A novel approach of drug delivery via intrascleral implantation of latanoprost imbedded disk

This study evaluates the drug delivery and biocompatibility of latanoprost imbedded disk in rabbit eye by assessing pharmacokinetics (PK), clinical signs, and histopathologic findings. During 84 days of experimental period, 48 New Zealand Rabbit (NZW) eyes were divided into control group which received no treatment and test material group which latanoprost were implanted intrasclerally. Pharmacokinetic assessment was performed to evaluate the drug delivery for 3 months. For biocompatibility, clinical signs were observed and histopathological analysis was done at 3 months post-operatively. The concentration of latanoprost in the iris tissue was maintained during the experimental period and the highest level of latanoprost was found at 4 weeks. However, the latanoprost was not found in the aqueous humor. Macroscopically, there was no evidence of clinical signs except for temporary hyperemia, neovascularization and edema immediately after surgery. On histopathological examination, there were no abnormal findings such as hyperemia, neovascularization, and edema in the eye tissues. The latanoprost imbedded disks has effectively released the drug into the adjacent tissue with high compatibility. Therefore, this study suggests that the drug delivery system with intrascleral latanoprost imbedded implants might be a novel approach as a treatment option for glaucoma.