Corticosteroid fluocinolone acetonide is administered as an intravitreal insert in the form of a cylindrical tube 3.5 mm long and 0.37 mm in diameter. Fluocinolone acetonide has been shown to reduce inflammation and lower intravitreal VEGF levels in the eye, as well as reduce leakage and edema by multiple pathways. The Medidur insert is delivered into the posterior segment of the eye through a self-healing wound in the pars plana via a 25-gauge transconjunctival injector system. Following placement of the insert, in the vitreous base, the sustained-release technology enables it to deliver an initial daily dose of 0.2 or 0.5 micrograms of fluocinolone acetonide to the retina for up to three years. Medidur’s delivery mechanism and low dosage minimize drug exposure, potentially enhancing safety in terms of both daily and total cumulative doses. The procedure can be done in an outpatient setting, eliminating complications from device extrusion, and difficulties with suture erosion commonly associated with other current treatment options.
