increasing importance.Areas covered:Numerous anatomic features play an important role in therapeutic access to the SCS. Methods of access include a catheter, a standard hypodermic needle, and a microinjector with microneedle. Physical and fluidic properties of injectates into the SCS, such as volume, viscosity, particle size, osmotic pressure, and ionic charge of formulation can impact the spread and extent of opening of the SCS. Pharmacokinetic data of several small molecule suspensions yielded favorable ocular distribution and pharmacokinetic profiles. Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials have been completed with a suprachoroidally injected corticosteroid; results and information on procedural details with the microinjector are discussed.

Expert opinion: Suprachoroidal drug delivery has been demonstrated to be a reliable and consistent drug delivery method for targeted treatment of retinal and choroidal disorders to potentially maximize efficacy, while compartmentalizing therapies away from the unaffected tissues to potentially enhance safety. These delivery attributes, along with fluid transport properties and formula customization for pharmacological agents, may allow for more tailored treatment of diseases affecting chorio-retinal tissues.

Keywords: Age-related macular degeneration; diabetic macula edema; gene Therapy; microneedle; ocular Drug delivery; ocular melanoma; retinal vein occlusion; scs; suprachoroidal; uveitis.