Patents by Inventor Joan W. Miller

Joan W. Miller has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20140024598
    Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for maintaining the viability of retinal ganglion cells in a subject with an ocular disorder including, for example, glaucoma and optic nerve injury. The viability of the retinal ganglion cells can be preserved by administering a necrosis inhibitor either alone or in combination with an apoptosis inhibitor to a subject having an eye with the ocular condition. The compositions, when administered, maintain the viability of the cells and/or promote axon regeneration, thereby minimizing the loss of vision or visual function associated with the ocular disorder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Demetrios Vavvas, Joan W. Miller, Maki Kayama
  • Publication number: 20130137642
    Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for maintaining the viability of photoreceptor cells and/or retinal pigment epithelial cells in a subject with an ocular disorder including, for example, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (e.g., dry or neovascular AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), or a retinal detachment. The viability of the photoreceptor cells and/or the retinal pigment epithelial cells can be preserved by administering a necrosis inhibitor either alone or in combination with an apoptosis inhibitor to a subject having an eye with the ocular condition. The compositions, when administered, maintain the viability of the cells, thereby minimizing the loss of vision or visual function associated with the ocular disorder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Demetrios Vavvas, Georgios Trichonas, Joan W. Miller, Yusuke Murakami
  • Publication number: 20130072849
    Abstract: Photodynamic therapy of conditions of the eye characterized by unwanted neovasculature, such as age-related macular degeneration, is effective using green porphyrins as photoactive agents, preferably as liposomal compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Joan W. Miller, Evangelos S. Gragoudas
  • Publication number: 20120323162
    Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of ocular conditions characterized by the presence of unwanted choroidal neovasculature, for example, neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The selectivity and sensitivity of the PDT method can be enhanced by combining the PDT with an anti-angiogenesis factor, for example, angiostatin or endostatin, or with an apoptosis-modulating factor. Furthermore, the selectivity and sensitivity of the PDT may be further enhanced by coupling a targeting moiety to the photosensitizer so as to target the photosensitizer to choroidal neovasculature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Joan W. Miller, Evangelos S. Gragoudas, Reem Z. Renno
  • Publication number: 20120201859
    Abstract: The invention provides a microsphere formulation for the sustained delivery of an aptamer, for example, an anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor aptamer, to a preselected locus in a mammal, such as the eye. In addition, the invention provides methods for making such formulations, and methods of using such formulations to deliver an aptamer to a preselected locus in a mammal. In particular, the invention provides a method for delivering the aptamer to an eye for the treatment of an ocular disorder, for example, age-related macular degeneration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Karen G. Carrasquillo, Anthony P. Adamis, Joan W. Miller, Evangelos S. Gragoudas
  • Publication number: 20120165383
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods, kits and compositions for treating uveitis in a subject using Hsp90 inhibitors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS EYE & EAR INFIRMARY
    Inventors: Vassiliki Poulaki, Joan W. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110189191
    Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for treating ocular conditions characterized by the presence of unwanted choroidal neovasculature, for example, neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The selectivity and sensitivity of, for example, a photodynamic therapy (PDT)-based approach can be enhanced by combining the PDT with an anti-FasL factor, for example, an anti-FasL neutralizing antibody.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: EVANGELOS S. GRAGOUDAS, VASSILIKI POULAKI, JOAN W. MILLER
  • Publication number: 20110159004
    Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for maintaining the viability of photoreceptor cells following retinal detachment. The viability of photoreceptor cells can be preserved by administering an apoptosis inhibitor to a mammal having an eye with retinal detachment. The apoptosis inhibitor maintains the viability of the photoreceptor cells until such time that the retina becomes reattached to the underlying retinal pigment epithelium and choroid. The treatment minimizes the loss of vision, which otherwise may occur as a result of retinal detachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: DAVID ZACKS, JOAN W. MILLER
  • Publication number: 20110144035
    Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of ocular conditions characterized by the presence of unwanted choroidal neovasculature, for example, neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The selectivity and sensitivity of the PDT method can be enhanced by combining the PDT with an anti-angiogenesis factor, for example, angiostatin or endostatin, or with an apoptosis-modulating factor. Furthermore, the selectivity and sensitivity of the PDT may be further enhanced by coupling a targeting moiety to the photosensitizer so as to target the photosensitizer to choroidal neovasculature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: JOAN W. MILLER, EVANGELOS S. GRAGOUDAS, REEM Z. RENNO
  • Publication number: 20110137228
    Abstract: Photodynamic therapy of conditions of the eye characterized by unwanted neovasculature, such as age-related macular degeneration, is effective using green porphyrins as photoactive agents, preferably as liposomal compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Joan W. Miller, Evangelos S. Gragoudas
