Device and method for intraocular drug delivery

Abstract

Injection devices for delivering pharmaceutical formulations into the eye are described. The devices may be integrated to include features that allow safe and atraumatic manipulation of the devices with one hand. For example, accurate placement, including proper angulation, of the device on the eye and injection of a pharmaceutical formulation into the eye can be performed using one hand. The devices may also include improved safety features. For example, the devices may include an actuation mechanism that controls the rate and depth of injection into the eye. Some devices include a dynamic resistance component capable of adjusting the amount of pressure applied to the eye surface. Related methods and systems comprising the devices are also described.

1 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . A device for intraocular drug delivery, comprising:
 a housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end;   a reservoir within the housing comprising a volume of a therapeutic agent;   a plunger configured to slide within the housing and deliver the volume of therapeutic agent via an exit port proximate the distal end of the housing;   a slot extending axially and only partially along a sidewall of the housing in a distal portion of the sidewall of the housing; and   a first actuator that extends through the slot in the sidewall of the housing, the first actuator fixedly attached to a portion of the plunger and configured to slide axially distally along the slot, the first actuator configured to be actuated with a fingertip and move the plunger axially; and   a second actuator attached to the proximal end of the plunger and configured to move the plunger axially, the second actuator defining a proximal end of the injector.   
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 24 , wherein the therapeutic agent comprises a VEGF antagonist. 
     
     
         26 . A injector configured for single-handed operation, comprising:
 a housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end;   a reservoir within the housing comprising a volume of a therapeutic agent;   a plunger configured to slide within the housing and deliver the volume of therapeutic agent via an exit port;   a slot extending axially and only partially along a distal portion of a sidewall of the housing; and   a first actuator that extends through the slot in the sidewall of the housing, the first actuator fixedly attached to a portion of the plunger and configured to slide axially distally along the slot, the first actuator configured to be actuated with a fingertip,   wherein the distal end of the exit port is configured to be removably attached to a needle assembly.   
     
     
         27 . The injector of  claim 26 , wherein the therapeutic agent comprises a VEGF antagonist. 
     
     
         28 . The injector of  claim 26 , additionally comprising a second actuator attached to the proximal end of the plunger, the second actuator proximate a proximal end of the injector. 
     
     
         29 . A pre-filled injector, comprising:
 a housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end;   a reservoir within the housing comprising a volume of a therapeutic agent;   a plunger configured to axially slide within the housing and deliver the volume of therapeutic agent via an exit port;   a slot extending axially and only partially along a distal portion of a sidewall of the housing; and   a first actuator that extends through the slot in the sidewall of the housing, the first actuator fixedly attached to a portion of the plunger and configured to slide axially distally along the slot, the first actuator configured to be actuated with a fingertip and move the plunger axially; and   a second actuator attached to the proximal end of the plunger and configured to move the plunger axially upon exertion of a force on the actuator in a proximal direction, the second actuator proximate a proximal end of the housing.   
     
     
         30 . The injector of  claim 29 , wherein the plunger further comprises a seal on a distal end of the plunger and the slot has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the seal is distal to the slot throughout an axial working range of the plunger. 
     
     
         31 . The injector of  claim 29 , wherein the plunger further comprises a seal on a distal end of the plunger and the slot has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the seal is distal to the distal end of the slot.