Patents Assigned to Alcon
  • WATER INSOLUBLE POLYMER MATRIX FOR DRUG DELIVERY
    Publication number: 20080113027
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition comprising (a) a bioerodible water insoluble polymer matrix comprising a polyester polymer, wherein the polymer matrix has a melting point of less than 60° C. and (b) an active agent dispersed within the polymer matrix, wherein the composition is formulated to controllably release the active agent for a pre-determined period of time to a target site. Also disclosed are methods of treating a disease or condition with the disclosed compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: Alcon Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: Bahram Asgharian, Masood A. Chowhan, Martin B. Wax
  • PAI-1 BINDING MODULATORS FOR THE TREATMENT OF OCULAR DISORDERS
    Publication number: 20080107644
    Abstract: The invention concerns in one embodiment a method for treating glaucoma or elevated IOP in a patient comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of a composition comprising an agent that modulates PAI-1 binding to vitronectin. In another embodiment, the invention concerns a method of manufacturing a compound to be used as a treatment for glaucoma or elevated IOP comprising providing a candidate substance suspected of modulating PAI-1 binding, selecting the compound by assessing the ability of the candidate substance to decrease the amount of active PAI-1 in the trabecular meshwork of a subject suffering from glaucoma or elevated PAI-1, and manufacturing the selected compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: ALCON MANUFACTURING, LTD.
    Inventors: Debra FLEENOR, Iok-Hou PANG, Abbot CLARK
  • Method of Treating Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, and Skin Disorders
    Publication number: 20080108695
    Abstract: The use of 5,6,7-trihydroxyheptanoic acid and analogs is disclosed for the treatment of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and skin disorders such as allergic dermatitis, contact hypersensitivity, urticaria (hives), rosacea, or psoriasis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: Alcon Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Klimko, Clay Beauregard, Bryon Severns
  • Dilution resistant viscoelastic compositions
    Patent number: 7363928
    Abstract: A method of performing intra-articular therapy and a dilution resistant viscoelastic composition are disclosed. One embodiment of the dilution resistant composition comprises a hyaluronate-based viscoelastic agent and a low viscosity, polymer-containing solution. The hyaluronate-based viscoelastic can be an aqueous solution sodium hyaluronate having an average molecular weight greater than 750,000 Daltons and a concentration by weight between 0.5% and 3%. The polymer-containing solution can contain a polymer selected from the group consisting of chondroitin sulfate and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. One embodiment can comprise a polymer-containing solution containing hydroxypropylmethylcellulose at a concentration by weight from about 0.05% to about 5.0% and chondroitin sulfate at a concentration by weight from about 0.1 to about 7%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventor: Mandar V. Shah
  • HIGH THROUGHPUT ASSAY FOR HUMAN RHO KINASE ACTIVITY WITH ENHANCED SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO
    Publication number: 20080096238
    Abstract: The present invention provides a high throughput assay with increased signal-to-noise ration for human Rho kinase activity in vitro, and methods and kits therefor. A high throughput method of assaying a test compound for human Rho kinase modulating activity is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: ALCON, INC.
    Inventors: Najam Sharif, Colene Drace, Gary Williams
  • PACKAGING MATERIALS FOR FORMULATIONS CONTAINING 2-PYRROLIDONE DERIVATIVES
    Publication number: 20080093247
    Abstract: Packaging materials substantially lacking adsorptive and absorptive properties for 2-pyrrolidone derivatives are provided. The packaged products described herein provide for retention of the 2-pyrrolidone derivative within the formulation thereby maintaining the integrity of such formulations. Packaged products are useful for ophthalmic, otic, and nasal applications. Ophthalmic application includes therapeutic uses and contact lens care uses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Alcon Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: Wesley Wehsin Han, Masood A. Chowhan, Jang-Shing Chiou, L. Wayne Schneider, Bhagwati P. Kabra
  • USE OF OCULOSURFACE SELECTIVE GLUCOCORTICOID IN THE TREATMENT OF DRY EYE
    Publication number: 20080096852
    Abstract: Topical ophthalmic compositions and methods for treating dry eye are described. The compositions and methods of the invention are based on the finding that the oculosurface selective properties of the glucocorticoid rimexolone make this anti-inflammatory agent particularly well-suited for treating dry eye. As a result of the limited ability of rimexolone to penetrate the cornea, a high portion of the drug remains on the surface of the eye, which is the primary locus of the inflammatory conditions associated with dry eye. This enables a very low concentration of drug to be utilized, which in turn reduces the potential for elevations of intraocular pressure and cataract formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Alcon,Inc.
