Patents by Inventor Karla M. Jacobus

Karla M. Jacobus 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).

  • Patent number: 8097600
    Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of tear secretion in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the ocular surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5?-triphosphate (UTP), dinucleotides, cytidine 5?-triphosphate (CTP), adenosine 5?-triphosphate (ATP), or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate tear fluid secretion and enhance drainage of the lacrimal system. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or selective release membrane; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Karla M. Jacobus, William Pendergast, Janet L. Rideout
  • Publication number: 20100330164
    Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of tear secretion in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the ocular surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5?-triphosphate (UTP), dinucleotides, cytidine 5?-triphosphate (CTP), adenosine 5?-triphosphate (ATP), or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate tear fluid secretion and enhance drainage of the lacrimal system. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or selective release membrane; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Karla M. Jacobus, William Pendergast, Janet L. Rideout
  • Patent number: 7759322
    Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of tear secretion in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the ocular surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5?-triphosphate (UTP), dinucleotides, cytidine 5?-triphosphate (CTP), adenosine 5?-triphosphate (ATP), or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate tear fluid secretion and enhance drainage of the lacrimal system. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or selective release membrane; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Karla M. Jacobus, William Pendergast, Janet L. Rideout
  • Patent number: 7235535
    Abstract: A method and preparation for enhancing drainage of lacrimal system in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the ocular surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5?-triphosphate (UTP), dinucleotides, cytidine 5?-triphosphate (CTP), adenosine 5?-triphosphate (ATP), or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate tear fluid secretion and enhance drainage of the lacrimal system. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or selective release membrane; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Karla M. Jacobus, William Pendergast, Janet L. Rideout
  • Patent number: 6921755
    Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of tear secretion in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the ocular surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5?-triphosphate (UTP), dinucleotides, cytidine 5?-triphosphate (CTP), adenosine 5?-triphosphate (ATP), or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate tear fluid secretion and enhance drainage of the lacrimal system. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or selective release membrane; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Karla M. Jacobus, William Pendergast, Janet L. Rideout
  • Patent number: 6916794
    Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of tear secretion in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the ocular surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5?-triphosphate (UTP), dinucleotides, cytidine 5?-triphosphate (CTP), adenosine 5?-triphosphate (ATP), or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate tear fluid secretion and enhance drainage of the lacrimal system. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or selective release membrane; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceutical, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Karla M. Jacobus, William Pendergast, Janet L. Rideout
  • Patent number: 6887858
    Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of tear secretion in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the ocular surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5?-triphosphate [UTP], dinucleotides, cytidine 5?-triphosphate [CTP], adenosine 5?-triphosphate [ATP], or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate tear fluid secretion and enhance drainage of the lacrimal system. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or selective release membrane; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Karla M. Jacobus, William Pendergast, Janet L. Rideout
  • Patent number: 6703376
    Abstract: A method of promoting drainage of mucous secretions in the congested airways of a bedridden/immobilized patient or an intubated/mechanically-ventilated patient is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the airways of the patient a uridine phosphate such as uridine 5′-triphsophate(UTP) or P1,P4-di(uridine-5′) tetraphosphate, an analog of UTP, or any other analog, in an amount effective to promote drainage of fluid in the congested airways, including sinuses, to create the ciliary beat frequency of cilia on the surface lumina epithelia cells, to increase the secretions of mucous by goblet cells and to promote the clearance of retained secretions by hydrating mucous secretions, by stimulating ciliary beat frequency in the airways and by stimulating surfactant production. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Karla M. Jacobus, H. Jeff Leighton
  • Patent number: 6673779
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of stimulating ciliary beat frequency to promote mucociliary or cough clearance of retained mucus secretions from the lungs, sinuses, upper airways, ears, eyes, genito-urinary tract, spermatozoa, ovaries, fallopian tubes, neutrophils, and macrophages of a patient. The method comprises administering uridine triphosphates, adenosine triphosphates, cytidine triphosphates, or dinucleoside tetraphosphates and the derivatives thereof to an affected body of a patient, to treat dysfunction of the mucociliary clearance system as a result of impaired ciliary movement in the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignees: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Karla M. Jacobus, Benjamin R. Yerxa, William Pendergast, Richard C. Boucher, Jr., Janet L. Rideout, David J. Drutz, Michael K. James, Monroe Jackson Stutts, Cara Geary, Eduardo R. Lazarowski
  • Publication number: 20030036527
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of stimulating ciliary beat frequency to promote mucociliary or cough clearance of retained mucus secretions from the lungs, sinuses, upper airways, ears, eyes, genito-urinary tract, spermatozoa, ovaries, fallopian tubes, neutrophils, and macrophages of a patient. The method comprises administering uridine triphosphates, adenosine triphosphates, cytidine triphosphates, or dinucleoside tetraphosphates and the derivatives thereof to an affected body of a patient, to treat dysfunction of the mucociliary clearance system as a result of impaired ciliary movement in the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Karla M. Jacobus, Benjamin R. Yerxa, William Pendergast, Richard C. Boucher, Janet L. Rideout, David J. Drutz, Michael K. James, Monroe Jackson Stutts, Cara Geary, Eduardo R. Lazarowski
  • Publication number: 20020155150
