Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial tear compositions and ophthalmic compositions suitable for drug delivery. In one embodiment of the present invention, the compositions comprise a galactomannan polymer such as guar or hydroxypropyl guar, hyaluronic acid, and a cis-diol such as sorbitol. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions also comprise a borate compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to viscosity stabilized ophthalmic formulations and ophthalmic formulations suitable for drug delivery. The formulations comprise galactomannans such as guar or hydroxypropyl guar and a borate source such as boric acid. The formulations further comprise a diol alcohol such as sorbitol and, optionally, a pharmaceutically acceptable divalent cation salt such as magnesium chloride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for purifying guar comprising combining borate and guar in an aqueous solution and treating the aqueous solution with an organic solvent to induce precipitation of purified guar. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to ophthalmic formulations comprising purified guar produced by the processes described.

Abstract: The use of poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxybutylene) block copolymers in pharmaceutical compositions useful for modifying the surfaces of contact lenses and other medical devices is disclosed. The present invention is based in-part on a discovery that this class of compounds is particularly efficient in wetting hydrophobic surfaces, such as the surfaces of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and other types of ophthalmic lenses. Such compounds are also useful for cleaning purposes. The use of the compounds as surfactants in various types of compositions for treating contact lenses therefore represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Abstract: The use of nanoparticles of inorganic materials (e.g., synthetic smectite clays) in ophthalmic and otic pharmaceutical compositions is described. The nanoparticles are utilized as biologically inert carriers or depots for ophthalmic and otic drugs. The nanoparticles may also be utilized to modify the rheological properties of the compositions, so as to enhance the viscosity or flow characteristics of the compositions and/or increase the retention time of the compositions in the eye or ear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for purifying guar comprising combining borate and guar in an aqueous solution and treating the aqueous solution with an organic solvent to induce precipitation of purified guar. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to ophthalmic formulations comprising purified guar produced by the processes described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial tear formulations and ophthalmic formulations suitable for drug delivery. The formulations comprise galactomannans such as guar or hydroxypropyl guar and a borate source such as boric acid. The formulations further comprise a cis-diol such as sorbitol that interferes with the cross-linking of galactomannan and borate. Optionally, the formulations are substantially free of divalent cations.

Abstract: The use of nanoparticles of inorganic materials (e.g., synthetic smectite clays) in ophthalmic compositions is described. The nanoparticles are utilized as biologically inert carriers or depots for biocides. The nanoparticles are particularly useful in preventing or reducing the uptake of biocides from ophthalmic compositions by contact lenses, when the compositions are applied to the lenses.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyquaternary ammonium polymers containing polyalkylene oxide groups according to formula (I) wherein [A]x, [B]y and [C]z are poly(alkylene oxides) each independently selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene oxide), poly(propylene oxide), and poly(butylene oxide); Z is selected from the group consisting of —CH2CH?CHCH2—, —CH2CH2CH2CH2—, —CH2—C?C—CH2—, —CH2CH2—O—CH2CH2—, —CH2—N(CH2CH2)2N—CH2—, —CH2CH(OH)CH(OH)CH2— and —CH2—C6H4—CH2—; R is —(CR1R2)mCR3R4— wherein m is an integer from 0 to 3 and R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, CH3 and CH2CH3; n is an integer from 1 to 30; x is either 0 or an integer from 2 to 20; y is an integer from 2 to 20; z is either 0 or an integer from 2 to 20; R? is a branched or unbranched alkyl group having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by one or two hydroxyl groups; Q1 and Q2 are independently selected from the group consisting of —CH2CH?CHCH2—X, —CH2C?C—CH2—X, —N(R?)2, —N(R?)3, —N(R?)(R?),

Abstract: The use of poly(oxybutylene)-poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxybutylene) block copolymers in pharmaceutical compositions useful, for modifying the surfaces of contact lenses and other medical devices is disclosed. The present invention is based in-part on a discovery that this class of compounds is particularly efficient in wetting hydrophobic surfaces, such as the surfaces of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and other types of ophthalmic lenses, but do not induce foaming when used in conjunction with a peroxide-based contact lens disinfection regimen. Such compounds may also be useful for cleaning purposes. The use of the compounds as surfactants in peroxide-based compositions for disinfecting contact lenses therefore represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to viscosity stabilized ophthalmic formulations and ophthalmic formulations suitable for drug delivery. The formulations comprise galactomannans such as guar or hydroxypropyl guar and a borate source such as boric acid. The formulations further comprise a diol alcohol such as sorbitol and, optionally, a pharmaceutically acceptable divalent cation salt such as magnesium chloride.

