Patents Assigned to Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6977246
    Abstract: The present invention relates to certain novel dinucleotides and formulations thereof which are highly selective agonists of the P2Y2 and/or P2Y4 purinergic receptor. They are useful in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases such as chronic bronchitis, PCD, cystic fibrosis, as well as prevention of pneumonia due to immobility. Furthermore, because of their general ability to clear retained mucus secretions and stimulate ciliary beat frequency, the compounds of the present invention are also useful in the treatment of sinusitis, otitis media and nasolacrimal duct obstruction. They are also useful for treatment of dry eye disease and retinal detachment as well as facilitating sputum induction and expectoration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: William Pendergast, Benjamin R. Yerxa, Janet L. Rideout, Suhaib M. Siddiqi
  • Patent number: 6921755
    Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of tear secretion in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the ocular surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5?-triphosphate (UTP), dinucleotides, cytidine 5?-triphosphate (CTP), adenosine 5?-triphosphate (ATP), or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate tear fluid secretion and enhance drainage of the lacrimal system. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or selective release membrane; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Karla M. Jacobus, William Pendergast, Janet L. Rideout
  • Patent number: 6916794
    Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of tear secretion in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the ocular surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5?-triphosphate (UTP), dinucleotides, cytidine 5?-triphosphate (CTP), adenosine 5?-triphosphate (ATP), or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate tear fluid secretion and enhance drainage of the lacrimal system. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or selective release membrane; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceutical, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Karla M. Jacobus, William Pendergast, Janet L. Rideout
  • Patent number: 6897201
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of reducing intraocular pressure. The method comprises administering to a subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a nucleoside 5?-pyrophosphate pyranoside or analogue, which is defined by general Formula I. The method of the present invention is useful in the treatment or prevention of ocular hypertension, such as found in glaucoma, including primary and secondary glaucoma. The method can be used alone to reduce intraocular pressure. The method can also be used in conjunction with another therapeutic agent or adjunctive therapy commonly used to treat glaucoma to enhance the therapeutic effect of reducing the intraocular pressure. The present invention also provides a novel composition comprising a nucleoside 5?-pyrophosphate pyranoside or analogues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose L. Boyer, Benjamin R. Yerxa, Robert Plourde, Jr., Edward G. Brown
  • Patent number: 6887858
    Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of tear secretion in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the ocular surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5?-triphosphate [UTP], dinucleotides, cytidine 5?-triphosphate [CTP], adenosine 5?-triphosphate [ATP], or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate tear fluid secretion and enhance drainage of the lacrimal system. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or selective release membrane; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Karla M. Jacobus, William Pendergast, Janet L. Rideout
  • Patent number: 6881725
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of treating pain. The method comprises administering to a subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a P2X receptor antagonist. The methods of the present invention are useful in reducing pain, such as traumatic pain, neuropathic pain, organ pain and pain associated with diseases. The P2X receptor antagonists particularly useful for this invention are mononucleoside polyphosphate derivatives or dinucleoside polyphosphate derivatives of general Formula I. The compounds of the present method can be used alone to treat pain. The compounds of the present method can also be used in conjunction with other therapeutic agents or adjunctive therapies commonly used to treat pain, thus enhancing the overall pain-reducing effect in a subject in need of such treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Ward M. Peterson, Christopher S. Crean
  • Patent number: 6872710
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to P1, P4-di(uridine 5?)-tetraphosphate, tetra-alkali metal salts such as tetrasodium, tetralithium, tetrapotassium, and mixed tetra-alkali metal cations thereof. The tetra alkali metal salts of P1, P4-di(uridine 5?)-tetraphosphate are water-soluble, nontoxic, and easy to handle during manufacture. These tetra-monovalent alkali metal salts are more resistant to hydrolysis than the mono-, di-, or tri-acid salts, therefore, they provide an improved stability and a longer shelf life for storage. The present invention also provides methods for the synthesis of P1, P4-di(uridine 5?)-tetraphosphate, and its pharmaceutically acceptably acceptable salts thereof, and demonstrates the applicability to the production of large quantities. The methods substantially reduce the time required to synthesize diuridine tetraphosphate, for example, to three days or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Edward G. Brown
