Nanocarriers Optimization for Periocular Drug Delivery to the Retina

ongoing

The incidence of chronic vision-impairing retinal diseases is increasing due to population ageing. Monthly intraocular injections are the standard of care, despite the important risks (e.g., infection and haemorrhage) associated with this practice. A promising alternative is the periocular injection of nanocarriers, which are able to enhance the permeability across the ocular membranes. However, as periocular administration relies on the drug transport mechanisms in the tissues to reach the target, animal tests are generally needed for a prediction of drug distribution after the injection. The researcher aims at the development of an ex vivo model of a whole porcine eye which will constitute an evaluation tool for periocular nanoformulations targeting the retina and will allow for a deep understanding of the ocular penetration paths. The project will (i) provide a safer alternative to intraocular injections, (ii) reduce the need for animal testing in the pre-clinical phase of product development and (iii) overcome the current limitations of mathematical models, which are generally unable to predict the complexity of nanoformulations transport. This MSCA will be implemented throughout 24 months at the University of Parma, and it will include two 3-months secondments: the researcher will be trained on pharmacokinetics mathematical models at the University of Navarra and on Organs-on-a-Chip models at Tel Aviv University. The selected methodology allows for a cutting-edge approach to nanoparticles design, promoting the synergistic use of chemistry tools (spectroscopy) with medicine and biology (ex vivo models, 3D imaging, cellular assays) and engineering tools (mathematical models, Organs-on-a-Chip). The competencies acquired during the project will complement the researcher’s background towards the ultimate goal of becoming an expert in the development of innovative and effective ophthalmic therapeutics, with a focus on alternative methods to animal testing.