Sustained release intraocular implants and methods for preventing retinal dysfunction

Abstract

Biocompatible intraocular implants include an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist and a polymer associated with the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist to facilitate release of the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist into an eye for an extended period of time. The alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. The implants may be placed in an eye to prevent the occurrence of one or more ocular conditions, or to reduce one or more symptoms of an ocular condition, such as an ocular neurosensory disorder and the like.

1 . A method of treating an ocular condition in an eye of a patient, comprising the step of placing a biodegradable intraocular implant in an ocular region of an eyeball of the patient, the implant comprising an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist and a biodegradable polymer matrix, wherein the implant releases the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist for at least about one week after placement in said ocular region, and wherein the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist is selected from the group consisting of brimonidine freebase and brimonidine tartrate. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the implant releases the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist for between about two months and about six months after placement in said ocular region. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ocular region in which the implant is placed is selected from the group consisting of the anterior chamber, the vitreous cavity, the choroid, the suprachoroidal space, the conjunctiva, the subconjunctival space, the episcleral space, the intracomeal space, the epicorneal space, the sclera, the pars plana, surgically-induced avascular regions, the macula, and the retina. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the implant is placed in an ocular region of the eyeball by intravitreal injection, subconjunctival injection, sub-tenon injection, retrobulbar injection, or suprachoroidal injection. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the biodegradable polymer matrix comprises a combination of poly (D,L-lactide) polymer and poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) copolymer. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ocular condition is selected from the group consisting of macular degeneration, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, and optic neuropathy.