  • Patent number: 6867199
    Abstract: The present invention relates to certain novel dinucleoside polyphosphates of general Formulae I, II and III, and formulations thereof which are selective ligands of the P2Y purinergic receptors. Applicants have discovered that dinucleoside polyphosphates of general Formulae I, II and III are effective in clearing retained mucous secretions, balancing tissue hydration and fluid secretion, and/or inhibiting or preventing early stages of platelet activation, platelet degranulation, and platelet aggregation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Janet L. Rideout, Benjamin R. Yerxa, Sammy Ray Shaver, James G. Douglass, III
  • Patent number: 6864243
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preventing or treating retinal degeneration arising from pathophysiological or physical conditions. The method comprises administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising a purinergic P2Y receptor ligand, in an amount effective to elevate its extracellular concentration to activate retinal glial and neuronal cell surface P2Y receptors and mount a neuroprotective response. Methods of administering including intravitreal bolus and sustained administrations, transscleral delivery, topical, and systemic administrations. The pharmaceutical composition useful in this invention comprises a P2Y purinergic receptor agonist, which include uridine 5?-di-and triphosphate (UDP, UTP) and their analogs, adenosine 5?-diphosphate (ADP) and its analogs, cytidine 5?-di-and triphosphate (CDP, CTP) and their analogs, and dinucleoside polyphosphate compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventor: Ward M. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6818629
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating edematous retinal disorders. The method comprises administration of a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a hydrolysis-resistant P2Y receptor agonist to stimulate the removal of pathological extraneous fluid from the subretinal and retinal spaces and thereby reduce the accumulation of said fluid associated with retinal detachment and retinal edema. The P2Y receptor agonist can be administered with therapeutic and adjuvant agents commonly used to treat edematous retinal disorders. The pharmaceutical formulation useful in this invention comprises a P2Y receptor agonist with enhanced resistance to extracellular hydrolysis, such as dinucleoside polyphosphate compounds, or hydrolysis-resistant mononucleoside triphosphates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ward M. Peterson, Benjamin R. Yerxa
  • Patent number: 6765090
    Abstract: The present invention provides new methods for the synthesis of the therapeutic dinucleotide, P1,P4-di(uridine 5′-tetraphosphate), and demonstrates applicability to the production of large quantities. The methods of the present invention substantially reduce the time period required to synthesize diuridine tetraphosphate, preferably to three days or less. The novel tetrammonium and tetrasodium salts of P1,P4-di(uridine 5′-tetraphosphate) (Formula I) prepared by these methods are stable, soluble, nontoxic, and easy to handle during manufacture. wherein: X is Na, NH4 or H, provided that all X groups are not H.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, William Pendergast
  • Patent number: 6730707
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing intraocular pressure by administering pharmaceutical compositions comprising indole derivatives. The pharmaceutical compositions useful in this invention comprise indole derivatives and melatonin analogs of Formulae I-IV. A preferred embodiment is a method of lowering intraocular pressure using 5-(methoxycarbonylamino)-N-acetyltryptamine (5-MCA-NAT), also known as GR 135531, which has a prolonged duration of action and greater efficacy in lowering intraocular pressure compared to melatonin. The present invention further provides a method of treating disorders associated with ocular hypertension, and a method of treating various forms of glaucoma; the method comprises administering an effective dose of a pharmacuetical composition comprising an indole derivative with or without agents commonly used to treat such disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignees: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Universidad Complutense de Madrid
    Inventors: Jesus J. Pintor, Maria A. Peral, Ward M. Peterson, Robert Plourde, Jr., Edward G. Brown, Benjamin R. Yerxa
  • Patent number: 6713458
    Abstract: The present invention provides new methods for the synthesis of the therapeutic dinucleotide, P1,P4-di(uridine 5′-tetraphosphate), and demonstrates applicability to the production of large quantities. The methods of the present invention substantially reduce the time period required to synthesize diuridine tetraphosphate, preferably to three days or less. The novel tetrammonium and tetrasodium salts of P1,P4-di(uridine 5′-tetraphosphate) (Formula I) prepared by these methods are stable, soluble, nontoxic, and easy to handle during manufacture. Therapeutic uses of Formula I include treatment of sinusitis, otitis media, dry eye, retinal detachment, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, female infertility and irritation due to vaginal dryness, via increased mucus secretions and hydration of the epithelial surface. wherein: X is Na, NH4 or H, provided that all X groups are not H.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, William Pendergast
  • Patent number: 6703376
