A PGS nanoparticle-hyaluronic acid hydrogel system sustained release of anti-VEGF HRH peptide for 3 months, inhibiting blood vessel growth and showing anti-neovascular effects in a mouse eye model.
3-month sustained releaseThe nanoparticle-hydrogel system maintained anti-VEGF peptide delivery over 3 months, potentially replacing monthly injections
What the researchers found
HA-PGS NP@HRH achieved 42.54% drug release over 3 months, 55.19% inhibition of HUVEC viability, and suppression of neovascularization in an oxygen-induced retinopathy mouse model.
Why it matters
Reducing eye injection frequency from monthly to quarterly or longer would dramatically improve quality of life for millions of patients with wet AMD and diabetic eye disease.
How the study worked
PGS nanoparticle synthesis, hyaluronic acid hydrogel formulation, drug release kinetics, ARPE-19 and HUVEC cell viability/tube formation assays, and in vivo oxygen-induced retinopathy model in mice.
What this study cannot tell us
Mouse OIR model doesn't perfectly replicate human wet AMD. Long-term intraocular safety needs assessment. Three-month release may still require periodic injections.
How to read the evidence
Preclinical study with thorough in vitro characterization and in vivo proof-of-concept. Promising but needs larger animal model validation.
When this study was published
Published in 2025.
The bigger picture
Sustained peptide delivery for eye diseases represents a major unmet need. This nanoparticle-hydrogel approach could extend treatment intervals and improve patient outcomes.
Questions still open
- Could the release duration be extended beyond 3 months?
- How does this compare to existing sustained-release anti-VEGF approaches?
- Would the hydrogel remain stable and clear in the human vitreous?
Common questions
Why do eye diseases need frequent injections?
What is the HRH peptide?
Read the original research
Development of Nanoparticle-Hydrogel Drug Delivery System for Sustained Release of Anti-VEGF Peptide in Ocular Neovascularization Treatment.
Macromolecular bioscience, 26(1), e00263
Citation
Durak, Saliha; Yetisgin, Abuzer Alp; Aciksari, Aysegul; Ceylan, Ramazan; Onder Tokuc, Ecem; Kutlu, Ozlem; Karabas, Veysel Levent; Cetinel, Sibel. (2026). Development of Nanoparticle-Hydrogel Drug Delivery System for Sustained Release of Anti-VEGF Peptide in Ocular Neovascularization Treatment.. Macromolecular bioscience, 26(1), e00263. https://doi.org/10.1002/mabi.202500263