Abstract: In vivo formed matrices including natural biodegradable polysaccharides are described. The matrix is formed from a plurality of natural biodegradable polysaccharides having pendent coupling groups. The matrix can also include a bioactive agent that can be released to provide a therapeutic effect to a patient. The formed matrices are particularly useful for treatment of the eye.

Abstract: The invention provides an insertion instrument and methods for rotatably inserting an insertable medical device into a target region of the body. In particular, the instrument can be used in a method for rotatably inserting a medical device having a helical shape into a portion of the eye. The instrument includes a distal portion with a securing member that can hold a portion of the device during the rotational insertion process, and an actuating member that can be triggered to gently release the device upon insertion of the device into the target site.

Abstract: The invention relates to sustained release implants and to methods for treating eyes, particularly the eyes of mammals having eye disorders or diseases. By using the implants and methods described herein, the delivery of the one or more bioactive agents can be localized at a desired treatment site, particularly the choroid and the retina.

Abstract: Featured is a method for instilling one or more bioactive agents into ocular tissue within an eye of a patient for the treatment of an ocular condition, the method comprising concurrently using at least two of the following bioactive agent delivery methods (A)-(C): (A) implanting a sustained release delivery device comprising one or more bioactive agents in a posterior region of the eye so that it delivers the one or more bioactive agents into the vitreous humor of the eye; (B) instilling (e.g., injecting or implanting) one or more bioactive agents subretinally; and (C) instilling (e.g., injecting or delivering by ocular iontophoresis) one or more bioactive agents into the vitreous humor of the eye.

Abstract: The invention provides implantable medical devices that are fabricated of biodegradable materials for delivery of bioactive agent to limited access regions of a patient's body, such as the eye. The invention further provides methods of treatment utilizing the devices.

Abstract: The invention provides a controlled release bioactive agent delivery device for treatment of an eye that includes a body member having a direction of extension, a longitudinal axis along the direction of extension, and a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the body member deviates from the direction of extension, and a polymeric coated composition in contact with a surface of the body member, the polymeric coated composition including a first polymer, a second polymer, and a bioactive agent. The first polymer and the second polymer are hydrophobic, and the body member has a length such that, upon placement of the device at an implantation site within a posterior segment of an eye, the device does not enter a central visual field of the eye. The invention also provides methods method of delivering bioactive agent to a posterior region of an eye.

Abstract: The invention provides retrievable devices for sustained delivery of bioactive agent to a site within a patient, the devices including a body member having a direction of extension, a longitudinal axis along the direction of extension, and a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the body member deviates from the direction of extension; a cap at the proximal end of the body member; and a polymeric coated composition in contact with a surface of the body member, the polymeric coated composition including a first polymer, a second polymer, and a bioactive agent.

Abstract: The invention provides controlled release bioactive agent delivery devices that include a body member having a direction of extension, a longitudinal axis along the direction of extension, and a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the body member deviates from the direction of extension, and a polymeric coated composition in contact with the body member, the polymeric coated composition including a first polymer, a second polymer, and a bioactive agent, wherein the first polymer and the second polymer are hydrophobic. The invention also provides methods of delivering a bioactive agent to a patient in a controlled release manner, as well as methods of making controlled release bioactive agent delivery devices.

Abstract: The invention provides a controlled release bioactive agent delivery device that includes a body member having a direction of extension, a longitudinal axis along the direction of extension, and a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the body member deviates from the direction of extension, and a polymeric coated composition in contact with the body member, the polymeric coated composition including a first polymer, a second polymer, and a bioactive agent. The invention also provides methods of delivering a bioactive agent to a patient in a controlled release manner, as well as methods of making a controlled release bioactive agent delivery device.

Abstract: The invention provides implantable sustained release bioactive agent delivery devices that include a body member having a direction of extension, a longitudinal axis along the direction of extension, and a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the body member deviates from the direction of extension; and a polymeric coated composition in contact with a surface of the body member, the polymeric coated composition including a first polymer, a second polymer, and a bioactive agent. The polymeric coated composition is formulated to provide controlled release of bioactive agent over time when introduced into physiological conditions. Methods of preparing implantable devices configured and formulated to provide controlled release of bioactive agent are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for delivering bioactive agent to an eye, the methods including steps of providing a device at an implantation site within the eye, and maintaining the device at the implantation site to provide a therapeutically effective amount of the bioactive agent to the eye. The device includes a body member having a direction of extension, a longitudinal axis along the direction of extension, and a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the body member deviates from the direction of extension. A polymeric coated composition is provided in contact with a surface of the body member, the polymeric coated composition including a first polymer, a second polymer, and a bioactive agent. The invention also provides methods of administering a therapeutically effective amount of bioactive agent to a posterior segment of an eye.

Abstract: Featured is a methodology for administering a therapeutic medium to the posterior segment of an eye including instilling or disposing the therapeutic medium sub-retinally. In particular embodiments, the therapeutic medium is disposed in a sub retinal space. Such instillation being accomplished by one of injection or implantation of the therapeutic medium sub-retinally or the sub-retinal space. In other aspects, the methodology further includes forming a limited retinal detachment so as to define the sub-retinal space as well as methods for treating an eye by sub-retinally administering a therapeutic medium.

Abstract: An therapeutic agent delivery device that can allows is particularly suitable for delivery of a therapeutic agent to limited access regions, such as the posterior chamber of the eye and inner ear. Preferred devices of the invention are minimally invasive, refillable and may be easily fixed to the treatment area. Preferred delivery devices of the invention also include those that comprise a non-linear shaped body member body housing one or more substances and a delivery mechanism for the sustained delivery of the one or more substances from the non-linear shaped body member to the patient.

Abstract: The invention provides a controlled release bioactive agent delivery device that includes a body member having a direction of extension, a longitudinal axis along the direction of extension, and a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the body member deviates from the direction of extension, and a polymeric coated composition in contact with the body member, the polymeric coated composition including a first polymer, a second polymer, and a bioactive agent, wherein the first polymer comprises polyalkyl(meth)acrylate, aromatic poly(meth)acrylate, or a combination of polyalkyl(meth)acrylate and aromatic poly(meth)acrylate, and wherein the second polymer comprises poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate). The invention also provides methods of delivering a bioactive agent to a patient in a controlled release manner, as well as methods of making a controlled release bioactive agent delivery device.