    Abstract: A method of promoting drainage of mucous secretions in the congested airways of a bedridden/immobilized patient or an intubated/mechanically-ventilated patient is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the airways of the patient a uridine phosphate such as uridine 5′-triphsophate(UTP) or P1,P4-di(uridine-5′) tetraphosphate, an analog of UTP, or any other analog, in an amount effective to promote drainage of fluid in the congested airways, including sinuses, to create the ciliary beat frequency of cilia on the surface lumina epithelia cells, to increase the secretions of mucous by goblet cells and to promote the clearance of retained secretions by hydrating mucous secretions, by stimulating ciliary beat frequency in the airways and by stimulating surfactant production. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Karla M. Jacobus, H. Jeff Leighton
  • Patent number: 6696425
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of stimulating tear secretion and mucin production in eyes. The method comprises the step of administering to the eyes of a subject a composition comprising a compound of Formula I, II, III, or IV and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, in an amount effective to stimulate tear fluid secretion. The method of the present invention may be used to increase tear production for any reason, including, but not limited to, treatment of dry eye disease and corneal injury. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or selective release membrane; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Karla Jacobus, William Pendergast, Janet L. Rideout
  • Patent number: 6673779
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of stimulating ciliary beat frequency to promote mucociliary or cough clearance of retained mucus secretions from the lungs, sinuses, upper airways, ears, eyes, genito-urinary tract, spermatozoa, ovaries, fallopian tubes, neutrophils, and macrophages of a patient. The method comprises administering uridine triphosphates, adenosine triphosphates, cytidine triphosphates, or dinucleoside tetraphosphates and the derivatives thereof to an affected body of a patient, to treat dysfunction of the mucociliary clearance system as a result of impaired ciliary movement in the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignees: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Karla M. Jacobus, Benjamin R. Yerxa, William Pendergast, Richard C. Boucher, Jr., Janet L. Rideout, David J. Drutz, Michael K. James, Monroe Jackson Stutts, Cara Geary, Eduardo R. Lazarowski
  • Patent number: 6624150
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of regulating water and mucin secretions and fluid transport in the gastrointestinal tract. The invention also provides a method for treating a gastrointestinal disease in which the mucosal barrier of the gastrointestinal system is impaired. The invention additionally provides a method for correcting disorders of fluid secretion or absorption in the gastrointestinal system. The method comprises administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising a purinergic P2Y receptor agonist, in an amount effective to regulate water and mucin secretions or to correct abnormal fluid transport in the gastrointestinal tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Janet L. Rideout, William Pendergast, Sammy Ray Shaver, Zhen Zhang, Ward M. Peterson, Matthew Cowlen
  • Patent number: 6596725
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating edematous retinal disorders. The method comprises administration of a P2Y receptor agonist to stimulate the removal of pathological extraneous fluid from the subretinal and retinal spaces and thereby reduce the accumulation of said fluid associated with retinal detachment and retinal edema. The P2Y receptor agonist may be administered with therapeutic and adjuvant agents commonly used to treat edematous retinal disorders. The pharmaceutical composition useful in this invention comprises a P2Y receptor agonist with enhanced resistance to extracellular hydrolysis, such as dinucleoside polyphosphate compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ward M. Peterson, Benjamin R. Yerxa
  • Patent number: 6555675
    Abstract: The present invention relates to certain novel dinucleotide polyphosphates of general Formulae I, II and III, and formulations thereof which are selective agonists of the P2Y purinergic receptors. They are useful in the prevention, management or treatment of diseases and disorders associated with abnormalities of tissue fluid secretion, hydration and clearance, including chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (chronic bronchitis, PCD, cystic fibrosis, immobility-associated pneumonia), sinusitis, otitis media, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, dry eye disease, glaucoma, retinal degeneration, and edematous retinal disorders, including retinal detachment, vaginal dryness, and gastrointestinal tract disease. Finally, these novel dinucleotides may be useful for diagnostic purposes, such as the facilitation of sputum induction and expectoration for the analysis of respiratory tract secretions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Janet Rideout, Benjamin R. Yerxa, Sammy Ray Shaver, James G. Douglass, III
  • Patent number: 6548658
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the synthesis of a pharmaceutically useful dinucleotide, P1, P4-di(uridine 5′)-tetraphosphate, and demonstrates the applicability to the production of large quantities. The methods of the present invention substantially reduce the time required to synthesize diuridine tetraphosphate, for example, to three days or less. The tetrasodium, ammonium, lithium and potassium salts of P1, P4-di(uridine 5′)-tetraphosphate prepared by these methods are stable, soluble, nontoxic, of high purity and easy to handle during manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin R. Yerxa