Patents Assigned to Alcon
  • Pharmaceutical compositions having desirable bioavailability
    Patent number: 8754123
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the provision of pharmaceutical compositions. The compositions include a therapeutic agent and a relatively low amount of surfactant for providing higher bioavailability of the therapeutic agent. The compositions are particularly desirable as ophthalmic compositions in which the therapeutic agent is a prostaglandin such as travoprost and the surfactant is a vegetable oil such as castor oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Bhagwati P. Kabra
  • Bubble-driven IOP control system
    Patent number: 8753305
    Abstract: An intraocular pressure control system for implantation in an eye of a patient to provide drainage from an anterior chamber of the eye to a drainage location at the eye includes a drainage tube and a valve system arranged to control drainage flow between the anterior chamber and the drainage site, the valve system being configured to control fluid flow using an electrolysis process and closed loop feedback from pressure sensors able to determine: flow rate, IOP, bleb pressure, and internal valve pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Leslie Field, Matthew Rickard
  • RNAi-related inhibition of TNF? signaling pathway for treatment of ocular angiogenesis
    Patent number: 8754202
    Abstract: RNA interference is provided for inhibition of tumor necrosis factor ? (TNF?) by silencing TNF? cell surface receptor TNF receptor-1 (TNFR1) mRNA expression, or by silencing TNF? converting enzyme (TACE/ADAM17) mRNA expression. Silencing such TNF? targets, in particular, is useful for treating patients having a TNF?-related condition or at risk of developing a TNF?-related condition, such as ocular angiogenesis, retinal ischemia, and diabetic retinopathy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd
    Inventors: Jon E. Chatterton, Abbot F. Clark, David P. Bingaman, Martin B. Wax, Adrian M. Timmers
  • Punctal plugs and methods of delivering therapeutic agents
    Patent number: 8753666
    Abstract: The present invention concerns implantable ocular devices for the sustained release of medication to the eye, and methods for manufacturing and using such devices. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device comprising: (a) a body comprising a matrix of a prostaglandin and a silicone; (b) a parylene coating on the outer surface of the body; and (c) one or more pores extending from the outer surface of the parylene coating to the outer surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Theron R. Rodstrom, Larry Smith, II, Youqin Tian, David Allen Marsh, Alan L. Weiner, Shivalik Bakshi
  • POLYMERIC ARTIFICIAL TEAR SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20140161760
    Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial tear formulations and ophthalmic formulations suitable for drug delivery. The formulations comprise galactomannans such as guar or hydroxypropyl guar and a borate source such as boric acid. The formulations further comprise a cis-diol such as sorbitol that interferes with the cross-linking of galactomannan and borate. Optionally, the formulations are substantially free of divalent cations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Howard Allen Ketelson, David L. Meadows, James W. Davis
  • SYSTEM AND PROCEDURE FOR ENHANCING OCULAR DRAINAGE
    Publication number: 20140163542
    Abstract: Various systems, apparatuses, and processes may be used for enhancing ocular drainage. In particular implementations, a system for ocular drainage may include an ocular interface that includes a base and a number of diathermy needles. The diathermy needles may extend from the base a distance sufficient to penetrate a sclera of an eye and provide radio frequency energy to a trabecular meshwork.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Guido Vezzu
  • VACUUM CONTROL METHOD FOR SURGICAL HAND PIECE
    Publication number: 20140163454
    Abstract: A surgical hand piece is described that maintains a vacuum pressure within the hand piece at a selected level. A check valve is provided substantially near an inlet of an integrated aspirating pump. The check valve opens to introduce fluid into the hand piece to maintain the vacuum pressure within the hand piece at or above the selected level so as to prevent or substantially reduce post-occlusion flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Glenn Robert Sussman, John Morgan Bourne, Mikhail Boukhny
  • SUPRACHORIODAL DRAINAGE TUBE IN A FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20140163448
