Genetech has formulated Lucentis' active ingredient into a refillable eye implant that delivers the medication continuously into the eyes of wet macular degeneration patients.
Known as the Port Delivery System, the implantable drug has shown promising results in the second phase of clinical studies.
The Port Delivery System is slightly bigger than a grain of rice and is surgically implanted and gives the patient the freedom from monthly eye injections and has the convenience of being able to go several months between refills.
Initial results in clinical trials demonstrated visual acuity gains comparable to patients who receive monthly Lucentis eye injections as well as a reduction in central retina thickness and these results were maintained throughout the study. Phase 3 of the study will be launched before the end of the year.*
Doctor-formulated AREDS 2 for Macular Degeneration