  • Patent number: 7811832
    Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for maintaining the viability of photoreceptor cells following retinal detachment. The viability of photoreceptor cells can be preserved by administering an apoptosis inhibitor to a mammal having an eye with retinal detachment. The apoptosis inhibitor maintains the viability of the photoreceptor cells until such time that the retina becomes reattached to the underlying retinal pigment epithelium and choroid. The treatment minimizes the loss of vision, which otherwise may occur as a result of retinal detachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
    Inventors: David Zacks, Joan W. Miller
  • Patent number: 7803375
    Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for treating ocular conditions characterized by the presence of unwanted choroidal neovasculature, for example, neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The selectivity and sensitivity of, for example, a photodynamic therapy (PDT)-based approach can be enhanced by combining the PDT with an anti-FasL factor, for example, an anti-FasL neutralizing antibody.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
    Inventors: Evangelos S. Gragoudas, Vassiliki Poulaki, Joan W. Miller
  • Publication number: 20100189801
    Abstract: The invention provides a microsphere formulation for the sustained delivery of an aptamer, for example, an anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor aptamer, to a preselected locus in a mammal, such as the eye. In addition, the invention provides methods for making such formulations, and methods of using such formulations to deliver an aptamer to a preselected locus in a mammal. In particular, the invention provides a method for delivering the aptamer to an eye for the treatment of an ocular disorder, for example, age-related macular degeneration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Karen G. Carrasquillo, Anthony P. Adamis, Joan W. Miller, Evangelos S. Gragoudas
  • Publication number: 20090286743
    Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of ocular conditions characterized by the presence of unwanted choroidal neovasculature, for example, neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The selectivity and sensitivity of the PDT method can be enhanced by combining the PDT with an anti-angiogenesis factor, for example, angiostatin or endostatin, or with an apoptosis-modulating factor. Furthermore, the selectivity and sensitivity of the PDT may be further enhanced by coupling a targeting moiety to the photosensitizer so as to target the photosensitizer to choroidal neovasculature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Joan W. Miller, Evangelos S. Gragoudas, Reem Z. Renno
  • Patent number: 7563255
    Abstract: The invention provides a miniaturized, implantable drug delivery device and a method of delivering over a prolonged period of time one or more drugs using such a device. The drug delivery device can be adapted for attachment to the outer surface of an eye. Once attached to the outer surface of an eye, the device can deliver one or more drugs directly into the eye for preventing or ameliorating the symptoms of a particular ocular disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignees: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony P. Adamis, Joan W. Miller, Evangelos S. Gragoudas, Mark J. Mescher, Christopher E. Dubé, Jeffrey T. Borenstein, Marcie G. Weinstein, Raanan A. Miller, Mitchell L. Hansberry
  • Publication number: 20080241232
    Abstract: Photodynamic therapy of conditions of the eye characterized by unwanted neovasculature, such as age-related macular degeneration, is effective using green porphyrins as photoactive agents, preferably as liposomal compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Joan W. Miller, Evangelos S. Gragoudas
  • Patent number: 7419666
    Abstract: The invention includes a method of treating an intraocular disorder in a mammal, the method comprising administering to the mammal a Very Late Antigen-4 (VLA-4) antagonist for the treatment of selected ocular disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
    Inventors: Eirini Iliaki, Anthony P. Adamis, Joan W. Miller, Evangelos S. Gragoudas
  • Patent number: 7125542
    Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of ocular conditions characterized by the presence of unwanted choroidal neovasculature, for example, neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The selectivity and sensitivity of the PDT method can be enhanced by combining the PDT with an anti-angiogenesis factor, for example, angiostatin or endostatin, or with an apoptosis-modulating factor. Furthermore, the selectivity and sensitivity of the PDT may be further enhanced by coupling a targeting moiety to the photosensitizer so as to target the photosensitizer to choroidal neovasculature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
    Inventors: Joan W. Miller, Evangelos S. Gragoudas, Reem Z. Renno
  • Publication number: 20040034007
    Abstract: Photodynamic therapy of conditions of the eye characterized by unwanted neovasculature, such as age-related macular degeneration, is effective using green porphyrins as photoactive agents, preferably as liposomal compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Joan W. Miller, Evangelos S. Gragoudas
  • Publication number: 20030185834
    Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of ocular conditions characterized by the presence of unwanted choroidal neovasculature, for example, neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The selectivity and sensitivity of the PDT method can be enhanced by combining the PDT with an anti-angiogenesis factor, for example, angiostatin or endostatin, or with an apoptosis-modulating factor. Furthermore, the selectivity and sensitivity of the PDT may be further enhanced by coupling a targeting moiety to the photosensitizer so as to target the photosensitizer to choroidal neovasculature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Joan W. Miller, Evangelos S. Gragoudas, Reem Z. Renno