Development of Nanopharmaceutical Therapy for Combat-Related Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study is to develop an anti-fibrotic therapy using pirfenidone (PFD)-loaded nanostructures to treat proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), a specific type of intraocular fibrosis, in a rabbit model of penetrating eye injury. Background: Intraocular fibrosis after penetrating eye injury is a leading cause of vision loss among members of the armed forces, who are vulnerable to penetrating eye injuries due to exposure to high velocity projectiles from detonations of IEDs. Current management of PVR and intraocular fibrosis involves the surgical removal of the intraocular fibrotic tissues. However, despite the 90% anatomic surgical success rate, membranes frequently regrow causing retinal detachment and vision loss, which makes PVR difficult to treat. PFD is a promising pharmaceutical agent approved for the treatment of other types of fibrosis, including pulmonary and renal fibrosis. Although PFD has been shown recently as a possible treatment for intraocular fibrosis, there are concerns associated with its dosage and number of injections. Thus, to develop PFD as a clinical therapy for PVR, the delivery of the drug must be engineered to improve its bioavailability and delivery to the posterior segment of the eye. Success of this study will be a significant advancement not only for the treatment of PVR, but also for the treatment of other disorders that are localized to the posterior ocular segment. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that intravitreally injectable PLGA nanoparticles or PU nanocapsules will provide an effective platform for delivery of PFD to the posterior ocular segment for the prevention of intraocular fibrosis in rabbits following penetrating eye injury. Specific Aims: Specific Aim 1: Development, characterization, and optimization of PLGA nanoparticles and PU nanoparticles for sustained delivery of PFD to the posterior segment of the eye.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1222228
Entities
People
- Heuy-ching Wang
Organizations
- Naval Medical Research Unit—San Antonio