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Stimuli-responsive ocular implants – more than meets the eye?

Year:
2014
Duration:
48 months
Approved budget:
$500,000.00
Researchers:
Associate Professor llva Rupenthal
Health issue:
Vision/hearing/speech
Proposal type:
Sir Charles Hercus Fellowship
Lay summary
Ocular diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, are currently treated by injection of the drug-containing solution into the eye, an unpleasant procedure that requires frequent specialist visits with the demand currently exceeding capacity. This project aims to reduce the treatment burden of ocular diseases by developing stimuli-responsive implants that are able to slowly release the drug over time, while also allowing for non-invasive top-up dosing based on clinical response. This will reduce the overall treatment costs, while also significantly enhancing treatment efficacy and thus improving the quality of life of those affected by debilitating eye diseases. As a pharmaceutical scientist working alongside clinician-researchers, I am in the unique position to translate cutting-edge eye research from bench to bedside. My goal is to continue my career in academia, become a world-class researcher in the field of stimuli-responsive ocular implants, and thus contribute to the advancement of eye health care.