    Inventors: John YANNI, Daniel Gamache, Steven Miller, Ernesto Castillo
  • 2-PYRROLIDONE DERIVATIVES FOR PRESERVATION OF OPHTHALMIC, OTIC AND NASAL COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20080095863
    Abstract: 2-Pyrrolidone derivatives are provided as preservatives for topical formulations, particularly for ophthalmic, otic, and nasal formulations. N-octyl-2-pyrrolidone, without any other preservative or preservative aid in an isotonic pH 7.5 formulation, provided sufficient preservation to comply with the European Pharmacopoeia 5.0 standards in addition to the United States Pharmacopoeia 24 standards for parenteral and ophthalmic preparations. On the other hand, N-dodecyl-2-pyrrolidone requires a second anti-microbial agent to achieve such preservation standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: Alcon Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventor: Bhagwati Kabra
  • Self-Preserved Ophthalmic Pharmaceutical Compositions Containing Tobramycin
    Publication number: 20080089953
    Abstract: Self-preserved, multi-dose ophthalmic compositions containing tobramycin are described. The compositions do not contain a conventional antimicrobial preservative, such as benzalkonium chloride. Rather, the compositions are self-preserved as a result of the inherent antimicrobial activity of tobramycin. The compositions preferably also contain either boric acid or, more preferably, a borate/polyol complex selected from the group consisting of borate/propylene glycol, borate/glycerol, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: ALCON, INC.
    Inventors: Masood Chowhan, Ernesto Castillo, Glenn Stafford, Rajni Jani, Haresh Bhagat
  • INTRAOCULAR LENSES WITH UNIQUE BLUE-VIOLET CUTOFF AND BLUE LIGHT TRANSMISSION CHARACTERISTICS
    Publication number: 20080090937
    Abstract: Disclosed are ophthalmic device materials having improved light transmission characteristics. The materials contain a combination of certain UV absorbers and blue-light absorbing chromophores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: Alcon Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: David L. Jinkerson, Joseph I. Weinschenk, Mutlu Karakelle
  • Use of serum amyloid a gene in diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and identification of anti-glaucoma agents
    Patent number: 7357931
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating glaucoma, methods for diagnosing glaucoma, and methods for identifying agents which may be useful in the treatment of glaucoma. More specifically, the present invention describes the use of agents that modulate the expression of serum amyloid A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Abbot F. Clark, Wan-Heng Wang, Loretta McNatt
  • SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE-2 EXPRESSION AND MODULATION FOR GLAUCOMA DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY
    Publication number: 20080085878
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for diagnosing or monitoring elevated intraocular pressure or glaucoma in a patient comprising providing a biological sample from the patient and measuring the expression level of a superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD-2) gene in the biological sample. The present invention also concerns methods for treating glaucoma or elevated intraocular pressure in a patient comprising administering to a patient an effective amount of an agent that modulates SOD-2 expression or SOD-2 activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Applicant: ALCON MANUFACTURING, LTD.
