Controlled Delivery System of ALK-5 Inhibitors for Suppression of Ocular Scarring after Glaucoma Filtration Surgery
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States and it is estimated that there are 60.5 million people with open angle glaucoma and angle closure glaucoma in 2010. When patients undergo surgical treatment for glaucoma, fibrotic scarring of the ocular wound occurs, which is a major cause of the impaired vision and blindness. Through research in anti-scarring methods ABIA is developing a way to limit the detrimental effects of scarring.
By developing a more efficient and less invasive way to deliver the necessary drugs to heal the wound after surgery, the chances of scarring will be minimized. The medicinal gel will be applied at the time of surgery, for the convenience of the patient. The gel will then release medication for up to 30 days after the surgery, allowing for long-term healing of the wound and delay further vision impairment.
When this technology is available to ophthalmic surgeons, patients undergoing glaucoma surgical treatment will have reduced scarring and improved vision.
Researchers:
Vijaykumar Sutariya, PhD, Northeast Ohio Medical University
Werner Geldenhuys, PhD, Northeast Ohio Medical University
Hiroshi Nakamura, MD, PhD, Summa Health System
