Patents Assigned to QLT Plug Delivery, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20100274204
    Abstract: Lacrimal implants and related methods providing secure, wedgable retention within a lacrimal punctum and associated canaliculus of an eye are disclosed. The lacrimal implants can comprise an implant body configured for at least partial insertion through the lacrimal punctum and into the canaliculus. The implant body can include first and second portions, and can extend from a proximal end of the first portion defining a longitudinal proximal axis to a distal end of the second portion defining a longitudinal distal axis. The implant body can be configured such that, when implanted using an integral dilator, an angled intersection exists between the proximal and distal axes. In this way, at least a portion of the implant body can be biased against at least a portion of the lacrimal canaliculus located at or more distal to a canalicular curvature, thereby retaining an implanted position of the lacrimal implant using anatomical structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: QLT Plug Delivery, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan R. RAPACKI, Valery Rubinchik, Charles Richard Kjellbotn
  • Publication number: 20100274224
    Abstract: Lacrimal implants for treating ocular diseases are disclosed. More particularly, lacrimal punctal plugs, methods of making such plugs, and methods of treating ocular diseases using such plugs are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: QLT Plug Delivery, Inc.
    Inventors: Rachna Jain, Robert W. Shimizu, Alan R. Rapacki, Sylvie Sim
  • Publication number: 20100189766
    Abstract: Substance delivering punctum plug devices and related methods for treating disorders and diseases of the eye. Some embodiments of the device maximize dissolution of the substance in tears and/or other fluid(s) that distribute to the anterior surface of the eye so as to maximize delivery of the substance to or through the cornea or anterior surface of the eye ball while minimizing loss of substance through other routes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: QLT PLUG DELIVERY, INC.
    Inventors: Deepank Utkhede, Wendy Monk
  • Publication number: 20100040670
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for administering an active agent such as a medicine to a subject, uses an ocular implant such as a punctal plug, to which the active agent has been applied. The implant is installed at the eye of the subject for administering the active agent via tissues of the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: QLT Plug Delivery, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Odrich, Liane C. Glazer
  • Publication number: 20090318549
    Abstract: The methods described herein provide reduction of intraocular pressure by administering a sustained release formulation including latanoprost and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and administering an eye drop adjunctive composition to the eye of a patient. The sustained release formulation can release latanoprost continuously for at least 90 days from a punctum plug delivery system. The eye drop adjunctive composition can also include latanoprost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: QLT Plug Delivery, Inc.
    Inventor: Zuhal Butuner
  • Publication number: 20090280158
    Abstract: The methods described herein provide treatment of glaucoma, ocular hypertension, and elevated intraocular pressure with latanoprost or other therapeutic agent(s). Implant devices for insertion into a punctum of a patient provide sustained release of latanoprost or other therapeutic agent(s) that is maintained for 7, 14, 21, 30, 45, 60, or 90 days or more, thus avoiding patient noncompliance and reducing or lowering adverse events associated with eye drop administration of latanoprost or other therapeutic agent(s) and other therapeutic agent(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: QLT Plug Delivery, Inc.
    Inventor: Zuhal Butuner
  • Publication number: 20090264861
    Abstract: Lacrimal implants and related methods providing secure retention within the lacrimal punctum of an eye are described. The lacrimal implants can comprise a implant body configured for at least partial insertion through the lacrimal punctum and into a lacrimal canaliculus. The implant body can include a deformable retention structure that can be configured to substantially encapsulate an expandable retention element. In some examples, the expandable retention element can include a fluid absorbing material, which can be exposed to fluid such as via a fluid permeable retainer or a fluid permeable aperture. As the fluid absorbing material retains fluid (i.e., upon acceptance of fluid into the retention structure), its size increases and its shape can change to urge one or more portions of the retention structure outward, such as against a wall of the lacrimal canaliculus, thereby securely retaining the lacrimal implant within the punctum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: QLT Plug Delivery, Inc.
    Inventors: Rachna Jain, Robert W. Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20090092654
    Abstract: An implant for insertion into a punctum of a patient comprises a body. The body has a distal end, a proximal end, and an axis therebetween. The distal end of the body is insertable distally through the punctum into the canalicular lumen. The body comprises a therapeutic agent included within an agent matrix drug core. Exposure of the agent matrix to the tear fluid effects an effective therapeutic agent release into the tear fluid over a sustained period. The body has a sheath disposed over the agent matrix to inhibit release of the agent away from the proximal end. The body also has an outer surface configured to engage luminal wall tissues so as to inhibit expulsion when disposed therein. In specific embodiments, the agent matrix comprises a non-bioabsorbable polymer, for example silicone in a non-homogenous mixture with the agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicants: QLT Plug Delivery, Inc., ForSight Labs, LLC., a California corporation
    Inventors: Eugene de Juan, JR., Cary Reich, Stephen Boyd, Hanson G. Gifford, III, Mark Deem