Method for preparing sustained-release therapeutic ophthalmic articles using compressed fluids for impregnation of drugs

摘要

The present invention describes a method for the impregnation of a drug or a drug composition into ophthalmic articles, in order to prepare drug sustained release systems mainly for the treatment of glaucoma and other eye diseases. Ophthalmic articles can be for example contact lenses.;The drug or drug composition is dissolved in a compressed fluid, or mixture of compressed fluids, in a liquid, sub-critical liquid, gaseous or supercritical state. Co-solvents can be added to increase drug solubility in the compressed fluids. The mixture is subsequently contacted with the ophthalmic article. This process can be done in a single step or in a double step manner. The impregnation can be carried out in finished or semifinished ophthalmic articles.