Drug delivery devices for delivery of ocular therapeutic agents
Drug delivery devices comprising a non-bioabsorbable polymer structure configured to support a composition comprising an active agent. The devices include a plurality of portions fused together and a recess configured to support the composition. At least one of the portions includes an impermeable polymer and at least one other portion includes a rate-limiting water-permeable polymer. The rate-limiting water-permeable polymer allows for transportation of the active agent to an exterior of the device.
1. A device for insert in the eye, the device comprising:
a first portion comprising a rate-limiting water-permeable polymer;
a second portion fused to the first portion, the second portion including a composition comprising latanoprost free acid salt as an active agent; and
a third portion fused to the second portion, the third portion comprising a rate-limiting water-permeable polymer,
wherein the rate-limiting water-permeable polymer allows for transportation of the active agent to an exterior of the device and wherein the rate-limiting water-permeable polymer is configured to release the latanoprost free acid salt at a rate of 0.00025 to 0.0075 μg/h when the drug delivery device is to be placed episclerally or at a rate of 0.0005 to 0.015 μg/h when the drug delivery device is to be placed supraconjunctivally, and
wherein the device is configured to release 70% to 90% of the latanoprost free acid salt over a period of at least 30 days.
2. The device set forth in claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first portion and third portion comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of: ethylene vinyl acetate with a vinyl acetate content of about 10% to about 50% by weight (EVA-10-50) and ethylene vinyl alcohol with a vinyl alcohol content of about 40% to about 80% by weight (EVOH-40-80).
3. A method of treating an ocular condition comprising implanting the device of claim 1 into a conjunctiva of an eye.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the device is implanted episclerally in the eye and the active agent is released at a rate of about 0.00025 to about 0.0075 micrograms/hr.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the active agent comprises latanoprost arginine salt.
6. The method of claim 3 , wherein the device is implanted supraconjunctivally in the eye and the active agent is released at a rate of 0.00025 to 0.0075 micrograms/hr.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the active agent comprises latanoprost arginine salt.
8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the device is substantially cylindrical-shaped.
9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the portion and the third portion are manufactured from the same polymer.
10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first polymer portion and the third portion are manufactured from a non-water soluble polymer.
11. The device of claim 10 , wherein the non-water soluble polymer is ethylene vinyl acetate having a vinyl acetate content of from 9% to 50% by weight.
12. The device of claim 11 , wherein the ethylene vinyl acetate content in the first portion and the third portion are the same.
13. The device of claim 11 , wherein the ethylene vinyl acetate content in the first portion and the third portion are different.
14. The method of claim 3 , wherein the device is inserted into the upper fornix of the eye or the lower fornix of the eye.