Patents Assigned to Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20080214490
    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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: William Pendergast, Sammy Ray Shaver, David J. Drutz, Janet L. Rideout, Benjamin R. Yerxa
  • Patent number: 7414137
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to practical high-yielding synthetic processes for preparing 3,4-disubstituted-thiazolidin-2-ones, which do not compromise the absolute stereochemical integrity of the compounds. The present invention is also directed to novel compounds of 3,4-disubstituted-thiazolidin-2-ones. The compounds prepared by the present invention are useful in the synthesis and manufacture of compounds (such as latrunculins and/or their analogs) for treating diseases or conditions associated with inhibiting actin polymerization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan B. DeCamp, Paul S. Watson, Jin She
  • Patent number: 7378082
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating allergic rhinitis without causing an adverse effect of bitter taste. The method comprises administering to a patient an aqueous pharmaceutical formulation comprising 0.1-0.15% (w/v) of epinastine or an acid addition salt thereof, 0.05-0.5% (w/v) of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose to maintain the viscosity between 1.5-10 centipoise, 1-2% (w/v) of propylene glycol, and a buffer to maintain the pH between 5-8, said aqueous epinastine formulation has a tonicity between 200-400 mOsm/kG; the formulation does not contain a sweetening agent. The present invention provides a method for effectively treating allergic rhinitis by delivering a small volume of the epinastine formulation to the nose of a patient using a small volume metered-dose nasal spray pump. The present method does not cause an adverse effect of bitter taste without including sweetening agents in the formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventor: Ramesh Krishnamoorthy
  • Patent number: 7368438
    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 or related disorders. The method comprises administering to a subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a non-nucleotide compound, preferably a P2Y12 receptor antagonist compound, wherein said amount is effective to inhibit platelet aggregation. The compounds useful for this invention include compounds of general Formula I and III-XI, or salts, hydrates, and solvates thereof. The present invention also provides novel compounds according to Formula I and III-XI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Plourde, Jr., Sammy R. Shaver, José L. Boyer, Melwyn A. Abreo, Lorenzo J. Alfaro-Lopez, Yangbo Feng, Daniel F. Harvey, Tatyana V. Khasonova, Chi Tu
  • Patent number: 7335648
    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 or related disorders. The method comprises administering to a compounds useful for this invention include compounds of general Formulae I and III-XII, or salts, hydrates, and solvates thereof. The present invention also provides novel compounds of Formulae I and III-XII.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Plourde, Jr., Sammy R. Shaver, James G. Douglass, III, Paul S. Watson, José L. Boyer, Chi Tu, Melwyn A. Abreo, Lorenzo J. Alfaro-Lopez, Yangbo Feng, Daniel F. Harvey, Tatyana V. Khasonova
  • Patent number: 7320974
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to synthetic cytoskeletal active compounds that are related to natural Latrunculin A or Latrunculin B. The present invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The invention is additionally directed to a method of preventing or treating diseases or conditions associated with actin polymerization. In one embodiment of the invention, the method treats increased intraocular pressure, such as primary open-angle glaucoma. The method comprises administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a cytoskeletal active compound of Formula I or II, wherein said amount is effective to influence the cytoskeleton, for example by inhibiting actin polymerization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Lampe, Robert Plourde, Jr., Jin She, Jason L. Vittitow, Paul S. Watson, Michael T. Crimmins, David J. Slade
  • Patent number: 7256183
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preventing or treating an inflammatory disease, including but not limited to, sinusitis, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, asthma, dermatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, inflammatory collagen vascular diseases, glomerulonephritis, inflammatory skin diseases, and sarcoidosis. The method comprises administrating to a subject a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a nucleotide receptor agonist, such as nucleoside diphosphate, nucleoside triphosphate, or dinucleoside polyphosphate, according to general formula Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, or III. Preferred indications of the present invention are perennial allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, infectious allergic rhinitis, and allergic conjunctivitis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ward M. Peterson, Benjamin R. Yerxa
  • Patent number: 7247623
    Abstract: A method and preparation for reducing dry eye symptoms and promoting tear secretion in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the eyes of the subject a non-drying antihistamine compound, such as epinastine hydrochloride, in an amount effective to reduce dry eye symptoms and stimulate tear fluid secretion. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the compound include topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or a continuous or selective release device; 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: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Jason L. Vittitow, John C. Ice, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7235535
    Abstract: A method and preparation for enhancing drainage of lacrimal system 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: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Karla M. Jacobus, William Pendergast, Janet L. Rideout
  • Patent number: 7223744
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating edematous retinal disorders. The method comprises administration of a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a hydrolysis-resistant 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 can be administered with therapeutic and adjuvant agents commonly used to treat edematous retinal disorders. The pharmaceutical formulation useful in this invention comprises a P2Y receptor agonist with enhanced resistance to extracellular hydrolysis, such as dinucleoside polyphosphate compounds, or hydrolysis-resistant mononucleoside triphosphate salts. The present invention also provides P1-(2?-deoxycytidine 5?-)P4-(uridine 5?-)tetraphosphate, tetra-(alkali metal) salts such as tetrasodium, tetralithium, tetrapotassium, and mixed (tetra-alkali metal) salts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Ward M. Peterson, Janet L. Rideout, William Pendergast
