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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: The present invention are 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.

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.

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.

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 purinerginic receptor ligand, which is a mononucleoside polyphosphate or dinucleoside polyphosphate defined by general Formula I. The method of the present invention is useful in the treatment or prevention of ocular hypertension, such as 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 other therapeutic agents or adjunctive therapy commonly used to treat glaucoma to enhance the therapeutic effect of reducing the intraocular pressure.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preventing or treating an inflammatory disease, including but not limited to, sinusitis, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, asthma, dermatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, inflammatory collagen vascular diseases, glomerulonephritis, inflammatory skin diseases, and sarcoidosis. The method comprises administrating to a subject a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a nucleotide receptor agonist, such as nucleoside diphosphate, nucleoside triphosphate, or dinucleoside polyphosphate, according to general formula Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, or III. Preferred indications of the present invention are perennial allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, infectious allergic rhinitis, and allergic conjunctivitis.

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.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of altering the amount or composition of synovial fluids secreted from joints in a subject in need of such treatment. The method comprises administering to a subject a nicotinic receptor agonist such as nicotine, transmetanicotine, epibatidine, lobeline, and imidacloprid; analogs of such nicotinic agonists; and pyridol and para-alkylthiophenol derivatives in an amount effective to stimulate synovial secretions. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of their production and administration are also disclosed. The invention is useful for treating disorders associated with joint stiffness, including but not limited to, osteoarthritis and following arthroplastic surgery.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of altering the amount or composition of synovial fluids secreted from joints in a subject in need of such treatment. The method comprises administering to a subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising a P2Y purinergic receptor agonist in an amount effective to alter the amount or composition of synovial fluids. The P2Y purinergic receptor agonist is administered in an amount effective to stimulate secretion of synovial fluid, lubricin, hyaluronic acid, or surface-active phospholipids; to enhance joint lubrication; or to treat osteoarthritis. The pharmaceutical compositions useful in the present invention comprise a P2Y purinergic receptor agonist of Formula I and include, but are not limited to: uridine-, adenosine-, cytidine-5′-di- or triphosphates, dinucleoside polyphosphates, and analogs thereof. The invention is useful for treating conditions associated with reduced joint lubrication and joint stiffness, such as osteoarthritis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mononucleoside phosphate compounds that have the benefits of a dinucleotide pharmaceutical. These mononucleoside phosphates can be made from a mononucleotide that has been modified by attaching a degradation resistant substituent on the terminal phosphate of a polyphosphate mononucleotide. By attaching this degradation resistant substituent, the stability from degradation matches or exceeds those of certain dinucleotides.

Abstract: A method of delivering heterologous nucleic acid (e.g., a gene sequence) into a cell comprises attaching a virus containing a heterologous gene sequence to a G protein coupled receptor (i.e., a seven transmembrane receptor such as the P2Y2 receptor). The virus may be attached to the receptor by means of a bridging antibody, or by binding an antibody specific for the receptor with an antibody specific for the virus, wherein the antibody that specifically binds with the receptor and the antibody that specifically binds to the virus are cross-linked. Alternatively, the virus may express a peptide that specifically binds to the receptor. The receptor may be induced to internalize by means of the addition of a ligand known to trigger internalization of the receptor into the cell.