Therapeutic stratagems for vascular degenerative disorders of the posterior eye

Drug Discov Today. 2012 Jul;17(13-14):748-59. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2012.03.006. Epub 2012 Apr 3.

Abstract

In this review we discuss insights into therapeutic stratagems that can selectively target the choroid, retinal cells and vitreoretinal space for the treatment of vision-threatening vascular degenerative disorders of the posterior eye. Despite the relative success of these novel drugs, new problems related to its delivery remain. Systems carrying drugs to the target site, such as nanoparticles, liposomes, vectosomes, spanlastics, micelles, dendrimers and implants are also discussed. Further, we also consider drug penetration enhancement approaches along with cutting-edge strategies for regaining vision during vision-threatening vascular degenerative disorders of the eye. Finally, challenges, such as ocular or even systemic complications associated with use of prolonged therapies and future prospects, such as combination of approaches with multidisciplinary integration to optimize delivery to the posterior eye are also addressed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blindness / prevention & control
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Diabetic Retinopathy / drug therapy*
  • Diabetic Retinopathy / metabolism
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Drug Discovery*
  • Drugs, Investigational / administration & dosage
  • Drugs, Investigational / pharmacokinetics
  • Drugs, Investigational / pharmacology
  • Drugs, Investigational / therapeutic use*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects
  • Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Macular Degeneration / drug therapy*
  • Macular Degeneration / metabolism
  • Microvessels / drug effects
  • Microvessels / metabolism
  • Retinal Vessels / drug effects
  • Retinal Vessels / metabolism*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Drugs, Investigational
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A