Abstract: A method of fabricating capsules for sustained and controlled drug delivery. An array of capsules of a hydrophobic polymer is subjected to an extraction process to remove low-molecular-weight monomers, oligomers and polymers, and a laser is used to open accurately sized, spaced, and shaped holes in the capsules. In the process, the laser cutting oxidizes the hydrophobic polymer, making it sufficiently hydrophilic to allow wetting by the contents of the capsules. The capsules are then filled with a hydrophilic polymer covering the laser-cut opening and with one or more drugs for delivery, sealed, and removed from the array for mounting on suture tabs or other mounts. The use of the laser helps insure accurate and reliable delivery of drugs from the capsule.

Abstract: A drug delivery device includes a drug core having a pharmaceutically active agent, a holder that holds the drug core and is made of a material impermeable to passage of the active agent; and a tab for attaching the device to eye tissue. A surface of the holder is plasma treated and adhered to at least one of the drug core and the tab. The device is preferably designed for placing in the eye, such as implanting the device using the tab, so the active agent is released in a sustained manner to the eye.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for placement in the eye includes a drug core comprising a pharmaceutically active agent, and a holder that holds the drug core. The holder is made of a material impermeable to passage of the active agent and includes multiple openings formed by a laser for passage of the pharmaceutically agent therethrough to eye tissue. The number and sizes of the openings are selected so as to obtain a desired release rate of the active agent from the device to the eye.

Abstract: A method of fabricating capsules for sustained and controlled drug delivery. An array of capsules of a hydrophobic polymer is subjected to an extraction process to remove low-molecular-weight monomers, oligomers and polymers, and a laser is used to open accurately sized, spaced, and shaped holes in the capsules. In the process, the laser cutting oxidizes the hydrophobic polymer, making it sufficiently hydrophilic to allow wetting by the contents of the capsules. The capsules are then filled with a hydrophilic polymer covering the laser-cut opening and with one or more drugs for delivery, sealed, and removed from the array for mounting on suture tabs or other mounts. The use of the laser helps insure accurate and reliable delivery of drugs from the capsule.