“We believe that this technology, which could enable at-home administration of iontophoretic drugs, has the potential to significantly influence the future of ocular drug delivery by eliminating the need for intravitreal injections and reducing the number of doctor visits. We believe that the iontophoretic contact lens is particularly well-suited for the treatment of chronic retinal conditions, and have selected macular edema, which we believe is a large and underserved market, as our initial target indication.”
This is the first issued patent covering the iontophoretic contact lens. The patent relates to a multi-layer contact lens for ocular therapy, comprising a reservoir adapted to contain an electrically-charged therapeutic compound and an electrode providing iontophoretic current to the charged compound to propel it into the ocular tissue. The iontophoretic contact lens provides an easy, potentially improved technique for delivery of therapeutics to the retina.