Ocular Drug Delivery: Advancements and Innovations

Ocular drug delivery has achieved a significant development, including not only traditional pharmaceutical compounds like steroids, NSAIDs, immune modulators, and antibiotics but also the rapidly advancing domain of gene therapy products. Nevertheless, the anterior and posterior segments of the eye each present their own distinct challenges when it comes to drug delivery. Given the complex compartmentalization and the wide spectrum of ophthalmic conditions, it is imperative to customize drug formulations, delivery devices, and administration routes to align with therapeutic strategies.
A pivotal moment in this journey occurred in 2017 when the FDA granted approval for Luxturna™, the first gene therapy product designed for ocular treatment. This milestone was stimulated by advancements in viral vector technology. Notably, extensive research efforts have been channeled into the development of non-viral DNA delivery systems, which can be categorized into two primary groups: organic and inorganic. Inorganic nanoparticles encompass a diverse array, including gold, silver, silica, and magnetic nanoparticles. On the organic front, nanoparticles like liposomes, niosomes, solid lipids, dendrimers, and nanoemulsions have gained significant attention. The unique properties of these vectors, along with illustrative cases, advantages, and disadvantages, are represented in the original article accessible via the provided link.