OCULAR INSERTS FOR TOPICAL DELIVERY

In spite of extensive pharmacological and clinical data pointing to the usefulness and advantages of solid devices for topical drug delivery to the eye, liquid, and to a smaller extent, gel-type preparations appear to enjoy the ge continued interest of manufacturers and ophthalmologists. In the present update, the authors discuss the advantages, disadvantages and requirement for sucess of ocular inserts, and examine the few inserts which are available on the market or are being developed by pharmaceutical companies for drug delivery. The article discusses S.O.D.I., Ocusert(R), Collagen Shields, Ocufit(R), Minidisc and Nods(R) with special attention to biological/clinical performances, and potential for future applications and developments.