CONTROLLED-RELEASE BIOCOMPATIBLE OCULAR DRUG DELIVERY IMPLANT DEVICES AND METHODS

摘要

Controlled release devices are disclosed which are biocompatible and can be implanted into the eye. The devices have a core comprising a drug and a polymeric outer layer which is substantially impermeable to the entrance of an environmental fluid and substantially impermeable to the release of the drug during a delivery period, and drug release is affected through an orifice in the outer layer. These devices have an orifice area of less than 10 % of the total surface area of the device and can be used to deliver a variety of drugs with varying degrees of solubility and or molecular weight. Methods are also provided for using these drugs delivery devices.