제어된 힘으로 약물 투여가 가능한 안구용 어플리케이터 개발을 위한 제품 구조 및 금형 설계가 품질에 미치는 영향 분석
Analysis of the impact of product structure and mold design on quality for the development of an ocular applicator capable of drug delivery with controlled force
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With the rapid global trend toward super-aged societies, including Korea, the number of patients suffering from chronic diseases and disabilities is increasing, leading to a growing financial burden on healthcare and long-term care systems. Among the elderly population, ophthalmic diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and cataracts are highly prevalent. These conditions are classified as degenerative neurological diseases and can cause irreversible vision loss, severely affecting daily activities such as object recognition, reading, and mobility. Although various treatments exist, frequent intraocular drug administration is often required due to the rapid clearance and short half-life of drugs in the eye. However, repeated injections may result in serious side effects, including potential blindness. To address these issues, leading global companies are developing intraocular drug delivery systems that provide sustained therapeutic effects through the implantation of drug formulations inside the eye. This requires the development of dedicated applicators capable of precise and controlled implantation. The applicator must be user-friendly, robust, and capable of delivering the implant through a cannula using a controlled force that allows immediate user feedback. In this study, key components including the driving mechanism of the applicator were fabricated, and the actuation force required to deliver the implant was measured. Factors influencing implant delivery were analyzed and reflected in the redesign of the driving mechanism and mold structure. The improved designs were then compared with the initial prototypes in terms of actuation force and its repeatability. This research is expected to contribute to the advancement of precision and user responsiveness in ophthalmic implant delivery systems.
Abstract
With the rapid global trend toward super-aged societies, including Korea, the number of patients suffering from chronic diseases and disabilities is increasing, leading to a growing financial burden on healthcare and long-term care systems. Among the elderly population, ophthalmic diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and cataracts are highly prevalent. These conditions are classified as degenerative neurological diseases and can cause irreversible vision loss, severely affecting daily activities such as object recognition, reading, and mobility. Although various treatments exist, frequent intraocular drug administration is often required due to the rapid clearance and short half-life of drugs in the eye. However, repeated injections may result in serious side effects, including potential blindness. To address these issues, leading global companies are developing intraocular drug delivery systems that provide sustained therapeutic effects through the implantation of drug formulations inside the eye. This requires the development of dedicated applicators capable of precise and controlled implantation. The applicator must be user-friendly, robust, and capable of delivering the implant through a cannula using a controlled force that allows immediate user feedback. In this study, key components including the driving mechanism of the applicator were fabricated, and the actuation force required to deliver the implant was measured. Factors influencing implant delivery were analyzed and reflected in the redesign of the driving mechanism and mold structure. The improved designs were then compared with the initial prototypes in terms of actuation force and its repeatability. This research is expected to contribute to the advancement of precision and user responsiveness in ophthalmic implant delivery systems.