Iluvien™:: a new sustained delivery technology for posterior eye disease

Iluvien (TM) (fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal insert, Alimera Sciences, Inc.), a novel injectable intravitreal insert, is being studied to deliver a very low dose of a corticosteroid to the retina for up to 3 years as a treatment for diabetic macular edema. Using a proprietary 25-gauge injector system, an ophthalmologist injects the Iluvien insert, which uses the Medidur (TM) (Alimera Sciences, Inc.) technology, into the vitreous through a minimally invasive procedure in an out-patient setting. The placement of the device in the inferior vitreous has the potential to maximize drug at the retina while reducing exposure of the anterior chamber. Phase III studies are underway to test the safety and efficacy of Iluvien. This article offers a specific review of the Iluvien technology rather than an overview of the various intravitreal methods of treating posterior eye disease.