Nasolacrimal drainage system implants for drug therapy

US7998497B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• QLT INC. · CA

Inventors

• Eugene de Juan, Jr. · San Francisco, US
• Stephen Boyd · Murrieta, US
• Cary J. Reich · Los Gatos, US
• Alan R. Rapacki · Redwood City, US
• Hanson S. Gifford, III · Woodside, US
• Mark Deem · Mountain View, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 2, 2007
• Grant date: Aug 16, 2011
• Expiry date: Dec 14, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2250/0087
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Implant devices, systems and methods for insertion into a punctum of a patient optionally comprises a drug core and a sheath body disposed over the drug core. The drug core includes a therapeutic agent deliverable into the eye, and the sheath defines at least one exposed surface of the drug core. The exposed surface(s) of the drug core may contact a tear or tear film fluid and release the therapeutic agent at therapeutic levels over a sustained period when the implant is implanted for use. The implant may include a retention element to retain the drug core and sheath body near the punctum, optionally comprising a shape memory alloy that can resiliently expand. An occlusive element may be attached to the retention element to at least partially occlude tear flow through the canalicular lumen.