Abstract
Ophthalmology is one of the fields that has reaped the benefits of the introduction of commercial therapeutic protein products. The treatment of disorders of the back of the eye, which are collectively referred to as 'posterior segment diseases of the eye,' is made possible by this group of proteins. These disorders include age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), and geographic atrophy, all of which can cause vision impairment and often, blindness. Controlled delivery systems can minimise the frequency of injections by extending the residence period of active medications at the site of administration. Possible approach is the use of sustained-release implants to give anti-VEGF agents to the patient.From investigations carried out in this thesis, PEGDA-based photo-crosslinked intravitreal implants have shown long-term delivery of protein over several months while retaining high protein activity. The implants are also tailorable, achieve high protein loading, biodegradable, biocompatible, and can be produced aseptically. This research project proves that the implants have significant potential for long-term delivery of biologics/anti-VEGF therapeutics in the treatment of posterior segment diseases.
Thesis embargoed until 31 July 2027.
| Date of Award | Jul 2022 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Sponsors | British Council Newton Fund and Science Programme |
| Supervisor | Thakur Raghu Raj Singh (Supervisor) & Ryan Donnelly (Supervisor) |
Keywords
- Ocular
- implant
- sustained release
- long acting protein