Intraocular Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract

Biodegradable implants sized and suitable for implantation in an ocular region or site and methods for treating ocular conditions. The implants provide an extended release of an active agent at a therapeutically effective amount for a period of time between 10 days and one year or longer.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method for treating an ocular condition, the method comprising the steps of:
 (a) preparing a biocompatible drug delivery system comprising a plurality of microspheres, and an aqueous vehicle for the microspheres,   wherein the microspheres consist essentially of a therapeutic agent which is a brimonidine, and one or more biodegradable polymers, all of which biodegradable polymers are polylactic acid (PLA) polymers, and;   (b) injecting the drug delivery system into an intraocular location through a 20 to 26 gauge syringe needle, thereby treating an ocular condition, wherein the method does not result in significant ocular surface hyperemia.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the intraocular location is a sub-Tenon, subconjunctival or retrobulbar intraocular location.