Evaluation of extended release brimonidine intravitreal device in normotensive rabbit eyes

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the safety profile of a brimonidine extended release intravitreal implant, in normotensive rabbit eyes. Methods: Devices were made from hollow poly-l-lactic acid (PLA) tubes and contained hundred micrograms of brimonidine pamoate. Device was injected intravitreally in one eye of 12 New Zealand pigmented rabbits, whereas other eye was injected with a sham implant in masked fashion. Ocular examination was conducted at baseline and months 1, 3 and 6 including dilated fundus examination and electro-retinogram (ERG). Four rabbits were sacrificed at each time-point for retinal histology. ERG data were compared between groups and time-points using anova. Results: No complications were reported from either eye of any rabbits over a 6-month period. Photopic A wave was reduced in the control eye at 1 month compared with baseline (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in other ERG parameters between the groups at different time-points. Gross retinal histology was normal at all time-points. Conclusion: Extended release intravitreal brimonidine device was found to be safe and in normotensive rabbit eyes. © 2012 The Authors. Acta Ophthalmologica.