International Journal of Drug Research and Technology

OCULAR DELIVERY OF POLYMERIC MICELLAR SYSTEMS: A SHIFT TO FUTURE

Abstract

Sagar Narala

Exquisite elimination mechanisms and various physiological / metabolic barriers in the ocular milieu is the major hurdle for effective intraocular penetration of topically applied drugs/drug candidates, which render poor ocular bioavailability. Technological advancements in the niche of polymeric micellar systems over the past few decades did fulfil the unmet needs and gaps in ocular drug delivery. Promising results obtained exploiting these platforms from preclinical efficacy studies made their way into clinical trials. These systems comprise of amphiphilic molecules capable of self-assembly in aqueous media to form organized supramolecular structures. The advantages of these structural frameworks include mucoadhesivity, superior stability, tailored release profile, biocompatibility, ease of surface functionalization, scale-up feasibility and enhanced drug loading. The present review summarizes various underpinning factors controlling rationale design of micellar systems and recent advances of these micelles as effective ocular drug carriers emphasizing their performance in preclinical studies.