Abstract: Fatty acid/amino acid soaps are used to enhance antimicrobial effectiveness in topically administrable pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one active ingredient, a cationic preservative and an anionic polyelectrolyte, such as a carboxyvinyl polymer, xanthan gum, polystyrene sulfonic acid polymer or cationic exchange resin.

Abstract: Ophthalmic, otic and nasal compositions containing a new class of antibiotics (e.g., moxifloxacin) are disclosed. The compositions preferably also contain one or more anti-inflammatory agents. The compositions may be utilized to treat ophthalmic, otic and nasal conditions by topically applying the compositions to the affected tissues. The compositions and methods of the invention are particularly useful in the treatment of acute otitis externa infections and ophthalmic infections attributable to one or both of two newly identified Microbacterium species, Microbacterium otitidis and Microbacterium alconae.

Abstract: Methods for treating persons with glaucoma or ocular hypertension with glutamate antagonists and IOP-lowering compounds are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the antagonism of FP receptor-mediated biological responses are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for treating post-surgical formation of cataracts or posterior capsule opacification are disclosed. The methods utilize compositions containing certain compounds having an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant moiety covalently linked by and amide and ester bond.

Abstract: A lacrimal cannula, which is used for the removal of plugs or obstructions from mammalian lacrimal canaliculi having a punctum, includes a body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, an external annulus disposed proximate the distal portion, and a hollow bore for fluid delivery from the distal portion. The external annulus has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the distal portion. The distal portion is inserted into the mammalian punctum without dilating the punctum and the external annulus has a generally spherical geometry which forms a seal with the external surface of the punctum without dilating the punctum and without the necessity of forcefully pressing the cannula against the punctal tissue to create a seal. The distal portion also has a relatively short length so that the distal portion is easily inserted into the canaliculus without contacting the plug or obstruction and thus interfering with the formation of the punctal seal.

Abstract: Amido polybiguanides and their use as antimicrobial agents in pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed. A method of synthesis of amido polybiguanides is also disclosed. The amido polybiguanides are useful in the preservation of pharmaceutical compositions, particulary opthalmic and otic pharmaceutical compositions and compositions for treating contact lenses. The compounds are especially useful for disinfecting contact lenses.

Abstract: Topical ophthalmic anti-allergy drugs are identified by the extent of their interaction with a phospholipid model membrane. Disclosed are topically administrable ophthalmic formulations containing amphipathic anti-allergy compounds at concentrations such that the drugs have Surface Activity Ratings from about 2-11.

Abstract: 13-Aza analogs of PGF2&agr; and methods of their use in treating glaucoma and ocular hypertension are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of selecting an intraocular lens material for reducing the risk of posterior capsule opacification is disclosed. The method comprises determining the tack of the material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ophthalmic compositions containing a gelling amount of a combination of galactomannan polysaccharides and borates. The compositions gel or partially gel upon administration to the eye. The present invention also discloses methods of topical ophthalmic administration of the compositions of the eye.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece having two coaxially mounted tubes or channels mounted to a body. The first tube is used for aspiration and is smaller in diameter than the second tube so as to create an annular passage between the first and second tube. The annular gap communicates with a pumping chamber formed between two electrodes. The pumping chamber works by boiling a small volume of the surgical fluid. As the fluid boils, it expands rapidly, thereby propelling the liquid downstream of the pumping chamber out of the annular gap. The distal end of the annular gap is sealed by frictionally fitting together the distal ends of the first and second tube. One or more grooves formed in either the first or second tubes allow fluid being propelled down the annular gap to escape. A stop may be provided against which the escaping fluid impinges such as by crimping the second tube near the distal end of the second tube.

Abstract: Methods, for lowering intraocular pressure by implanting in the anterior chamber encapsulated cells which secrete an intraocular pressure lowering substance.

Abstract: Methods of treating or preventing ophthalmic, otic, and nasal infections and attendant inflammation are described. The methods utilize ophthalmic, otic, and nasal compositions containing a new class of antibiotics (e.g. trovafloxacin). The compositions also contain one or more anti-inflammatory agents (e.g. dexamethasone). The compositions are utilized to treat ophthalmic, otic, and nasal conditions by topically applying the compositions to the affected tissues.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel methods of prostanoid synthesis. Specifically, the invention is directed to the addition of alpha chains to prostanoids using cis-alkenylstannane intermediates.

Abstract: A method of lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) employs an upregulating agent that induces increased prostaglandin synthesis in the eye. The method of treatment entails administering to the eye of a mammal in need thereof a prostaglandin upregulating agent to increase endogenous prostaglandin synthesis and thereby effect a reduction in intraocular pressure. In a preferred embodiment the upregulating agent is IL-1.

Abstract: Substituted tetrahydrofuran analogs of prostaglandins and methods of their use in treating glaucoma and ocular hypertension are disclosed.

Abstract: Water-soluble borate-polyol complexes are useful as buffers and/or antimicrobials in aqueous ophthalmic compositions, including those containing polyvinyl alcohol. These compositions have greater antimicrobial activity than comparable compositions containing typical borate buffers and unexpectedly increase the antimicrobial efficacy of other antimicrobial agents when used in combination. In addition, use of the borate-polyol complexes avoids the incompatibility problem typically associated with the combination of borate buffer and polyvinyl alcohol; therefore, the compositions disclosed herein may also contain polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: High refractive index copolymers suitable for use in ophthalmic devices are disclosed. The copolymers comprise a) two or more monomers of the structure: wherein: X is H or CH3; m is 0-10; Y is nothing, O, S, or NR wherein R is H, CH3, CnH2n+1(n=1-10), iso-OC3H7, C6H5, or CH2C6H5; Ar is any aromatic ring which can be unsubstituted or substituted with H, CH3, C2H5, n-C3H7, iso-C3H7, OCH3, C6H11, Cl, Br, C6H5, or CH2C6H5; a crosslinking monomer having a plurality of polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated groups, and b) a total of about 5 mole % or less of one or more monomers of the structure: wherein: X is H or CH3; W is —CH3 or (CH2═C(—X)—C(═O)—); and n is such that the weight average molecular weight is approximately 600-1000 if W is —CH3 and approximately 400-1000 if W is (CH2═C(—X)—C(═O)—).

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of dry eye and related diseases utilizing EP4 receptor agonists are disclosed.