BIODEGRADABLE DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

摘要

A drug delivery system (DDS) comprised of segmented biodegradable implants sized and suitable for implantation in an ocular region or site and methods for treating ocular conditions. The segmented implants provide an extended release of an active agent at a therapeutically effective amount for a period of time between 50 days and one year, or longer, and permit the DDS to have segments that possess individual and different drug release characteristics.

主权项

1. A drug delivery system for treating an ocular condition, the drug delivery system comprising a bioerodible implant, said implant comprising a plurality of segments, wherein:
(a) each segment comprises (i) an active agent and (ii) a bioerodible polymer; (b) at least one of the segments has drug release characteristics different from the other segments; (c) each segment has a (i) a longitudinal axis; and (ii) at least one end having a cut surface that is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of less than 90°, or having at least one end which is of beveled shape; and (d) the segments are joined together in a manner to permit separation of the segments from each other in situ into individual segments following intraocular implantation of the drug delivery system into a patient; wherein the active agent of each segment is independently selected from the group consisting of bimatoprost, brimonidine, cyclosporine, dexamethasone, tazarotene and timolol.