Staying power

Over the past few years, InSite Vision has been investigating drug formulations that utilize DuraSite^®, our patented drug delivery system. DuraSite is a synthetic polymer of cross-linked polyacrylic acid that stabilizes small molecules, like the antibiotic azithromycin, in an aqueous matrix. Safety studies have shown DuraSite drug delivery to be non-toxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable.*

In addition to these properties, DuraSite can be customized to deliver a wide variety of potential drug candidates. The loading capacity of DuraSite ensures therapeutic doses, and the DuraSite matrix is capable of residing on the ocular surface 4-6 hours, during which time the active drug is gradually released.

The increased time that DuraSite remains in the eye allows lower concentrations of a drug to be administered over a longer period of time. This minimizes the inconvenience of frequent dosing, reduces the potential of related adverse side effects, and may lead to improved patient compliance.

It is for these reasons that AzaSite was formulated with DuraSite. With longer "residence time" the drug concentration in the conjunctiva increases, resulting in a dramatically reduced dosing schedule.