  • Patent number: 7132408
    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 5?-monophosphates, mononucleoside polyphosphates, and dinucleoside polyphosphates of general Formula I, or salts thereof. The present invention also provides novel compounds of mononucleoside 5?-monophosphates, mononucleoside polyphosphates, and dinucleoside polyphosphates. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising mononucleoside 5?-monophosphates, mononucleoside polyphosphates, or dinucleoside polyphosphates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignees: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc., University of North Carolina
    Inventors: José L. Boyer, James G. Douglass, III, Sammy R. Shaver, Krzysztof Bednarski, Benjamin R. Yerxa, Gillian M. Olins
  • Patent number: 7132410
    Abstract: The present invention are directed to P1, P4-di(uridine 5?-)tetraphosphate, tetra-alkali metal salts such as tetrasodium, tetralithium, tetrapotassium, and mixed tetra-alkali metal cations thereof. The tetra alkali metal salts of P1, P4-di(uridine 5?-)tetraphosphate are water-soluble, nontoxic, and easy to handle during manufacture. These tetra-monovalent alkali metal salts are more resistant to hydrolysis than the mono-, di-, or tri-acid salts, therefore, they provide an improved stability and a longer shelf life for storage. The present invention also provides methods for the synthesis of P1, P4-di(uridine 5?-)tetraphosphate, and its pharmaceutically acceptably acceptable salts thereof, and demonstrates the applicability to the production of large quantities. The methods substantially reduce the time required to synthesize diuridine tetraphosphate, for example, to three days or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Edward G. Brown
  • Patent number: 7115585
    Abstract: The present invention relates to mononucleoside phosphate compounds that have the benefits of a dinucleotide pharmaceutical. These mononucleoside phosphates can be made from a mononucleotide that has been modified by attaching a degradation resistant substituent on the terminal phosphate of a polyphosphate mononucleotide. By attaching this degradation resistant substituent, the stability from degradation matches or exceeds those of certain dinucleotides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, James G. Douglass, III, Sammy Ray Shaver, Ward M. Peterson, Edward G. Brown, Christopher S. Crean
  • Patent number: 7109181
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of altering the amount or composition of synovial fluids secreted from joints in a subject in need of such treatment. The method comprises administering to a subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising a P2Y purinergic receptor agonist in an amount effective to alter the amount or composition of synovial fluids. The P2Y purinergic receptor agonist is administered in an amount effective to stimulate secretion of synovial fluid, lubricin, hyaluronic acid, or surface-active phospholipids; to enhance joint lubrication; or to treat osteoarthritis. The pharmaceutical compositions useful in the present invention comprise a P2Y purinergic receptor agonist of Formula I and include, but are not limited to: uridine-, adenosine-, cytidine-5?-di- or triphosphates, dinucleoside polyphosphates, and analogs thereof. The invention is useful for treating conditions associated with reduced joint lubrication and joint stiffness, such as osteoarthritis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Cowlen, Benjamin R. Yerxa, Arthur C. Jones, Edward G. Brown
  • Patent number: 7101860
    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 therapeutically 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 compositions comprising mononucleoside polyphosphates and dinucleoside polyphosphates according to Formula Ia and Ib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignees: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc., University of North Carolina
    Inventors: Jose L. Boyer, Gillian M. Olins, Benjamin R. Yerxa, James G. Douglass
  • Patent number: 7091334
    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 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, William Pendergast
  • Patent number: 7084128
    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 purinerginic receptor ligand, which is a mononucleoside polyphosphate or dinucleoside polyphosphate defined by general Formula I. The method of the present invention is useful in the treatment or prevention of ocular hypertension, such as 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 other therapeutic agents or adjunctive therapy commonly used to treat glaucoma to enhance the therapeutic effect of reducing the intraocular pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Robert Plourde, Jr., Edward G. Brown, Ward M. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7078391
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating edematous retinal disorders. The method comprises administration of a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a hydrolysis-resistant 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 can be administered with therapeutic and adjuvant agents commonly used to treat edematous retinal disorders. The pharmaceutical formulation useful in this invention comprises a P2Y receptor agonist with enhanced resistance to extracellular hydrolysis, such as dinucleoside polyphosphate compounds, or hydrolysis-resistant mononucleoside triphosphates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ward M. Peterson, Benjamin R. Yerxa
  • Patent number: 7018985
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel compounds of dinucleotide polyphosphates and the method of preventing or treating diseases or conditions associated with platelet aggregation. The method comprises administering systemically to a patient a pharmaceutical comprising a purinergic P2? receptor antagonist, in an amount effective to elevate its extracellular concentration to bind to P2? receptors and inhibit P2? receptor-mediated platelet aggregation. Methods of systemic administration include injection by intravenous, intramuscular, intrasternal and intravitreal routes, infusion, transdermal administration, oral administration, rectal administration and intra-operative instillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignees: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: José L. Boyer, Gillian M. Olins, Benjamin R. Yerxa, James G. Douglass, III
  • Patent number: 6984629
    Abstract: Based on research for compounds that can display a corneal epithelial migration promoting effect in ophthalmology, the present invention provides P2Y receptor agonist corneal epithelial migration promoters, such as phosphoric acid compounds having an adenosyl group, uridyl group, xanthosyl group, guanosyl group, or thymidyl group, or their salts, with excellent corneal epithelial migration promoting effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignees: Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Nakata, Masatsugu Nakamura, Tsutomu Fujihara, Hiromi Fujita