Recent advances in nanoscopic drug delivery systems for the treatment of glaucoma

Abstract

AbstractNeuroprotection for glaucoma is still an unmet medical need and a proper drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye is crucial. During the last decade, researchers have focussed their attention in the development of new drug delivery systems such as nanostructured lipid carriers, liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles. These nanoscopic systems overcome ocular barriers and provide a prolonged drug delivery on the target tissue avoiding adverse effects of the encapsulated drugs. During this course, recent advances and future perspectives in nanoscopic drug delivery systems for the treatment of glaucoma would be reviewed. Moreover, among several drug delivery systems, biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles have been proven to constitute a safe and suitable vehicle to encapsulate a wide range of drugs and be administrated as eye‐drops. Therefore, poly‐lactic‐co glycolic acid (PLGA) in addition to be biodegradable, biocompatible and non‐toxic, have demonstrated to be an effective drug carrier for ocular drug delivery. In this sense, Memantine loaded PLGA nanoparticles functionalized with polyethylene glycol (MEM‐NP) constitute a suitable neuroprotective strategy to increase MEM availability. MEM‐NP adminstered as eye‐drops confirmed to be safe, well‐tolerated and neuroprotective in an experimental glaucoma model. Nanoscopic systems could be the key for the efficient topical administration of neuroprotective compounds glaucoma treatment.