Ocular devices for the controlled systemic delivery of insulin: in vitro and in vivo dissolution

Abstract

Both in vitro flow-through and in vivo device removal methods were utilized to determine the dissolution rate of insulin from a Gelfoam® based eye device. The dissolution profiles generated by these two methods are comparable. The in vivo data suggests that there is a direct relationship between blood glucose lowering and the rate of release of insulin from the device. The in vitro dissolution results indicate that the release of insulin from the device is flow-rate dependent. The prolonged activity of the insulin is due to the gradual release of insulin from the device which results from the lachrymal system’s slow and constant tear production.