Drug delivery devices, kits, and methods therefor

Abstract

Implantable drug delivery devices, and kits and methods incorporating them are described. The devices may, for example, be configured for implantation into an ocular region of a subject. The drug delivery devices may comprise multiple, selectively-triggerable drug reservoirs for administration of sequential or concomitant drug regimens. Some variations of devices may comprise one or more reservoirs that may be triggered by an optical stimulus, e.g., light having a wavelength within a certain wavelength range. The devices, methods, and kits may be useful in the treatment chronic ocular conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A drug delivery device for implantation into an ocular region of a subject, the device comprising:
 a first reservoir configured to be loaded with a first agent; and   a first target region configured to receive a first stimulus to trigger release of the first agent;   a second reservoir, connected to the first reservoir, configured to be loaded with a second agent,   wherein at least the first reservoir is configured to be reloadable or wherein the device is configured to receive a replacement reservoir comprising the first agent.   
     
     
         2 . The drug delivery device of  claim 1 , wherein the first reservoir comprises a filling port. 
     
     
         3 . The drug delivery device of  claim 2 , wherein the filling port comprises a self-sealing injection region. 
     
     
         4 . The drug delivery device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second reservoirs are separated by a self-sealing membrane. 
     
     
         5 . The drug delivery device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second reservoirs are separated by a one-way valve. 
     
     
         6 . The drug delivery device of  claim 1 , wherein the first stimulus is a first optical stimulus and the first target region is configured to selectively absorb light from the first optical stimulus. 
     
     
         7 . The drug delivery device of  claim 6 , wherein the first optical stimulus triggers formation of a first orifice in the first reservoir. 
     
     
         8 . The drug delivery device of  claim 1 , wherein the second reservoir is configured to release the second agent loaded therein in response to a second stimulus. 
     
     
         9 . The drug delivery device of  claim 8 , wherein the second stimulus is a second optical stimulus and a second target region of the second reservoir is configured to selectively absorb light from the second optical stimulus to trigger release of the second agent. 
     
     
         10 . The drug delivery device of  claim 1 , wherein a channel interconnects the first and second reservoirs. 
     
     
         11 . The drug delivery device of  claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a housing for holding the drug delivery device and one or more fixation elements for attaching the housing to body tissue. 
     
     
         12 . The drug delivery device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second reservoirs is configured to be loaded with its respective agent while the device is implanted in the subject. 
     
     
         13 . The drug delivery device of  claim 1 , configured to be implanted in a vitreous cavity, a retina, a sclera, a cornea, or a conjunctiva of the subject. 
     
     
         14 . The drug delivery device of  claim 1 , wherein the first agent and the second agent are different doses of the same drug. 
     
     
         15 . The drug delivery device of  claim 1 , wherein the first agent and the second agent are doses of two different drugs.