Controlled Release of Bevacizumab Through Nanospheres for Extended Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Fengfu Li, *
, 1 , 2
Bernard Hurley 1 , 2
Yun Liu 3
Brian Leonard 1 , 2
May Griffith 1 , 2 , 4
Authors Info & Affiliations
, 1 , 2
Bernard Hurley 1 , 2
Yun Liu 3
Brian Leonard 1 , 2
May Griffith 1 , 2 , 4
Authors Info & Affiliations
Abstract
Bevacizumab (Avastin®) has been used by ophthalmologists in many countries as an off-label drug for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Due to its short half-life necessitating frequent intravitreal injection, a method for sustained delivery is in need. We demonstrated that bevacizumab could be released in a sustained fashion over 90 days from nano- and microspheres fabricated from poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) and poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(D,L-lactic acid), respectively. The drug release rate could be adjusted by alteration of the drug/polymer ratio. The use of such nano- and microspheres as bevacizumab delivery vehicles may improve the treatment of wet AMD.
Keywords: Bevacizumab, age-related macular degeneration, nanospheres, microspheres, and controlled release.
