Elevated intraocular levels of angiogenic cytokines such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been implicated the development of diabetic retinopathy. Over a decade of clinical evidence shows intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents is associated with decreased disease progression and preservation of vision. However, the treatment burden associated with monthly injections limits the effectiveness of existing anti-VEGF therapies. Current research has focused on sustained treatment paradigms such as longer acting drugs, drug delivery implants, and gene therapy. In this study, we tested a novel approach by dialyzing proteins from the vitreous using bioceramic implant composed of hydroxyapatite. Preliminary in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate a high affinity and capacity for VEGF absorption. After three months implantation in New Zealand White Cross rabbits, the hydroxyapatite demonstrated good biocompatibility with no inflammation and normal retinal physiology and histology. These studies demonstrate that prolonged VEGF suppression intraocularly may be accomplished with a bioceramic implant.

眼内血管生成细胞因子如血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）水平的升高已被暗示与糖尿病性视网膜病的发展有关。十多年来的临床证据表明，玻璃体内注射抗VEGF药物与疾病进展减少和视力保持有关。然而，与每月注射有关的治疗负担限制了现有抗VEGF疗法的有效性。当前的研究集中在持续治疗的范例上，例如更长效药物，药物植入物和基因治疗。在这项研究中，我们通过使用由羟基磷灰石组成的生物陶瓷植入物从玻璃体中渗析蛋白质来测试一种新方法。初步的体外和体内研究表明对VEGF的吸收具有很高的亲和力和能力。在新西兰白十字兔中植入三个月后，羟基磷灰石表现出良好的生物相容性，没有炎症，并且视网膜生理和组织学正常。这些研究表明，用生物陶瓷植入物可以实现长时间的眼内VEGF抑制。