Moxifloxacin-loaded acrylic intraocular lenses: In vitro and in vivo performance

Abstract

To assess the possibility of using acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) to ensure controlled and sustained release of moxifloxacin, an antibiotic commonly used for endophthalmitis prophylaxis after cataract surgery. Academic, industrial, and clinical partners from Portugal, Belgium, Iceland, and the United States. Experimental study. The physical properties of IOLs loaded with moxifloxacin by soaking were characterized. Invitro drug-release studies were performed under hydrodynamic conditions similar to those of the eye, and the activity of the released drug was tested. Invitro cytotoxicity was evaluated, and the invivo efficacy of the devices was assessed through rabbit experiments in which the effects of topical moxifloxacin drops (control) and moxifloxacin-loaded IOLs were compared. The presence of moxifloxacin in the IOLs had little effect on the evaluated physical properties and did not induce cytotoxicity. Invitro drug release experiments showed that the IOLs provided controlled release of moxifloxacin for approximately 2weeks. The drug remained active against the tested microorganisms during that period. Moxifloxacin-loaded IOLs and the control treatment induced similar invivo behavior in terms of inflammatory reactions, capsular bag opacification scores, and uveal and capsule biocompatibility. The drug concentration in the aqueous humor after 1week was similar in both groups; however, the concentration with the loaded IOLs was less variable. The moxifloxacin-loaded IOLs released the drug in a controlled manner, providing therapeutic levels.