Abstract: The use of nanoparticles of inorganic materials (e.g., synthetic smectite clays) in ophthalmic and otic pharmaceutical compositions is described. The nanoparticles are utilized as biologically inert carriers or depots for ophthalmic and otic drugs. The nanoparticles may also be utilized to modify the rheological properties of the compositions, so as to enhance the viscosity or flow characteristics of the compositions and/or increase the retention time of the compositions in the eye or ear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ophthalmic solutions with antimicrobial activity. The solutions have an antimicrobial compound such as hydrogen peroxide and a boron compound. In one embodiment, the solutions contain a boron compound such as sodium borate that provides antimicrobial activity in addition to that of hydrogen peroxide, particularly during periods following disinfection and neutralization of such solutions. This additional activity reduces the likelihood of microbial growth in contact lens disinfection applications that neutralize hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ophthalmic emulsion. The emulsion has a unique combination of ingredients that promotes the stability of small oil droplets within the emulsion. The emulsion also includes a mucoadhesive polymer that aid in delivering a lipid to the ocular surface.

Abstract: The use of poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxybutylene) block copolymers in pharmaceutical compositions useful for modifying the surfaces of contact lenses and other medical devices is disclosed. The present invention is based in-part on a discovery that this class of compounds is particularly efficient in wetting hydrophobic surfaces, such as the surfaces of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and other types of ophthalmic lenses. Such compounds are also useful for cleaning purposes. The use of the compounds as surfactants in various types of compositions for treating contact lenses therefore represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising ethyleneoxide butyleneoxide and a galactomannan such as guar. The compositions are particularly well suited for ophthalmic applications such as contact lens disinfection and rewetting. Methods for the treatment of dry eye using the compositions of the present invention are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antimicrobial formulations comprising an N-halamine and a quantity of sodium chlorite sufficient to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of the N-halamine. The present invention is further directed to formulations for disinfecting a contact lens comprising an N-halamine and a quantity of sodium chlorite sufficient to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of the N-halamine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for purifying guar comprising combining borate and guar in an aqueous solution and treating the aqueous solution with an organic solvent to induce precipitation of purified guar. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to ophthalmic formulations comprising purified guar produced by the processes described.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyquaternary ammonium polymers containing polyalkylene oxide groups according to formula (I) wherein [A]x, [B]y and [C]z are poly(alkylene oxides) each independently selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene oxide), poly(propylene oxide), and poly(butylene oxide); Z is selected from the group consisting of —CH2CH?CHCH2—, —CH2CH2CH2CH2—, —CH2—C?C—CH2—, —CH2CH2—O—CH2CH2—, —CH2—N(CH2CH2)2N—CH2—, —CH2CH(OH)CH(OH)CH2— and —CH2—C6H4—CH2—; R is —(CR1R2)mCR3R4— wherein m is an integer from 0 to 3 and R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, CH3 and CH2CH3; n is an integer from 1 to 30; x is either 0 or an integer from 2 to 20; y is an integer from 2 to 20; z is either 0 or an integer from 2 to 20; R? is a branched or unbranched alkyl group having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by one or two hydroxyl groups; Q1 and Q2 are independently selected from the group consisting of —CH2CH?CHCH2—X, —CH2C?C—CH2—X, —N(R?)2, —N(R?)3, —N(R?)(R?),

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial tear formulations and ophthalmic formulations suitable for drug delivery. The formulations comprise galactomannans such as guar or hydroxypropyl guar and a borate source such as boric acid. The formulations further comprise a cis-diol such as sorbitol that interferes with the cross-linking of galactomannan and borate. Optionally, the formulations are substantially free of divalent cations.