CONTROLLED-RELEASE BIOCOMPATIBLE OCULAR DRUG DELIVERY IMPLANT DEVICES AND METHODS

摘要

Controlled release devices are disclosed which are biocompatible and can beimplanted into the eye. The deviceshave a core comprising a drug and a polymeric outer layer which issubstantially impermeable to the entrance of an environmentalfluid and substantially impermeable to the release of the drug during adelivery period, and drug release is affected through an orificein the outer layer. These devices have an orifice area of less than 10% of thetotal surface area of the device and can be used todeliver a variety of drugs with varying degrees of solubility and or molecularweight. Methods are also provided for using these drugdelivery devices.