HYDROGEL FORMULATIONS AND METHODS AND DEVICES FOR FOCAL ADMINISTRATION OF THE SAME

Provided are formulations, methods, and devices for providing a hydrogel. The formulations and resulting hydrogels may be used for treating various disorders, including ocular disorders. In certain embodiments, the hydrogel is formed from formulations comprising (a) a nucleo-functional polymer that is a biocompatible polyalkylene polymer substituted by (i) a plurality of -OH groups, (ii) a plurality of thio-functional groups -R1-SH wherein R1 is an ester-containing linker, and (iii) optionally one or more -OC(O)-(C1-C6 alkyl) groups, such as a thiolated poly(vinyl alcohol) polymer; (b) an electro-functional polymer that is a biocompatible polymer containing at least one thiol-reactive group, such as a poly(ethylene glycol) polymer containing alpha-beta unsaturated ester groups; and (c) one or more pharmaceutically active agents. In certain embodiments, the hydrogel is formed at a targeted sited using methods and/or devices for focal administration of the formulations and/or hydrogels described herein.