    Abstract: Described herein is a treatment device for the drainage of fluid within an eye of a patient. The treatment device comprises a drainage tube and a flow system in fluid communication with the drainage tube. The drainage tube has a lumen and comprises an inlet tube portion and an outlet tube portion, and is configured to convey aqueous humor through the lumen from an anterior chamber of the eye to a suprachoroidal space of the eye. The inlet tube portion extends from the anterior chamber to the flow system, and the outlet tube portion is flexible to conform to the curvature of the suprachoroidal space and extends from the valve system to the suprachoroidal space. The flow system is configured to control intraocular pressure by throttling flow rates of the aqueous humor through the drainage tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventors: CASEY JEAN LIND, ROBERT JOSEPH SANCHEZ, JR., ROBERT M. FELDMAN
  • FINAFLOXACIN SUSPENSION COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20140162990
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating an ophthalmic, otic, or nasal infection comprising treating the infected tissue with a suspension composition comprising finafloxacin or a finafloxacin derivative. The present invention also relates to antimicrobial compositions comprising finafloxacin free base or a finafloxacin derivative. The compositions are suitable for the treatment of ophthalmic, otic, or nasal infections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventors: Brent G. Boudreaux, Mark J. Bridle, Bryan H. Huynh, Malay Ghosh, Masood A. Chowhan, Laman Alani, Bhagwati P. Kabra
  • PHACOEMULSIFICATION HAND PIECE WITH INTEGRATED ASPIRATION AND IRRIGATION PUMP
    Publication number: 20140163455
    Abstract: A method of irrigating a surgical site and aspirating fluid from the surgical site. The method includes directing a fluid through an aspiration conduit in a phacoemulsification hand piece using a vacuum pressure created from a pump in the hand piece interfacing with the aspiration conduit and directing an irrigation fluid through an irrigation conduit in the hand piece using a pressure created from the pump interfacing with the irrigation conduit. The method also includes increasing an irrigation fluid flow through the irrigation conduit by activating the pump in the hand piece, detecting a pressure associated with a surgical site using a sensor, and controlling intraocular pressure (IOP) by adjusting the pump speed based on the detected pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: ALCON RESEARCH, LTD.
    Inventors: DANIEL J. WILSON, PARTHA CHANDRAKANT
  • Vitrectomy probe with adjustable cutter port size
    Patent number: 8747426
    Abstract: Vitrectomy probes and systems related thereto are disclosed herein. There are various example vitrectomy probes having an adjustable cutting port size. Various example features are described for adjusting the size of the cutting port. Further, there are examples included herein for adjusting the size of the cutter port while the vitrectomy probe is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: John R. Underwood, Matthew Braden Flowers, Jack Robert Auld, John Christopher Huculak
  • INFUSION PRESSURE CONTROL USING BLOOD PRESSURE
    Publication number: 20140155817
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and software for controlling infusion pressure, such as during a medical procedure, using systemic blood pressure are described. Systemic blood pressure, such as brachial arm blood pressure or radial artery blood pressure, may be used to estimate central retinal artery blood pressure to estimate critical closing pressure. Further, the disclosure relates to controlling infusion pressure to prevent an increase in intraocular pressure above the estimated critical closing pressure when such is not desired, and, when such is desired, using systemic blood pressure and infusion pressure to control an intentional increase in intraocular pressure above the estimated critical closing pressure to stop intraocular bleeding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven T. Charles
  • Systems and methods for dynamic pneumatic valve driver
    Patent number: 8728108
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a pneumatic system valve for a surgical console may be controlled by a controller configured to adjust a valve duty cycle (VDC) of the valve to reduce a difference between the valve's differential pressure and a desired differential pressure. In some embodiments, average differential pressures may be detected and relayed from a pressure sensor, coupled to one or more ports of the valve, to the controller. The controller may compare the measured average differential pressure against the desired average differential pressure (e.g., received from the user). The controller may then determine a modified VDC to reduce a difference between the desired average differential pressure and the measured average differential pressure. In some embodiments, the desired average differential pressure may be determined based on input received from a user of the surgical console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shawn X. Gao, Mark Alan Hopkins
