Abstract: The invention concerns the use of inhibitors of the urokinase type of plasminogen activator (uPA) appearing in the anterior segment of the eye, for the treatment and prevention of corneal ulcers and other disorders. The invention further concerns pharmaceutical compositions, comprising inhibitors of uPA, preferably eye drops and eye ointments. The pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention preferably comprise PAI-2 protein or a derivative thereof retaining uPA-inhibiting capacity, or a tripeptide aldehyde inhibitor, preferably the D-Phe-Pro-Arg-aldehyde (Ald-1). The PAI-2 protein, used according to the invention, is preferably produced through bacterial expression, as a fusion protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assay and a kit for the determination of the status of the fibrinolytic system. In particular the invention relates to a method for the determination of the status of the fibrinolytic system from tear fluid samples.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method to prevent or reduce postoperative corneal subepithelial haze after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery. According to the method, a therapeutically effective amount of one or more plasminogen activators, most preferably urokinase (uPA), is administered topically to the surface of the affected eye at levels between 0.1 and 2,500 IU/ml, about eight to twelve times on the day of surgery, and four to eight times per day for about the next six to twelve days thereafter. The most preferred therapeutic amount is from about 0.1–1 IU uPA/ml, and also 1–10 IU/ml. Plasminogen activators that can be used in the inventions include urokinase, prourokinase, streptokinase and mutants thereof. The invention also covers topical ophthalmic compositions that include one or more plasminogen activators, most preferably uPA, to prevent or reduce postoperative corneal subepithelial haze.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method to prevent or reduce postoperative corneal subepithelial haze after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery. According to the method, a therapeutically effective amount of one or more plasminogen activators, most preferably urokinase (uPA), is administered topically to the surface of the affected eye at levels between 0.1 and 2,500 IU/ml, about eight to twelve times on the day of surgery, and four to eight times per day for about the next six to twelve days thereafter. The most preferred therapeutic amount is from about 0.1-1 IU uPA/ml, and also 1-10 IU/ml. Plasminogen activators that can be used in the inventions include urokinase, prourokinase, tissue plasminogen activator, streptokinase and mutants thereof. The invention also covers topical ophthalmic compositions that include one or more plasminogen activators, most preferably uPA, to prevent or reduce postoperative corneal subepithelial haze.