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-limiting with respect to the rate of release of the agent from the polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sustained release system that includes a polymer and a prodrug having a solubility less than about 1 mg/ml dispersed in the polymer. Advantageously, the polymer is permeable to the prodrug and may be non-release rate limiting with respect to the rate of release of the prodrug from the polymer. This permits improved drug delivery within a body in the vicinity of a surgery via sustained release rate kinetics over a prolonged period of time, while not requiring complicated manufacturing processes.

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: The invention provides a trocar assembly for delivering a payload into tissue, such as an eye, comprising a primary housing, a cannula, a payload, an actuator and a trocar.

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: 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 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: 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: 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-limiting with respect to the rate of release of the agent from the polymer.

Abstract: Implantable, injectable, insertable, or otherwise administrable compositions that form hydrogels when implanted, injected, inserted, or administered into or onto living tissues comprise a pharmaceutically effective compound wherein the pharmaceutically effective compound is a codrug, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof in admixture with a hydrogel-forming compound. The pharmaceutically effective compound may be any compound that is soluble in bodily fluids, or that forms bodily fluid-soluble adducts when exposed to bodily fluids. Exemplary compounds include analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic compounds. The hydrogel-forming compound is a biologically tolerated substance that forms a hydrogel upon exposure to bodily fluids, such as the interstitial fluid surrounding or within a joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of localized pain by providing sustained release of an agent suitable for treating pain, methods for preparing and administering the agent, and methods of formulating and administering the agent as a pharmaceutical preparation. The agent can be locally administered to reduce systemic concentrations of the agent.

Abstract: An intraluminal medical device comprises a stent having a coating applied to at least part of an interior surface, an exterior surface, or both. The coating comprises a sustained release formulation of a combination of pharmaceutical compounds dispersed within a biologically tolerated polymer composition. The choice of the combination of pharmaceutical compounds are intended to reduce neointimal hyperplasia restenosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions for topical delivery comprising a suitable carrier and a codrug capable of penetrating, or being transported across, the dermis. The codrug according to the invention comprises a first constituent moiety linked to a second constituent moiety, wherein the second constituent moiety is the same as, or different from, the first constituent moiety. The first and second constituent moieties are so linked that they are easily transported into or across the dermis, into the skin, or into the blood or lymphatic system, and are reconstituted in vivo to form the first and second constituent moieties.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an injector device including an inserter element, a head element, an implant and a set of detachable protector elements for secured device handling. The device comprises a stop that controls the penetration depth of the device during injection. The device may comprise a removable catch that prevents the implant from exiting the device due to the advancement of its inserter element. The device may comprise a disengageable block that prevents the implant from exiting the device from its head element. The device may be configured for intraocular drug delivery.

Abstract: An intraluminal medical device comprises a stent having a coating applied to at least part of an interior surface, an exterior surface, or both. The coating comprises a sustained release formulation of a combination of pharmaceutical compounds dispersed within a biologically tolerated polymer composition. The choice of the combination of pharmaceutical compounds are intended to reduce neointimal hyperplasia restenosis.

Abstract: A compound that contains at least two independently active pharmacological moieties, either covalently conjoined through a physiologically labile linker or ionically associated. One pharmacological moiety is an HMGCoA reductase inhibitor (such as a statin). Another pharmacological moiety is an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor.

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.

Abstract: The invention provides a compound comprising a first pharmacological moiety connected to at least a second pharmacological moiety through a physiologically labile linker, or a salt thereof. The invention also provides a method of reducing cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular disease-related conditions in an individual. The method involves administering to an individual with cardiovascular disease an effective amount of a compound, in which the compound has a first pharmacological moiety linked to a second pharmacological moiety, and the compound or either or both of the constituent pharmacological moieties acts to reduce, treat, or prevent cardiovascular disease. The compounds of the invention can be delivered in a drug delivery device.

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 present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions for topical delivery comprising a suitable carrier and a codrug capable of penetrating, or being transported across, the dermis. The codrug according to the invention comprises a first constituent moiety linked to a second constituent moiety, wherein the second constituent moiety is the same as, or different from, the first constituent moiety. The first and second constituent moieties are so linked that they are easily transported into or across the dermis, into the skin, or into the blood or lymphatic system, and are reconstituted in vivo to form the first and second constituent moieties.