PUNCTUM: DRUG DELIVERY SITE FOR THERAPEUTIC PEPTIDES AND PROTEINS

摘要

Disclosed is an. alternate route for drug delivery, which involves the punctum. The lacrimal punctum is an opening in the corner of the eye through which tears drain into the nasolacrimal duct, a highly vascularized collection system. Delivering therapeutic peptides or proteins into the punctum allows the drug to "be naturally absorbed into the lacrimal vascularization for systemic distribution into the bloodstream. Since the punctum is a natural opening, this would constitute a painless route for drag administration. In one embodiment, SOD is introduced into the punctum and absorbed intact into the blood stream without antigenic or unwanted allergic reaction. The drug absorption site could start in the punctum and continue on to the canaliculi, lacrimal sac, ami nasolacrimal drainage system, to the nasal meatus. Also, diffusion to the highly vascularized choroids may occur due to proximity oi'the punctum to ihti lacrimal lake.