One injection replaces continuous eye drops: researchers have developed a new method for treating glaucoma.

Treatment for glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, often requires patients to adhere to a strict daily regimen of eye drops. This routine can be particularly challenging for elderly individuals, leading to inconsistencies in treatment and disease progression. Researchers from the University of Toronto have developed a new approach that could transform glaucoma treatment: a single injection administered under the eyelid maintains therapeutic levels of the medication for seven weeks, as reported by Knowridge.

A team of scientists led by Professor Molly Shoichet focused on enhancing the delivery and duration of action of timolol—a medication commonly prescribed for glaucoma. By utilizing colloidal drug aggregates (CDAs), which are tiny particles that self-assemble into nanoscale structures, they modified timolol into a prodrug with slow release.

This formulation was then combined with a hydrogel and injected into the subconjunctival space beneath the eyelid. This method significantly extended the drug's effectiveness from the usual six hours, when administered as eye drops, to several weeks. The researchers' findings were published in the journal Advanced Materials.

Glaucoma is characterized by elevated intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve, potentially leading to vision loss. Traditional treatment methods, such as eye drops, require precise and regular application—a task that may be daunting for many patients. Alternative treatments include laser procedures or surgeries, which carry risks and often necessitate injections directly into the eye.

The new injection-based method offers a less invasive and more sustainable long-term solution, potentially improving patient adherence to treatment regimens and their outcomes, according to the authors. In collaboration with Dr. Jeremy Sivak, a glaucoma specialist from the Krembil Research Institute, the scientists tested this innovative approach on preclinical models. The results were positive, demonstrating a 200-fold increase in effectiveness compared to traditional methods.

The hydrogel played a crucial role in retaining the medication in place and ensuring its gradual release over time. Without the hydrogel, the drug dispersed quickly, diminishing its therapeutic effect. Encouraged by the results, the specialists are now refining the formula in preparation for clinical trials on humans. Their goal is to develop a medication that could be administered in a doctor's office once a month or two, replacing the need for daily eye drops.

This breakthrough could significantly enhance the quality of life for millions of glaucoma patients worldwide. As Professor Shoichet noted, the hydrogel was originally developed for vitreoretinal surgery, but its ability to deliver small-molecule drugs has opened new possibilities for treating various eye diseases. The team is actively seeking funding and partnerships to advance this revolutionary treatment method from the lab to clinical practice.

This development aligns with current efforts to improve drug delivery systems in ophthalmology. For instance, a study published in the archive arXiv examined the impact of eye geometry and injection site on the drug's residence time in the body, highlighting the importance of precise delivery methods to enhance the efficacy of treatments.

The new injection therapy from the University of Toronto represents a significant advancement in glaucoma treatment, offering a potential alternative to the cumbersome routine of daily eye drops and aiming to increase patient adherence to long-term treatment and improve outcomes.

Important! This article is based on the latest scientific and medical research and does not contradict them. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. For diagnosis, please consult a physician.