Panel Discussion: Overcoming Challenges of Injectable Depots & the Eye’s Immune Environment with Hydrogels, Polymers, & Port Delivery Systems
- Use of natural hydrogels that shear thin during injection and then gel in situ, breaking down into natural amino acids to avoid immune reactions and ensure safety in retinal cells and animal models
- Comparison of implantable depots that are refillable or biodegradable, focusing on the importance of optically transparent, minimally invasive systems that do not impact visual fields or intraocular pressure
- Review of clinical concerns such as depot migration, inflammation, and the impact on retinal neurons, highlighting how new materials can reduce risks compared to traditional PLGA or synthetic hydrogels
- Discussion of innovative port delivery systems that slowly release proteins over extended periods while using familiar injection techniques, potentially reducing injection frequency and improving patient adherence