Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting loss of a retinal ganglion cell in a subject, comprising non-invasively applying to the surface of the eye of the subject an ophthalmic composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one siRNA which down regulates expression of a target gene associated with loss of the retinal ganglion cell, thereby inhibiting loss of the retinal ganglion cell in the subject. The methods of the invention also relate to the use of chemically modified siRNA compounds possessing structural motifs which down-regulate the expression of human genes expressed in retinal tissue in the mammalian eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting loss of a retinal ganglion cell in a subject, comprising non-invasively applying to the surface of the eye of the subject an ophthalmic composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one siRNA which down regulates expression of a target gene associated with loss of the retinal ganglion cell, thereby inhibiting loss of the retinal ganglion cell in the subject. The methods of the invention also relate to the use of chemically modified siRNA compounds possessing structural motifs which down-regulate the expression of human genes expressed in retinal tissue in the mammalian eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting loss of a retinal ganglion cell in a subject, comprising non-invasively applying to the surface of the eye of the subject an ophthalmic composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one siRNA which down regulates expression of a target gene associated with loss of the retinal ganglion cell, thereby inhibiting loss of the retinal ganglion cell in the subject. The methods of the invention also relate to the use of chemically modified siRNA compounds possessing structural motifs which down-regulate the expression of human genes expressed in retinal tissue in the mammalian eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting loss of a retinal ganglion cell in a subject, comprising non-invasively applying to the surface of the eye of the subject an ophthalmic composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one siRNA which down regulates expression of a target gene associated with loss of the retinal ganglion cell, thereby inhibiting loss of the retinal ganglion cell in the subject. The methods of the invention also relate to the use of chemically modified siRNA compounds possessing structural motifs which down-regulate the expression of human genes expressed in retinal tissue in the mammalian eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions useful for topical, non-invasive delivery of an oligonucleotide to the ear and to methods for the treatment of an ear disorder, including hearing loss arising from chemical-induced ototoxicity, acoustic trauma and presbycusis; and microbial infections. The method comprises topically administering to the ear of a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising an inhibitory oligonucleotide, a permeability enhancer and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the oligonucleotide reduces or inhibits expression of a gene associated with the ear disorder in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting loss of a retinal ganglion cell in a subject, comprising non-invasively applying to the surface of the eye of the subject an ophthalmic composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one siRNA which down regulates expression of a target gene associated with loss of the retinal ganglion cell, thereby inhibiting loss of the retinal ganglion cell in the subject. The methods of the invention also relate to the use of chemically modified siRNA compounds possessing structural motifs which down-regulate the expression of human genes expressed in retinal tissue in the mammalian eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting loss of a retinal ganglion cell in a subject, comprising non-invasively applying to the surface of the eye of the subject an ophthalmic composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at 5 least one siRNA which down regulates expression of a target gene associated with loss of the retinal ganglion cell, thereby inhibiting loss of the retinal ganglion cell in the subject. The methods of the invention also relate to the use of chemically modified siRNA compounds possessing structural motifs which down-regulate the expression of human genes expressed in retinal tissue in the mammalian eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions useful for topical, non-invasive delivery of an oligonucleotide to the ear and to methods for the treatment of an ear disorder, including hearing loss arising from chemical-induced ototoxicity, acoustic trauma and presbycusis; and microbial infections. The method comprises topically administering to the ear of a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising an inhibitory oligonucleotide, a permeability enhancer and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the oligonucleotide reduces or inhibits expression of a gene associated with the ear disorder in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions useful for topical, non-invasive delivery of an oligonucleotide to the ear and to methods for the treatment of an ear disorder, including hearing loss arising from chemical-induced ototoxicity, acoustic trauma and presbycusis; and microbial infections. The method comprises topically administering to the ear of a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising an inhibitory oligonucleotide, a permeability enhancer and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the oligonucleotide reduces or inhibits expression of a gene associated with the ear disorder in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting loss of a retinal ganglion cell in a subject, comprising non-invasively applying to the surface of the eye of the subject an ophthalmic composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at 5 least one siRNA which down regulates expression of a target gene associated with loss of the retinal ganglion cell, thereby inhibiting loss of the retinal ganglion cell in the subject. The methods of the invention also relate to the use of chemically modified siRNA compounds possessing structural motifs which down-regulate the expression of human genes expressed in retinal tissue in the mammalian eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions useful for topical, non-invasive delivery of an oligonucleotide to the ear and to methods for the treatment of an ear disorder, including hearing loss arising from chemical-induced ototoxicity, acoustic trauma and presbycusis; and microbial infections. The method comprises topically administering to the ear of a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising an inhibitory oligonucleotide, a permeability enhancer and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the oligonucleotide reduces or inhibits expression of a gene associated with the ear disorder in the subject.

Abstract: An ocular drug delivery vehicle of an oil-in-water submicron emulsion comprising about 0.5 to 50% of a first component of an oil, about 0.1 to 10% of a second component of an emulsifier, about 0.05 to 5% of a non-ionic surfactant and an aqueous component, with the mean droplet size being in the submicron range, i.e., below about 0.5 .mu.m and preferably between about 0.1 and 0.3 .mu.m. Also, topical pharmaceutical compositions containing a drug such as an anti-glaucoma drug, beta adrenergic blocker or other autonomic system drug, a local anesthetic, a steroid, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, an antibiotic drug, an antifungal drug, an antiviral drug or combinations thereof and the vehicle described above. Methods of administering such vehicles or compositions to the eye of a patient while reducing irritation thereof and providing increased bioavailability of the drug.