Sustained intravitreal delivery of connexin43 mimetic peptide by poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) acid micro- and nanoparticles – Closing the gap in retinal ischaemia

Recent research has shown that transient block of connexin43 (Cx43) hemichannels by mimetic peptides (MP) after retinal ischaemia inhibits uncontrolled hemichannel opening causing blood–brain barrier permeability and endothelial cell loss, and consequently provides improved retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival. However, the highly hydrophilic character and potentially poor stability of native peptides can limit efficient delivery in a clinical...