L2M – A Visible Light-Degradable Ocular Implant for Sustained Delivery of Bioactive Proteins in Treating AMD

This project introduces a novel, commercially promising ocular implant for the treatment of degenerative retinal diseases, initially targeting age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as a leading cause of vision loss. Current treatments for AMD require frequent intravitreal injections due to the rapid clearance of therapeutics from the eye. This frequent need for injections can cause significant discomfort and anxiety for patients, leading to poor adherence to treatment schedules and reduced overall effectiveness. This project proposes a minimally invasive hydrogel implant that delivers protein therapeutics over an extended period from a single injection. The implant remains stable under everyday conditions and safely degrades upon exposure to blue light laser by a clinician. The light can be irradiated through the sclera and it is precisely tuned at an intensity that is well below ocular safety limits but above levels found in indoor lighting or sunlight. This allows for full or partial degradation of the implant based on clinical need, enabling personalized dosing. Furthermore, current commercial implants are designed to deliver corticosteroids, which are chemically stable but only address inflammation – not the underlying molecular mechanisms of AMD. As a result, they may relieve symptoms but are not effective as a standalone treatment. Delivering protein therapeutics remains a challenge due to the difficulty in preserving their bioactivity, as degradation or unwanted interactions can trigger immune responses. Our implant overcomes this limitation by using a biocompatible strategy to form the implant matrix, protecting protein structure and maintaining therapeutic function throughout use.

Overall, the partner organization stands to benefit from a next-generation ocular drug delivery platform that reduces injection frequency, improves patient compliance, and offers substantial clinical and commercial potential.

Faculty Supervisor:

Brian Amsden

Student:

Partner:

DMZ Ventures Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Queen's University

Program: