Silicon Nanoneedle Patches for Painless, Sustained Treatment of Macular Degeneration

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Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) represents a major cause of vision loss in various retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Current treatment involves frequent, often monthly, eye injections. The development of minimally invasive, long-term, painless, and effective ocular drug delivery systems is crucial for advancing the treatment of AMD. This study explores a novel method that integrates controllably bioresorbable silicon nanoneedles loaded with bevacizumab (Si NNs-Bev) on a tear-soluble subconjunctival patch for sustained, 1 year ocular drug delivery. The Si NNs-Bev embed into the sclera in a minimally invasive manner, undergoing controlled degradation over one year. This approach facilitates the sustained release of therapeutic agents, enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing treatment burden. Si NNs-Bev for the treatment of CNV are validated in a rabbit model of AMD. The SiNN-Bev patch achieved a sustained therapeutic effect on CNV regression, with a mean reduction of 82% by 4 months that is persistent for at least 1 year with minimal recurrence, which is consistent with the localized drug delivery mechanism facilitated by the transscleral microneedles. These preliminary findings underscore the potential of SiNNs as a platform technology for long-term, sustained ocular therapeutics.
Funding Information
  • International Retinal Research Foundation (YMP: FFSGIA16002)
  • National Eye Institute (CHL: R01EY033000)
  • National Eye Institute (P30 EY007003)
  • National Eye Institute (YMP: 1K08EY027458)
  • National Eye Institute (YMP: 1R01EY033000)
  • National Eye Institute (YMP: 1R01EY034325)
  • Alcon Research Institute
  • Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (P0028319)

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