Executive Summary : | Ocular drug delivery is crucial due to the growing global burden of visual ailments and the increasing aging population. Chronic ocular diseases often require prolonged administration, which is currently managed through invasive procedures like intravitreal injections and implants. Despite barriers like tear turnover, nasolacrimal drainage, and tight junctions, topical ocular delivery remains the most accepted route for drug delivery. Micellar nanocarriers have gained acceptance due to their ease of preparation, high bioavailability, and stability. Recent innovations in stimuli-sensitive excipients have led to formulations offering prolonged retention upon topical instillation. The project aims to develop a micellar-based mucoadhesive nanoformulation that offers characteristics of sol to gel transition upon contact with the ocular microenvironment, providing increased retention in the ocular cavity. The proposed platform technology will use a scalable and simple process, allowing drugs with similar physicochemical profiles to be easily formulated. The goal is to develop a stable formulation that can be evaluated for efficacy in sol to gel conversion and prolonged retention using diseased animal models and cell lines. The Indian and Japan PI team's expertise in ocular formulation development offers an opportunity for technical exchange and independent work. The outcome could pave the way for patient-friendly ocular formulations that can be self-administered, leading to start-up ventures and technology transfers for further commercialization. |