Abstract: The invention relates to a novel suspension delivery system for the sustained and controlled release of pharmaceuticals. Methods of preparation and use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A therapeutically effective compound is locally administered by associating the compound with a piece of orthopedic hardware that is implanted at an appropriate site within a body. The compound is adapted, such as through a sustained release device, to administer an effective dosage continuously over an extended period of time. The compound may be administered, for example, to a joint of a mammal by intraarticularly implanting a sustained release device to deliver the therapeutically effective compound within a synovial capsule of the joint, such that synovial fluid concentration of the compound is greater than plasma concentration of the compound. A wide range of orthopedic hardware, such as bone screws and staples, may be adapted to use in the systems described herein to provide treatment for a variety of medical conditions.

Abstract: A method and device for treating a mammalian organism to obtain a desired local or systemic physiological or pharmacological effect is provided. The method includes administering a sustained release drug delivery system to a mammalian organism in need of such treatment at an area wherein release of an effective agent is desired and allowing the effective agent to pass through the device in a controlled manner. The device includes an inner core or reservoir including the effective agent, an impermeable tube which encloses portions of the reservoir, and a permeable member at an end of the tube.

Abstract: The invention provides insertable drug delivery devices for the controlled and sustained release of nucleic acid-based therapeutic agents, including antisense agents, siRNAs, ribozymes, and aptamers.

Abstract: An implantable, refillable, rate controlled drug delivery device is disclosed that includes a base structure having at least a first opening and a second opening, the base structure defining a chamber, a septum covering the first opening and configured to substantially prevent leakage from the first opening to an exterior of the device, a drug delivery tube comprising a first and second distal end, wherein the first distal end of the tube communicates with the chamber through the second opening, and at least one rate-limiting permeable membrane disposed across a passage between the base structure and the second distal end of the drug delivery tube, which membrane passively regulates drug delivery. The drug delivery device is used to provide controlled drug delivery to an internal portion of the body and is advantageously leak-proof and does not rely on a pressure differential to drive the drug from the device.

Abstract: The invention provides liquid controlled-release drug delivery compositions which gel upon injection into the body to form, in situ, controlled-release drug implants. The compositions of the invention feature a gel-forming polymer that is insoluble in water, a polyethylene glycol solvent in which the polymer is dissolved, and the drug substance to be delivered.

Abstract: An implantable, refillable, rate controlled drug delivery device is disclosed that includes a base structure having at least a first opening and a second opening, the base structure defining a chamber, a septum covering the first opening and configured to substantially prevent leakage from the first opening to an exterior of the device, a drug delivery tube comprising a first and second distal end, wherein the first distal end of the tube communicates with the chamber through the second opening, and at least one rate-limiting permeable membrane disposed across a passage between the base structure and the second distal end of the drug delivery tube, which membrane passively regulates drug delivery. The drug delivery device is used to provide controlled drug delivery to an internal portion of the body and is advantageously leak-proof and does not rely on a pressure differential to drive the drug from the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sustained release drug delivery systems, medical devices incorporating said systems, and methods of use and manufacture thereof. The inventive systems feature bioerodible drug delivery devices that include biocompatible solid and biocompatible fluid compositions to achieve desired sustained release drug delivery.

Abstract: The invention relates to codrugs having improved properties, methods for preparing and administering them, and methods of formulating and administering the codrugs as pharmaceutical preparations. In certain embodiments, the codrugs can be locally administered to deliver the constituent biologically active compound in a sustained-release fashion, reducing systemic concentrations of the biologically active compound.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods (including business methods) and reagents (including packaged pharmaceutical compositions) for use in predicting the long term effect on visual acuity (VA) of a pharmaceutical or treatment regimen in a patient with macular edema.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for treating and/or preventing raised intraocular pressure, such as that associated with glaucoma or the use of corticosteroids with adrenergic agents. The invention provides insertable sustained-release devices adapted to maintain a therapeutically effective concentration of one or more adrenergic agents for an extended period of time, and a method of use thereof.

Abstract: A salt of a codrug of at least two drug compounds covalently linked to one another via a labile bond to form a single codrug, and methods of use of the codrug salt for the treatment of various medical conditions. The codrug salt may be administered by itself or in the form of a bioerodible or nonbioerodible substance.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for treating and/or preventing raised intraocular pressure, such as that associated with glaucoma or the use of corticosteroids, with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. The invention provides insertable sustained-release devices adapted to maintain a therapeutically effective concentration of one or more carbonic anhydrase inhibitors for an extended period of time, and a method of use thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides for sustained release formulations for systemic delivery of drugs or other therapeutic agents that are highly soluble in water. Methods of administration of the agents and devices useful for administration are also disclosed. In particular, sustained release formulations are disclosed for the treatment of glaucoma, including methods and devices suitable for the administration of the formulations.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to methods and compositions of steroid suspensions suitable for intraocular use in the treatment or prevention of a variety of ocular diseases. Specifically, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions with significantly reduced endotoxin levels that are suitable for intraocular use. The invention also relates to methods of reducing the level of endotoxins within certain compositions, such as pharmaceutical compositions, that can be used for intraocular delivery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for administering a corticosteroid to a posterior segment of an eye. In the method, a sustained release device is implanted to deliver the corticosteroid to the eye. The aqueous corticosteroid concentration remains less than vitreous corticosteroid concentration during release of the corticosteroid from the device.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein provide sustained delivery of a therapeutic agent for treating a patient, e.g., human, to obtain a desired local or systemic physiological or pharmacological effect. Method includes positioning the sustained released drug delivery system at an area wherein release of the agent is desired and allowing the agent to pass through the device to the desired area of treatment. In some embodiments, the method is for treating or reducing the risk of retroviral or lentiviral infection. In certain embodiments, the method is for preventing or reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, wherein the therapeutic agent is an antiviral agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sustained release system that includes a polymer and a pharmaceutically active agent dispersed in the polymer. The agent is in granular or particulate form, and has a rate of release from the system that is limited primarily by the rate at which the agent dissolves from the granules into the polymer matrix. Advantageously, the polymer is permeable to the agent and is non-release-rate-with limiting with respect to the rate of release of the agent from the polymer.

Abstract: A drug delivery device can, in whole or in part, be formed by co-extruding a drug core and an outer tube. The outer tube may be permeable, semi-permeable, or impermeable to the drug. The drug core may include a polymer matrix which does not significantly affect the release rate of the drug. The outer tube, the polymer matrix of the drug core, or both may be bioerodible. The co-extruded product can be segmented into drug delivery devices. The devices may be left uncoated so that their respective ends are open, or the devices may be coated with, for example, a layer that is permeable to the drug, semi-permeable to the drug, or bioerodible.

Abstract: Loss of hearing can be treated by implanting a sustained-release drug delivery device in the inner ear. The slow delivery of medication from the implanted device to the tissues of the ear, including the inner ear, can treat numerous conditions of the ear while avoiding the side effects associated with systemic administration.