Tutkimus: Tolerability and efficiency of silica microparticle gels as drug delivery vehicles

Väitöskirja-apuraha 3v

As an ophthalmologist, my passion lies in pioneering new treatments for eye conditions. With the aging population, the prevalence of eye diseases is increasing, driving the need for more effective medications. While eye drops are commonly used for drug delivery, their effectiveness is often hindered by tear washout and corneal barriers. This is where silica microparticles (SiMPs) come in. With their unique properties, including stability and high drug-carrying capacity, SiMPs show promise as superior drug carriers. Collaborating with the University of Eastern Finland, HUS, and DelSiTech, our research aims to explore the potential of SiMPs in revolutionizing disease prevention and symptom management in ophthalmology.

Our recent studies have focused on assessing the safety of silicic acid, the breakdown product of SiMPs, on corneal and retinal cells. The results have demonstrated that silicic acid does not harm living structures, suggesting its suitability for patient use. Additionally, ongoing studies on rabbits have shown promising initial data, indicating that intravitreal injection of SiMPs does not damage the eye structure. This suggests that in the future, patients may require fewer eye injections, thereby reducing the risks of potential complications.

Absolutely, further research is crucial, but we can confidently assert that SiMPs are a promising candidate for drug delivery and treating eye diseases.

Aleksandra Poluianova
Ophthalmologist
Helsinki Eye Lab, HUS