    Abstract: A method of promoting drainage of mucous secretions in the congested airways of a bedridden/immobilized patient or an intubated/mechanically ventilated patient is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the airways of the patient a uridine phosphate such as uridine 5′triphosphate (UTP) or P1,P4di(uridine5′) tetraphosphate, an analog of UTP, or any other analog, in an amount effective to promote drainage of fluid in the congested airways, including sinuses, to increase the ciliary beat frequency of cilia on the surface lumina epithelia cells, to increase the secretions of mucous by globlet cells and to promote the clearance of retained secretions by hydrating mucous secretions, by stimulating ciliary beat frequency in the airways and by stimulating surfactant production. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: KARLA M. JACOBUS, H. JEFF LEIGHTON
  • Publication number: 20020103157
    Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of tear secretion in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the ocular surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5′-triphosphate (UTP), dinucleotides, cytidine 5′-triphosphate (CTP), adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP), or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate tear fluid secretion and enhance drainage of the lacrimal system. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or selective release membrane; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Karla M. Jacobus, William Pendergast, Janet L. Rideout
  • Patent number: 6423694
    Abstract: A method of promoting drainage of congested middle ear fluid in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the middle ear of the subject a uridine triphosphate such as uridine 5′-triphosphate (UTP), an analog of UTP, or any other analog, in an amount effective to promote drainage of congested middle ear fluid by hydrating mucous secretions in the middle ear or by stimulating ciliary beat frequency in the middle ear or eustachian tube. The method is useful for treating patients afflicted with otitis media and other middle ear diseases, otitis externa, and inner ear diseases including Ménière's Disease. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include any liquid suspension (including nasal drops or spray), oral, inhaled by nebulization, topical, injected or suppository form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Drutz, Janet L. Rideout, Karla M. Jacobus
  • Patent number: 6420347
    Abstract: A method of stimulating ciliary beat frequency in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the airways, ears, eyes, or genito-urinary tract of the subject a triphosphate nucleotide such as uridine 5′-triphosphate (UTP), an analog of UTP, or any other analog, in an amount effective to stimulate ciliary beat frequency. This method is useful for treating patients afflicted with ciliary dyskinesia, Kartagener's syndrome, or any other disease involving dysfunction of ciliary movement, such as male infertility caused by impairment of propulsion of the spermatozoa or immune deficiency caused by impairment of ciliary movement in neutrophils or macrophages. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignees: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Karla M. Jacobus, Benjamin R. Yerxa, William Pendergast, Richard C. Boucher, Jr., Janet L. Rideout, David J. Drutz, Michael K. James, Monroe Jackson Stutts, Cary Geary, Edwardo R. Lazarowski
  • Publication number: 20020065244
    Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of tear secretion in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the ocular surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5′-triphosphate (UTP), dinucleotides, cytidine 5′-triphosphate (CTP), adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP), or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate tear fluid secretion and enhance drainage of the lacrimal system. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or selective release membrane; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Karla M. Jacobus, William Pendergast, Janet L. Rideout
  • Patent number: 6159952
    Abstract: A method of promoting clearance of retained mucous secretions in the bronchi, bronchioles and small terminal airways of a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the bronchi of the subject a uridine phosphate such as uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP), or P.sup.1,P.sup.4 -di(uridine-5') tetraphosphate (U.sub.2 P.sub.4), an analog of UTP, or any other analog, in an amount effective to promote mucociliary clearance and/or cough clearance of retained fluid in the bronchi, bronchioles and small terminal airways. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: aerosol inhalation, any liquid suspension (including nasal drops or spray), oral form (liquid or pill), injected, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Christy L. Shaffer, Richard C. Boucher, Janet L. Rideout, Karla M. Jacobus
  • Patent number: 5968913
    Abstract: Novel pharmaceutical compositions of uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP) for use in promoting increased mucociliary clearance of retained mucous secretions of the human airways, middle/inner ears or sinuses are disclosed. Novel Formulation I comprises UTP and aqueous solution having a therapeutic concentration between 5 and 45 mg/mL, a controlled tonicity within the range of 250 to 100 mOsM, a pH between 7.0 and 7.5, and is sterile. The pH-adjusted composition is capable of long-term storage in the refrigerated state with a shelf life of up to 30 months. Formulation I may be delivered therapeutically either in a nebulized form or in a liquid form. Novel Formulation II comprises UTP in an aqueous solution or suspension having a therapeutic concentration approaching the limit of UTP's solubility at ambient temperature. This high concentration allows delivery of a therapeutic amount of UTP in very small volumes (50 to 100 .mu.L) suitable for administration via portable hand-held devices such as metered dose inhalers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Karol K. LaCroix, Christy L. Shaffer, Karla M. Jacobus, Janet L. Rideout, David J. Drutz, Richard C. Evans, William Pendergast
  • Patent number: 5900407
    Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of tear secretion in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the ocular surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5'-triphosphate ?UTP!, dinucleotides, cytidine 5'-triphosphate ?CTP!, adenosine 5'-triphosphate ?ATP!, or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate tear fluid secretion. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or selective release membrane; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Yerxa, Karla M. Jacobus, William Pendergast, Janet L. Rideout
  • Patent number: 5763447
    Abstract: A method of promoting drainage of mucous secretions in the congested airways of a bedridden/immobilized patient or an intubated/mechanically-ventilated patient is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the airways of the patient a uridine phosphate such as uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP) or P.sup.1,P.sup.4 -di(uridine-5')tetraphosphate, an analog of UTP, or any other analog, in an amount effective to promote drainage of fluid in the congested airways, including sinuses, by hydrating mucous secretions or by stimulating ciliary beat frequency in the airways. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include any liquid suspension (including nasal drops or eye drops or spray), oral form (liquid or pill), aerosol inhalation, powder form, topical, injected, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Inspire Pharmaceuticals
    Inventors: Karla M. Jacobus, H. Jeff Leighton