Blog vol 4.40. Drug-releasing Contact Lenses
Back in 2022, Health Canada approved the use of a revolutionary method of drug delivery to the eye. Johnson & Johnson had developed a contact lens called Theravision which allowed a patient to wear a daily lens that released a reliable antihistamine, ketotefin, slowly over the course of the day. Some of our patients are on them and they do work. Two advantages: no preservatives involved (the usual antihistamine drops have preservatives in them) and the patient gets full-day coverage. Unfortunately, J & J has decided to stop distributing these lenses in Canada.
The idea of using a contact lens for delivering a drug is groundbreaking.
The results from a phase 2b study on a new contact lens with glaucoma therapy have just been released (available here).
This lens is a silicone hydrogel, unlike the HEMA material of the J & J product, and it is worn extended-wear for three weeks (24/7). During that time, the drug, bimatoprost, a proven anti-glaucoma agent is gradually released. Results are promising: pressures were the same as when using a drop of 0.01% bimatoprost nightly (the standard treatment for glaucoma), but no nasty preservatives, no missed drops, and no improperly administered drops. The contact lens releases directly on the eye with less potential side effects and even contains a lubricant.
This is very promising. It is just the beginning. Imagine being able to infuse a lens with any number of therapies, be it antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, or for dry eye therapies, growth factors. The company, Mediprint Ophthalmics, will now be conducting phase 3 studies with the hope of bringing this technology to market.
What a good idea! The tricky part would be to ensure that the drug is released consistently and gradually over the whole period of wear. If this is attainable, these lenses could lead to improved, more consistent treatment results for all patients, a very worthwhile achievement.
Til next week,
The good doctor
P.S. Just received all our pairs of solar eclipse glasses! Mark your calendar: APRIL 8, FULL SOLAR ECLIPSE, right here in Burlington! Need eclipse glasses? Come pick up a pair at Burlington Eyecare anytime.
