Next-Generation Ocular Delivery Systems and Methods
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A next-generation ocular delivery system that leverages micro-robotics, gene-editing, nanofluidics, machine learning, and bio-absorbable materials to revolutionize glaucoma treatment and ocular therapy.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed systems and methods for accessing Schlemm's canal and delivering a fluid composition to treat glaucoma. However, these systems have limitations in terms of precision, efficacy, and patient comfort. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing cutting-edge technologies to create a more targeted, efficient, and personalized approach to ocular treatment.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept encompasses a range of innovative solutions, including micro-robotic devices for targeted trabeculotomy, gene-editing payloads for upregulating aqueous humor outflow pathways, nanofluidic chips for real-time aqueous humor flow rate manipulation, machine learning algorithms for personalized treatment parameter prediction, and bio-absorbable stents for permanently dilating Schlemm's canal. These solutions are designed to work together to create a comprehensive and adaptive ocular treatment system.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in ocular delivery systems and methods, moving beyond the original patent's viscoelastic fluid-based approach to incorporate micro-robotics, gene-editing, and nanofluidics. The inventive step lies in the integration of these disparate technologies to create a novel, highly effective, and personalized treatment platform.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include the use of different types of micro-robotic devices, gene-editing payloads, or nanofluidic chip designs. Variations may also include the incorporation of additional sensors or feedback mechanisms to further enhance the system's adaptability and efficacy.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The next-generation ocular delivery system has significant commercial potential in the glaucoma treatment and ocular therapy markets, with potential applications in hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory surgical centers. The system's adaptability and personalized approach may also enable new business models, such as subscription-based services or pay-per-procedure models.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F9/0008 |
| A | A61 | A61F9/00781 |
| A | A61 | A61M5/002 |
| A | A61 | A61M5/158 |
| A | A61 | A61M5/3286 |
| A | A61 | A61M5/3291 |
| A | A61 | A61M2005/1585 |
| A | A61 | A61M2210/0612 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Ophthalmic medical devices and methods for treating glaucoma, focusing on ocular fluid delivery systems, trabeculotomy techniques, and intraocular pressure management
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device specialist with expertise in ophthalmology, microfluidics, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and advanced medical device design, holding advanced degrees in bioengineering or medical technology
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable technological extensions of the source patent's fundamental approach to ocular fluid management. The core concept of targeted intervention in Schlemm's canal remains consistent, with the PTD introducing incremental technological improvements using known engineering approaches. These variations represent natural progressions in medical device design that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner seeking to enhance ocular treatment methodologies.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,460 |
|---|---|
| Title | Ocular delivery systems and methods |
| Assignee(s) | Sight Sciences, Inc. |