Patents by Inventor Benjamin R. Yerxa

Benjamin R. Yerxa has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20020193340
    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: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Karla Jacobus, William Pendergast, Janet L. Rideout
  • Patent number: 6462028
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of stimulating cervical and vaginal secretions in a mammal by treatment with P2Y2 and/or P2Y4 purinergic receptor agonists. Treatment of vaginal dryness associated with menopause, chemotherapy, and various disease states as well as the treatment of vulvar pain is discussed. Suitable agonists such as UTP, CTP, ATP, dinucleotides and analogs thereof are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: William Pendergast, Sammy R. Shaver, David J. Drutz, Janet L. Rideout, Benjamin R. Yerxa
  • Publication number: 20020128224
    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: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Jose L. Boyer, Benjamin R. Yerxa, Robert Plourde, Edward G. Brown
  • Patent number: 6448276
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating vaginal dryness by increasing hydration and lubrication of vaginal and cervical tissues in a subject in need of such treatment. The method comprises administering to the subject a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist such as nicotine and its analogs, transmetanicotine and its analogs, epibatidine and it analogs, lobeline and its analogs, pyridol derivatives, para-alkylthiophenol derivatives, and imidacloprid and its analogs, in an amount effective to stimulate cervical and vaginal secretions. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the formulation include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, ointment, foam, pessary, or tablet; systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, suppository form, or transdermal form. The invention is useful for treating vaginal dryness and vulvar pain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin R. Yerxa
  • Patent number: 6436910
    Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of mucosal hydration in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the mucosal surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5′-diphosphate (UDP), dinucleotide triphosphates; cytidine 5′-diphosphate (CDP), adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP), or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate mucin secretion. 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 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Janet L. Rideout, Arthur C. Jones
  • Publication number: 20020103158
    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: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Janet Rideout, Benjamin R. Yerxa, Sammy Ray Shaver, James G. Douglass
  • Publication number: 20020103157
    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: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Karla M. Jacobus, William Pendergast, Janet L. Rideout
  • Patent number: 6420347
    Abstract: A method of stimulating ciliary beat frequency in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the airways, ears, eyes, or genito-urinary tract of the subject a triphosphate nucleotide such as uridine 5′-triphosphate (UTP), an analog of UTP, or any other analog, in an amount effective to stimulate ciliary beat frequency. This method is useful for treating patients afflicted with ciliary dyskinesia, Kartagener's syndrome, or any other disease involving dysfunction of ciliary movement, such as male infertility caused by impairment of propulsion of the spermatozoa or immune deficiency caused by impairment of ciliary movement in neutrophils or macrophages. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    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, Cary Geary, Edwardo R. Lazarowski
  • Publication number: 20020086851
    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: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Benjamin R. Yerxa
  • Publication number: 20020082417
    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: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: William Pendergast, Benjamin R. Yerxa, Janet L. Rideout, Suhaib M. Siddiqi
  • Publication number: 20020065244
    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: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Karla M. Jacobus, William Pendergast, Janet L. Rideout
  • Publication number: 20020052337
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of preventing or treating diseases or conditions associated with platelet aggregation. The method is also directed to a method of treating thrombosis. The method comprises administering to a subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutic effective amount of P2Y12 receptor antagonist compound, wherein said amount is effective to bind the P2Y12 receptors on platelets and inhibit ADP-induced platelet aggregation. The P2Y12 receptor antagonist compounds useful for this invention include mononucleoside polyphosphates and dinucleoside polyphosphates of general Formula I, or salts thereof. The present invention also provides novel compositions comprising mononucleoside polyphosphates and dinucleoside polyphosphates according to Formula Ia and Ib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: Jose L. Boyer, Gillian M. Olins, Benjamin R. Yerxa, James G. Douglass
  • Publication number: 20020052336
    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: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Janet L. Rideout, William Pendergast, Sammy R. Shaver, Zhen Zhang, Ward M. Peterson, Matthew Cowlen
  • Publication number: 20020052338
    Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of mucosal hydration in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the mucosal surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5′-diphosphate (UDP), dinucleotide triphosphates; cytidine 5′-diphosphate (CDP), adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP), or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate mucin secretion. 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: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Janet L. Rideout, Arthur C. Jones
  • Publication number: 20020037887
    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: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: Jesus J. Pintor, Maria A. Peral, Ward M. Peterson, Robert Plourde, Edward G. Brown, Benjamin R. Yerxa
  • Patent number: 6348589
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: William Pendergast, Benjamin R. Yerxa, Janet L. Rideout, Suhaib M. Siddiqi
  • Patent number: 6331529
    Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of mucosal hydration in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the mucosal surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5′-diphosphate (UDP), dinucleotides, cytidine 5′-diphosphate (CDP), adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP), or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate mucin secretion. 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 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Janet L. Rideout, Arthur C. Jones
  • Patent number: 6323187
    Abstract: The present invention relates to P1-(cytidine 5′-)-P-(uridine 5′-)tetraphosphates and its salts, esters and amides, and formulations thereof which are highly stable and selective agonists of the P2Y2 and/or P2Y4 purinergic receptor. The compounds of the invention are useful in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases such as chronic bronchitis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, cystic fibrosis, as well as prevention of pneumonia due to immobility, and the induction of sputum and its expectoration. 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 and otitis media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignees: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, William Pendergast, Janet L. Rideout, Maryse Picher, Richard C. Boucher, Jr., M. Jackson Stutts
  • Patent number: 6319908
    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: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, William Pendergast
  • Publication number: 20010031743
    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: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Ward M. Peterson, Benjamin R. Yerxa