The development and commercialization of sustained release ocular drug delivery systems

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Michael J O Rourke

Re-Vana Therapeutics Ltd., USA

: J Pharm Drug Deliv Res

Abstract

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The global ophthalmic pharmaceutical industry is estimated to reach $29 billion by 2022 with a growing elderly population and an increasing incidence of diabetic eye disease, due in part to increasing obesity rates in both adults and children. The number of people visually impaired in the world is approximately 295 million, with at least 39 million blind and 256 million having low vision. 65% of people visually impaired and 82% of all blind are 50 years and older. There is urgent need to develop advanced therapeutics and new ocular drug delivery systems, for both small and large molecules providing controlled release for 4-6 months or longer for the treatment of chronic and blinding eye diseases. These will increase both patient’s and doctor’s convenience by reducing the dosing frequency, minimizing frequent intra vitreal injections into the eye and improve overall compliance of topical drug therapy. Currently there are only 4 sustained release ocular drug delivery systems ever approved worldwide treating blinding eye diseases. This presentation will cover these systems, discuss new technologies under current development, the challenges to overcome and how they can ultimately be successfully commercialized.

Biography

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Michael J O Rourke has over 30 years drug delivery experience across ophthalmology, periodontal and pulmonary markets in sales, marketing, product launch, strategy development and global commercialization. In 2009 he founded Scotia Vision, a specialized ophthalmic consulting company with extensive expertise in global ocular drug delivery commercial and product development strategies. His career experience includes senior positions with several global leading organizations and start-ups, including 3M, Alza, Chiron Vision, Bausch + Lomb, GrayBug and Re-Vana Therapeutics. His unique global ocular drug delivery experience includes launching the world's first intra ocular drug delivery technology in Europe, Vitrasert, and the world's second, Retisert, in the USA. He has managed 28 brands, led 13 product launches, structured/negotiated 12 strategic business deals and has been a team member in 18 device/drug approvals. He was recently elected into the Global Scot "Hall of Fame", for supporting and advising Scottish start-ups and existing organizations in the Life Sciences and other sectors including music with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

E-mail: scotiavc@gmail.com