Eye patch with microneedles

Means for delivering drugs to treat glaucoma and macular degeneration—eye drops and needle injections–are limited in several respects.  In a new approach from researchers in Singapore, a patch with tiny, drug loaded, dissolvable needles provides the drug (an antibody that prevents angiogenesis in the cornea) over an extended period.  “The eye patch is made in two layers—a base and a span of microneedles. When the patch is applied to the eye, eye fluid seeps into the space between the base and the microneedles, dissolving the material holding them together. At this point, the patch can be removed—the microneedles stay behind, embedded in the cornea. The microneedles are made in two layers, as well. The outer layer dissolves right away, delivering an initial dose of a drug. The inner layer takes several days to dissolve, delivering a secondary dose over time.”   MORE

Image Credit: NTU Singapore