Abstract: Implant devices, systems and methods for insertion into a punctum of a patient optionally comprises a drug core and a sheath body disposed over the drug core. The drug core includes a therapeutic agent deliverable into the eye, and the sheath defines at least one exposed surface of the drug core. The exposed surface(s) of the drug core may contact a tear or tear film fluid and release the therapeutic agent at therapeutic levels over a sustained period when the implant is implanted for use. The implant may include a retention element to retain the drug core and sheath body near the punctum, optionally comprising a shape memory alloy that can resiliently expand. An occlusive element may be attached to the retention element to at least partially occlude tear flow through the canalicular lumen.

Abstract: Featured are devices for delivering a treatment medium to an eye as well as methods related thereto. Such devices and methods allow a desired amount of the treatment medium to be delivered in a controllable manner over a predetermined time period. In particular embodiments, the delivery device is configured and arranged so the treatment medium is eluted from one portion of the delivery device and so that another portion thereof is removably secured within a natural opening or orifice in or proximal to the eye. In specific embodiments the another portion is configured and arranged so as to be removably secured within the natural opening comprising at least one punctum of an eye.

Abstract: Inhibitors of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) are used in the treatment of inflammatory disease, including cutaneous inflammatory diseases, such as psoriasis, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus and atopic dermatitis.

Abstract: Immuno-adjuvant photodynamic therapy to treat and prevent metastatic cancer is effected using photosensitizers in combination with immuno-adjuvants to destroy metastatic tumor cells.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the use of TOFA in the treatment of acne and other dermatological disorders. This invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising TOFA and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient for dermatological or oral administration.

Abstract: Compounds of the following formula are disclosed: Methods of preparing the compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and methods of treating patients by administration of the pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of reduced fluency rate PDT to treat neovasculature, particularly choroidal neovasculature (CNV). Reduced fluency rate PDT decreases the likelihood of molecular oxygen being the limiting factor in the photodynamic reaction so that the concentration of either photons (light intensity) or photosensitizer in the target tissue controls the photodynamic reaction.

Abstract: Compounds of the following formula are disclosed: Methods of preparing the compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and methods of treating patients by administration of the pharmaceutical compositions, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of renal diseases using modulators of integrin linked kinase. Methods of treatment as well as therapeutic agents including antisense, small molecules, catalytic peptides and antibodies are disclosed. The agents of the invention may also be used in combination with traditional therapies for renal disease including ACE inhibitors. An advantage of the invention is that it treats one of the causes of renal disease, rather than just ameliorating symptoms, and can help prevent the progression of renal disease to the point of acute renal failure.

Abstract: The present method involves the photodynamic treatment of acne vulgaris. The method involves the topical administration of a photosensitizer composition comprising hydrophobic green porphyrins such as lemuteporfin, polyethylene glycol and skin penetration enhancers such as oleyl alcohol and TRANSCUTOL™ to acne-affected skin and subsequent exposure of that skin to energy of a wavelength of activating the photosensitizer.

Abstract: Methods are provided to specifically modulate the activation of monocytes and/or macrophages. Administration of integrin linked kinase (ILK) blocking agents; compounds that otherwise prevent the binding of natural ILK ligands to ILK; or compounds that prevent expression of, or signaling through ILK exert an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting iNOS and COX-2 expression, at the level of transcription by suppressing the activation of NF-?B. The modulation of activation through ILK is used to regulate immune processes at targeted sites, for example to decrease undesirable inflammatory responses.

Abstract: Multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis can be treated effectively using photodynamic therapy. In this protocol, a photoactive compound is administered, allowed to distribute in the effected subject, and the subject is then irradiated to activate the photoactive compound. Alternatively, the blood of a subject to be treated can be subjected to PDT extracorporeally. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, localized treatment at the joints may also be employed.

Abstract: The invention provides nanoparticles containing photosensitizers and their use in the field of photodynamic therapy (PDT). The invention also provides methods for the preparation of such nanoparticles as well as for their sterilization.

Abstract: Methods of using thiazolidine derivatives of formula (I) to treat cancer, inflammation, or other disorders related to the activities of protein phosphatases PTPN12 or PTPN2 in a mammal are disclosed.

Abstract: The present method involves the photodynamic treatment of hyperactive gland disorders. The method involves the topical administration of a photosensitizer composition comprising hydrophobic and/or lipophilic green porphyrins such as lemuteporfin, polyethylene glycol and skin penetration enhancers such as oleyl alcohol and TRANSCUTOL™ to affected skin and subsequent exposure of that skin to energy of a wavelength capable of activating the photosensitizer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photodynamic method of treating prostatic disorders such as BPH. The method comprises: administering a photosensitizer by direct injection to the prostate tissue of a subject afflicted with or suspected of being afflicted with a prostatic disorder; and irradiating the prostate tissue with energy at a wavelength appropriate to activate the photosensitizer, wherein a guidewire is utilized to position the injection device and the irradiation apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of renal diseases using modulators of integrin linked kinase. Methods of treatment as well as therapeutic agents including antisense, small molecules, catalytic peptides and antibodies are disclosed. The agents of the invention may also be used in combination with traditional therapies for renal disease including ACE inhibitors. An advantage of the invention is that it treats one of the causes of renal disease, rather than just ameliorating symptoms, and can help prevent the progression of renal disease to the point of acute renal failure.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of using compounds having the structure: and including stereoisomers, solvates, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein each of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is independently selected from hydrogen, R5, R6, and R7; R5 is selected from alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl; R6 is selected from (R5)n-alkylene, (R5)n-heteroalkylene, (R5)n-arylene and (R5)n-heteroarylene; R7 is selected from (R6)n-alkylene, (R6)n-heteroalkylene, (R6)n-arylene, and (R6)n-heteroarylene; and n is selected from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, where R1 and R2 may together form a heterocyclic structure including the nitrogen to which they are both attached, and R3 and R4 may together form a heterocyclic structure including the nitrogen to which they are both attached; and each of L1 and L2 is independently selected from -A1-A2-A3- where each of A1, A2, and A3 is independently selected from a direct bond, alkylene, heteroalkylene, arylene and heteroarylene.

Abstract: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is used to stimulate and/or restore hair growth in areas of hair loss. Methods and compositions relating to PDT treatment for alopecia are disclosed. In light of PDT use to remove unwanted hair by inactivating or destroying hair follicles or destroying the tissue feeding the hair follicles, such methods and compositions relate to a surprising and unexpected discovery. PDT permits a means to treat conditions relating to hair loss such as androgenic alopecia, alopecia areata and drug-induced alopecia.

Abstract: New compounds useful in photodynamic therapy are of the formula and their 1,4-diene isomers and the metallated and/or labeled and/or conjugated forms thereof wherein each R1 is independently alkyl(1-6C); each n is independently an integer of 0-6; and R2 is vinyl or a derivative form thereof.