    Inventors: Wan-Heng WANG, Loretta McNatt, Abbot CLARK, Peter KLIMKO
  • Cooling arrangement for brake caliper
    Patent number: 7353919
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brake caliper with at least one axially displaceable, hydraulically actuated piston (1), with which a brake pad (8) can be pressed against a brake disc (9). The brake caliper is characterized in that the piston (1) defines a cavity with at least one inlet opening (12) for feeding a cooling medium into the cavity and an outlet opening (11) for discharging the cooling medium from the cavity. The inlet opening is spaced from the brake pad (8) and the outlet opening is arranged adjacent the pad (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Alcon Components Limited
    Inventor: Joachim Christ
  • Intraocular lens
    Patent number: 7350916
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provide an ophthalmic lens (e.g., an IOL) that includes an optic having an anterior optical surface and a posterior optical surface, where the optic provides an optical power in a range of about 16 D to about 25 D as measured in a medium having an index of refraction substantially similar to that of the eye's aqueous humor (e.g., about 1.336). At least one of the optical surfaces is characterized by an aspherical base profile such that the optic exhibits a negative spherical aberration in a range of about ?0.202 microns to about ?0.190 microns across the power range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Xin Hong, Jihong Xie, Stephen J. Van Noy, Dan Stanley, Mutlu Karakelle, Xiaoxiao Zhang, Michael J. Simpson
  • Agents which regulate, inhibit, or modulate the activity and/or expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) as a unique means to both lower intraocular pressure and treat glaucomatous retinopathies/optic neuropathies
    Patent number: 7351407
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for lowering intraocular pressure and providing neuroprotection to a patient in need thereof by administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one non-nucleotide or non-protein agent that inhibits expression and/or signaling of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Debra L. Fleenor, Allan Shepard, Nasreen Jacobson, Iok-Hou Pang, Abbot F. Clark
  • Method and instrumentation for cooling a surgical incision
    Patent number: 7351219
    Abstract: An infusion sleeve of an ultrasonic vibrating needle. The sleeve is collapsible and serrated or scalloped at a distal end. Fluid flows through a passage between the needle and the infusion sleeve in a direction from the proximal end of the sleeve to a distal end of the sleeve. Upon reaching the distal end, the fluid emerges by flowing across valley formations that are between peak formations of the distal end of the infusion sleeve. The peak formations abut the exterior of the incision so that the fluid flow cools tissue at the incision and the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. MacKool
  • SELF PRESERVED AQUEOUS PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20080075790
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the provision of multi-dose, self-preserved ophthalmic compositions. The compositions possess sufficient antimicrobial activity to satisfy USP preservative efficacy requirements, as well as similar preservative standards (e.g., EP and JP), without requiring the presence of conventional anti-microbial preservative agents, such as benzalkonium chloride. The compositions are effectively preserved by a balanced ionic buffer system containing zinc ions at a concentration of 0.04 to 0.9 mM, preferably 0.04 to 0.4 mM. One aspect of the balanced buffer system is limitation of the amount of buffering anions present to a concentration of 15 mM or less, preferably 5 mM or less. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions also contain borate or, most preferably, one or more borate/polyol complexes. The use of propylene glycol as the polyol in such complexes is strongly preferred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: ALCON MANUFACTURING, LTD.
    Inventors: Bhagwati Kabra, Masood Chowhan, L. Schneider, Wesley Han
  • OPHTHALMIC COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING A SYNERGISTIC COMBINATION OF THREE POLYMERS
    Publication number: 20080075687
    Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions suitable for use as artificial tears or as vehicles for ophthalmic drugs are disclosed. The compositions contain a combination of three polymers that have a synergistic effect on viscosity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Masood Chowhan, Huagang Chen
  • Use of inorganic nanoparticles to stabilize hydrogen peroxide solutions
    Patent number: 7344725
    Abstract: The use of inorganic nanoparticles to stabilize aqueous hydrogen peroxide solutions is described. The preferred nanoparticles are formed from clays. The use of nanoparticles formed from synthetic smectite clays is particularly preferred. The stabilized hydrogen peroxide solutions may be utilized for various purposes, but are particularly useful as contact lens disinfecting solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Allen Ketelson, Nathaniel D. McQueen
  • Surgical console
    Patent number: D567381
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Argelio M. Olivera, Mark J. Forchette, John C. Huculak, Roger Thomas, David Weston, Russell L. Finlay