Liposomal Drugs in Ophthalmotherapy: Development and Clinical Translation

Abstract

The success of ophthalmotherapy depends significantly on the physicochemical affinity or antagonism of the eye structures and the drug. The pronounced hydrophobicity of the corneal epithelium promotes the delivery of lipophilic drugs to the eye and limits the penetration of hydrophilic systems. The translation of active pharmaceutical ingredients incorporated into drug delivery systems can be a targeted approach to the optimization of the ophthalmotherapy. Liposomal systems have an uncontested status among known drug delivery systems due to a complex of sought-after characteristics of liposomal nanoparticles.

The aim of this article is to review the knowledge accumulated to date on the use of liposomal forms in ophthalmological clinical practice as well as perspective composition under development. An analysis of the market of liposomal ophthalmic drugs, well-established in clinical practice, has been conducted. In particular, the liposomal form of verteporphyrin, vitamins A and E, the bioflavonoid quercetin, as well as drugs based on "empty" liposomes were discussed. In addition, data on promising liposomal ophthalmic drugs that are under development are provided.

The results of current clinical and experimental studies reflect the advantages of the effectiveness of action, safety and targeting of ocular transport of liposomal forms of drugs of variable nature in the prevention and treatment of a wide range of common ophthalmological pathologies. Optimized pharmacotoxicological profile and verification of ophthalmological quality of liposomal preparations in combination with a favorable pharmacoeconomic basis substantiate the irreplaceable role of the liposomal factor in modern ophthalmotherapy technologies.