Aflibercept Loaded Eye‐Drop Hydrogel Mediated with Cell‐Penetrating Peptide for Corneal Neovascularization Treatment

Abstract

AbstractCorneal neovascularization (CoNV) is a major cause of visual impairment worldwide. Currently, available treatment options have limited efficacy and are associated with adverse effects due to biological barriers and clearance mechanisms. To address this challenge, a novel topical delivery system is developed—Gel 2_1&Eylea—an aflibercept‐loaded eye‐drop hydrogel mediated with cell‐penetrating peptide 1. Gel 2_1&Eylea demonstrates superior membrane permeability, increased stability, and prolonged drug retention time on the ocular surface, and thus may improve drug efficacy. In a rabbit CoNV model, Gel 2_1&Eylea significantly reduces the density of neovascularization with no adverse effects on normal corneoscleral limbal vessels, demonstrating high efficacy and biocompatibility. This work identifies a promising treatment for CoNV which has the potential to benefit other ocular neovascular diseases.