The SpyGlass Pharma™ Drug Delivery Platform

Cataract surgery presents an opportunity for the ~20% of patients who also suffer from glaucoma or ocular hypertension to address two conditions at the same time. While several solutions have been offered for this growing population of patients, they require the surgeon to learn new skills, perform additional maneuvers, and to use specialized instrumentation.

Recognizing that surgeons need a solution that addresses glaucoma at the time of cataract surgery in a streamlined procedure, SpyGlass has created a platform that delivers medication without altering the surgeon’s workflow. After 6 years of development and validation, the SpyGlass Pharma^™ Drug Delivery Platform is the first long-term, nonbioerodible drug delivery technology that integrates seamlessly into cataract surgery.

Novel Use of a Familiar Device

The SpyGlass Pharma system features two drug-eluting pads attached to the haptic-optic junction of a proprietary IOL (Figure). This single-piece, hydrophobic acrylic IOL is implanted in the capsular bag using an off the shelf IOL injector via standard incision sizes. The technique requires no new surgical skills to learn and is done with existing surgical instrumentation available in operating rooms today.

Once implanted, the system is designed to deliver bimatoprost continuously for up to 3 years. Positioned outside the visual axis, the pads release medication into the aqueous humor without affecting visual performance. This approach eliminates patient compliance issues and potential side effects from topical medications, while simplifying adoption for surgeons by leveraging existing IOL workflows.

Clinical Results and Regulatory Progress

The first-in-human feasibility data out to 18 months show a 40% to 45% reduction in IOP—significantly outperforming topical medications and matching surgical interventions like trabeculotomies, but without the associated risks. Notably, all participants in the initial human trial remained free of adjunctive topical therapy through 18 months.

The system demonstrates a safety and recovery profile comparable to standard cataract surgery. Refractive and visual acuity outcomes match those of best-in-class IOLs, confirming that the platform does not compromise optical quality.

We have completed our end-of-phase 2 meeting with the FDA, and we plan to publicly share phase 2 results soon, with phase 3 trials fully funded and ready to launch.

Expanding the Platform

Although this initial iteration of our drug delivery platform is a “capsular bag” solution best suited for concurrent cataract-glaucoma cases, we are developing a second-generation system for implantation anterior to the capsular bag. This version will enable removal and replacement, offering continuous therapy, even for patients not undergoing cataract surgery. Clinical trials for this system are slated to begin in 2026.

We are also exploring broader therapeutic applications. In preclinical studies, we are evaluating the delivery of small molecules for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), as well as corticosteroids and NSAIDs to treat postoperative inflammation. The platform’s modular design and programmable drug release make it suitable for both anterior and posterior segment diseases.

Strategic Growth and Future Vision

SpyGlass recently completed a Series D financing round, featuring full participation from existing investors and new strategic partners. The capital will fund pivotal clinical trials and support continued growth and development.

As we transition into late-stage development, we are excited to bring forward a medication delivery solution that is easy to adopt and accessible to 100% of cataract surgeons. Our platform elevates the standard of care for millions of glaucoma patients worldwide by both removing the burden of adherence and sparing the ocular surface years of exposure to topical medications. Safe, long-term drug delivery is no longer a futuristic aspiration, but a present-day reality.

For more information: https://www.spyglasspharma.com/

For inquiries, contact Nami Surendranath at nsurendranath@dnacommunications.com