Mucoadhesive and mucopenetrative micelle formulation for anterior segment ocular drug delivery

While eye drops are the most common treatment for anterior segment ocular disorders, they are inefficient due to fast clearance, often requiring frequent and high doses, reducing patient compliance, and increasing the risk of systemic toxicity. To improve the efficiency and efficacy of topically applied therapeutics, a drug-loaded polymeric micelle that interacts with the mucin layer of the eye has been developed. These micelles have been formulated with a mucoadhesive moiety that can interact with the mucin layer of the tear film, increasing the residence time of the drug-loaded micelles on the surface of the eye. This increased residence time will reduce the frequency and concentration of dose administration, which leads to improved patient compliance and treatment outcomes. This formulation has a charged moiety that reduces drug compatibility. A new formulation has been proposed that replaces the charged component with a mucopenetrative component, that, in combination with the mucoadhesive moiety, can penetrate deeper into the mucin layer before adhering, further increasing the residence time. This research will focus on the characterization of these mucin interactions and the assessment of corneal drug penetration, as well as compatibility with ocular tissue assessments.

Faculty Supervisor:

Heather Sheardown

Student:

Partner:

University of Auckland

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Nanotechnology; Pharmaceuticals; Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

McMaster University

Program: