Implants and methods for treating inflammation-mediated conditions of the eye
Methods for treating inflammation-mediated conditions of the eye are described, comprising: implanting into the vitreous of the eye of an individual a bioerodible implant comprising a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent and a bioerodible polymer, wherein the implant delivers the agent to the vitreous in an amount sufficient to reach a concentration equivalent to at least about 0.05 μg/ml dexamethasone within about 48 hours and maintains a concentration equivalent to at least about 0.03 μg/ml dexamethasone for at least about three weeks.
1. A method for treating an inflammation-mediated condition of the eye comprising: implanting into the vitreous of the eye a bioerodible implant consisting of a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent and a bioerodible polymer, wherein the implant is produced by an extrusion method, wherein the total weight of the implant is about 500-1000 μg, and wherein the inflammation-mediated condition of the eye is macular edema, acute macular degeneration, retinal detachment, or proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the bioerodible polymer is a polylactic acid polyglycolic acid (PLGA) copolymer.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the PLGA copolymer is a 50/50 PLGA copolymer.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the steroidal anti-inflammatory agent comprises about 10% to 90% by weight of the implant.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the steroidal anti-inflammatory agent comprises about 50% to about 80% by weight of the implant.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the steroidal anti-inflammatory agent is dexamethasone.