Suprachoroidal hydrogel systems for posterior ocular therapy: Design principles, therapeutic applications, and translational challenges - 18/08/26
, Hirokazu Kaji b, c, ⁎ 
Abstract |
Suprachoroidal delivery offers a minimally invasive route for targeting the choroid and retina, while reducing complications related to conventional ocular delivery methods. This review focuses on hydrogels engineered for the suprachoroidal space (SCS) as advanced materials platforms for next-generation posterior ocular therapy. We outline key hydrogel design principles in the context of SCS anatomy and biomechanics and highlight how crosslinking chemistry and material properties can be tuned for specific therapeutic goals. Promising applications of SCS hydrogel systems are discussed, including (i) reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP), (ii) swelling-assisted targeting of drug particles toward the posterior eye, (iii) prolonged delivery of biologics, such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, (iv) minimally invasive support of cell transplantation, and (v) hydrogel-forming microneedles (HFMNs) for assessing SCS. We also discuss key translational considerations such as preclinical to clinical translation, biocompatibility, injectability, storage stability, sterilization, manufacturing, and scalability alongside future development directions. Taken together, this review introduces SCS-targeted hydrogels as a distinct class of minimally invasive and clinically relevant materials for the treatment of posterior eye diseases.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Graphical Abstract |
Highlights |
• | Suprachoroidal hydrogels show promise for lowering IOP in glaucoma. |
• | Swelling hydrogels help target the posterior eye via a pushing effect. |
• | Hydrogels enable cell transplantation in the SCS for posterior eye diseases. |
• | Hydrogels can access the SCS through formation of HFMNs. |
• | Hydrogels enable sustained drug release in the SCS. |
Keywords : Suprachoroidal delivery, Injectable hydrogels, Ocular targeting, Ocular sustained release, Suprachoroidal access
Plan
Vol 202
Article 119791- septembre 2026 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
L’accès au texte intégral de cet article nécessite un abonnement.
Déjà abonné à cette revue ?
