Ophthalmic drug delivery device

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a drug delivery device for a human eye. The human eye has a sclera, an inferior oblique muscle, and a macula. The device of the present invention includes a pharmaceutically active agent, and a geometry that facilitates the implantation of the device on an outer surface of the sclera, beneath the inferior oblique muscle, and with the pharmaceutically active agent disposed above the macula. Methods of delivery a pharmaceutically active agent to the posterior segment of the human eye are also disclosed.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An ophthalmic drug delivery device, comprising: 
 a body having a scleral surface for placement proximate a sclera and a well having an opening to said scleral surface; and    an inner core disposed in said well comprising a pharmaceutically active agent, wherein said pharmaceutically active agent comprises nepafenac.    
     
     
         2 . An ophthalmic drug delivery device, comprising: 
 a body having a scleral surface for placement proximate a sclera and a well having an opening to said scleral surface; and    an inner core disposed in said well comprising a pharmaceutically active agent, wherein said pharmaceutically active agent comprises a cyclooxygenase inhibitor.    
     
     
         3 . The ophthalmic drug delivery device of  claim 2  wherein said pharmaceutically active agent is a Cox I inhibitor.  
     
     
         4 . The ophthalmic drug delivery device of  claim 2  wherein said pharmaceutically active agent is a Cox II inhibitor.