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Current treatment of ocular diseases such as glaucoma is predominantly managed using eye drops which have an extremely poor bioavailability (only 1-5% of the drug reaches its target) and are subject to poor patient adherence.
With increased numbers of contact lenses users coming through into the population of newly diagnosed patients with chronic ocular conditions, using contact lenses as a means for delivery drug to the eye is an attractive approach to improve the drug absorption and therapeutic efficiency.
Overview
Researchers at The University of East Anglia have developed a novel method for printing drugs onto contact lenses to allow local and controlled drug release to the eye to significantly improve the management of chronic ocular diseases and patient adherence.
This technology allows the drug printing on existing commercially available disposable contact lenses that potentially would not affect vision. It can provide full control over multiple drug and dose combinations giving the potential for the development of personalised treatment and potentially treating multiple ocular conditions.
Advantages
potential for personalised medicated contact lenses
allows use with existing commercially available contact lenses
little drug waste during drug printing
patterned printing to avoid version disruption
minimal effect on patient appearance.
Applications
Pharmaceutical (ocular disease treatment and prevention).
Opportunity
The University of East Anglia is seeking co-development partners.
Further Details
For more information on this licensing opportunity, please contact the IP Office.