Abstract: Fluoroalkyl hydrocarbons as vehicles for pharmaceutical drugs are disclosed. These vehicles are particularly well-suited for delivering drugs which are insoluble in water or chemically unstable in aqueous media. Pharmaceutical solution compositions based on these vehicles have long shelf lives and provide improved drug bioavailability. In addition, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention are nonaqueous, and therefore do not require preservatives or tonicity agents. The invention is particularly useful in the field of ophthalmology.

Abstract: The invention discloses PEG-modified proteases, compositions containing these modified enzymes, and methods for using them to clean contact lenses. The methods of the present invention are also directed to the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lenses, when compositions of the present invention are combined with a suitable disinfectant.

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

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions containing biocompatible, bioadhesive polymerizable amphipathic mesophase materials useful for repairing retinal tissue tears or retinal detachments are disclosed. In one embodiment, the polymerizable materials, which comprise substituted fluoroalkyl or perfluoroalkyl monomers having anionic, cationic, and/or nonionic surface active functionality in the unsaturated fluorophobic ends, are polymerized in vivo to provide effective, long-lasting repair of torn, ruptured or detached retinal tissue. Ophthalmic applications of these materials are not limited to retinal repair.

Abstract: The use of polyethoxylated castor oils in prostaglandin compositions greatly enhances the prostaglandin's chemical stability.

Abstract: Compounds useful as cytoprotective agents are disclosed. The compounds possess dual activity, containing a phenolic portion selected to have antioxidant or free radical scavenging properties and a thiazolidine-4-carboxylate portion selected for its potential to act as a cysteine prodrug.

Abstract: A package having two halves that are connected by a hinge. The hinge allows the halves to be folded against each other about a device and held in this position by snap/indentation pairs. A folded tab on one half rests against a detent on the other half. Pushing down on the folded tab causes the tab to straighten out and thereby push against the detent, eventually overcoming the frictional force of the snap/indentation pair closest to the tab and pushing the halves apart an amount sufficient to remove the device.

Abstract: Thermally gelling emulsion compositions which reversibly increase in either loss modulus or storage modulus, or both, upon contact with the eye, skin, mucous membrane or body cavity are disclosed. The emulsion compositions contain one or more nonionic substituted cellulose ethers and do not require a charged surfactant or a pH-sensitive polymer for such increase in loss modulus or storage modulus, or both, upon administration. In one embodiment, the compositions gel upon instillation in the eye.

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

Abstract: Combinations of at least one clonidine derivative and at least one prostaglandin are used to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension without some of the side effects typically associated with topical administration of prostaglandins.

Abstract: The compounds of the present invention are of the formula (I): A--X--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --Y--(CH.sub.3).sub.m --Z wherein: A is an non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAIA); A--X is an ester or amide linkage derived from the carboxylic acid moiety of the NSAIA, wherein X is O or NR; R is H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 cycloalkyl; Y, if present, is O, NR, C(R).sub.2, CH(OH) or S(O).sub.n' ; n is 2 to 4 and m is 1 to 4 when Y is O, NR, or S(O).sub.n' ; n is 0 to 4 and m is 0 to 4 when Y is C(R).sub.2 or is not present; n is 1 to 4 and m is 0 to 4 when Y is CH(OH); n' is 0 to 2; and Z is (a), (b), (c), (d) or (e) wherein: R' and R.sup.3 are H, C(O)R, C(O)N(R).sub.2, PO.sub.3.sup.-, or SO.sub.3.sup.- ; R" is H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl; and R' and R.sup.3 together may form a ring having structure: (1) or (2); and provided that when Z is (e), X is not O. The compounds of the present invention also include pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of formula (I).

Abstract: Compounds and methods for treating ocular tissues are disclosed. The methods utilize viscoelastic compositions containing certain compounds having an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant moiety covalently linked by an amide or ester bond. The compounds are useful in preventing and treating inflammatory and proliferative disorders through several mechanisms.

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: Certain prostaglandin analogues are useful in the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Also disclosed are ophthalmic, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such prostaglandin analogues.

Abstract: A system and method for tuning and controlling ultrasonic handpieces by incorporating a broad-spectrum signal as at least a component of the signal used to drive the handpiece. The response of the handpiece to this broad-spectrum signal is measured and the frequency or amplitude or both of the drive signal are adjusted in order to maintain the desired level of handpiece performance. The operation of the systems and the performance of the methods described enables the handpiece to be operated in a most effective manner over a more widely varying range of mechanical load and thermal conditions than was possible through the use of prior control systems and methods.

Abstract: A process employing a supercritical fluid anti-solvent for sizing prednisolone acetate is disclosed. The process optionally incorporates sterilization filters. Average particle sizes of about 1 .mu.m or less (number average) and narrow particle size ranges are obtainable. The process comprises the steps of (a) forming a solution by dissolving prednisolone acetate in acetone such that the concentration of prednisolone acetate is approximately 80% or less of its solubility in acetone; and (b) transporting the solution formed in step (a) through an orifice having a diameter of 50-100 .mu.m into a mixer/expander containing compressed CO.sub.2, wherein the compressed CO.sub.2 is at a temperature from about 40.degree. to 80.degree. C. and has a density less than the density of the solution by at least 0.3 g/cc, to expand the solution so that the acetone dissolves in the CO.sub.2 and the prednisolone acetate precipitates.

Abstract: A self-contained adapter that is connected to a surgical console. The adapter contains all of the components necessary to allow different cassettes to be used with the surgical console.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions containing angiostatic compounds and methods for their use in preventing pathological neovascularization.

Abstract: Compositions and methods directed to the use of adenosine uptake inhibitors for the treatment of retinal and optic nerve head damage following acute or chronic glaucoma, edema, ischemia, hypoxia or trauma are disclosed.