  • DISPOSABLE CAPSULORHEXIS FORCEPS
    Publication number: 20140135820
    Abstract: Example forceps, including forceps formed from a polymeric material, are disclosed herein. The forceps may include a forceps tip having a pair of grasping surfaces formed at a first end of a tip body and movable between an open position and a closed position. A tip connector is provided at a second end of the tip body for connection of the forceps tip to a handle. A sleeve is received over the tip body and is movable therealong for moving the grasping platforms between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Philipp Schaller, Reto Grueebler
  • INTERFERING RNA DELIVERY SYSTEM AND USES THEREOF
    Publication number: 20140135267
    Abstract: The invention provides a delivery system comprising a cell penetrating peptide, a polyarginine peptide, and an interfering RNA molecule. The system can be used for delivering interfering RNA molecules into a cell in vivo or in vitro. Therapeutic uses for the delivery system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jon E. Chatterton
  • Pharmaceutical compositions having desirable bioavailability
    Patent number: 8722735
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the provision of pharmaceutical compositions. The compositions include a therapeutic agent and a relatively low amount of surfactant for providing higher bioavailability of the therapeutic agent. The compositions are particularly desirable as ophthalmic compositions in which the therapeutic agent is a prostaglandin such as travoprost and the surfactant is a vegetable oil such as castor oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bhagwati P. Kabra, Nuria Carreras, Mónica Cuchi, Francisco Javier Galán, Mridvika, Elena González Puig, Nuria Jiménez, Carmen Martinez
  • Post-occlusion chamber collapse canceling system for a surgical apparatus and method of use
    Patent number: 8721594
    Abstract: A post-occlusion chamber collapse canceling system for a surgical apparatus that detects the breaking of occlusions by tissue fragments in the distal end of the aspiration path and produces a response consisting in a transitory blockage of the distal end the aspiration path to terminate the chamber collapse and a transitory venting of the aspiration line to relieve the vacuum, in a way that post-occlusion chamber collapses are cancelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jaime Zacharias
  • Self starting mode-locked laser oscillator
    Patent number: 8724666
    Abstract: A laser oscillator to generate a pulsed light beam includes an output coupler mirror, configured to reflect a reflected portion of the pulsed light beam back into the laser oscillator, and to couple an outputted portion of the pulsed light beam out from the laser oscillator; an end-mirror, configured to return the pulsed light beam into the laser oscillator; a gain material, positioned between the output coupler mirror and the end-mirror along an optical path, configured to amplify the pulsed light beam; a self-starting saturable absorber, configured to self-start a pulsed mode-locking operation of the laser oscillator; and a pulse-shaping saturable absorber, configured to shape pulses of the pulsed light beam into laser pulses with a pulse length of less than 1,000 femtoseconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon LenSx, Inc.
    Inventor: Ferenc Raksi
  • Power saving glaucoma drainage device
    Patent number: 8721580
    Abstract: A glaucoma drainage device has an active valve configured to be located between an anterior chamber of an eye and a drainage location, a power source coupled to the active valve, and a controller coupled to the power source. A first pressure sensor is located in fluid communication with the anterior chamber, a second pressure sensor is located in the drainage location, and a third pressure sensor located remotely from the first and second pressure sensors. The controller reads the first, second, and third pressure sensors once during a period of time and adjusts the active valve to control intraocular pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew J. A. Rickard, Robert Joseph Sanchez, Jr.
  • PUNCTAL PLUG COMPRISING A WATER-INSOLUBLE POLYMERIC MATRIX
    Publication number: 20140128478
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a water insoluble polymer matrix that comprises a bioerodable polyester polymer or a fatty acid based polyester polymer, or a mixture of both polymers, wherein the polymer matrix has a melting point of less than 60° C., and wherein the composition is liquid or paste at room temperature and is formulated to occlude a punctual channel in a subject and conforms to the shape of the canalicular or punctal channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bahram Asgharian, Masood A. Chowhan