Polymeric Systems for Transscleral Delivery of Antisense Oligonucleotides: A Novel Treatment Strategy for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

sclera into the choroid of rats and the barrier effects of the Bruch‘s membrane and/or the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE). A significant up-regulation of Cx43 expression in the choroid of light damaged rat eyes was observed, due to inflammation associated with the early phase of retinal degeneration. Periocular injection of Cx43 AsODN incorporated in the MC-ι-CG system resulted in significant reduction of Cx43 expression in the choroid of rats. This thesis has therefore identified and characterised a new polymeric system based on MC-ι- CG which provides aqueous loading of therapeutics. As such, this polymeric system is suitable for the delivery of AsODNs and bioactive proteins. Results also demonstrated the efficacy of the transscleral route in delivering macromolecules to the choroid. Moreover, the work offers a new perspective in the management of ARMD at an early phase of disease progression.