Abstract: Disclosed is a sustained release system that includes a polymer and a pharmaceutically active agent dispersed in the polymer. The agent is in granular or particulate form, and has a rate of release from the system that is limited primarily by the rate at which the agent dissolves from the granules into the polymer matrix. Advantageously, the polymer is permeable to the agent and is non-release-rate-limiting with respect to the rate of release of the agent from the polymer.

Abstract: Implantable, injectable, insertable, or otherwise administrable compositions that form hydrogels when implanted, injected, inserted, or administered into or onto living tissues comprise a pharmaceutically effective compound wherein the pharmaceutically effective compound is a codrug, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof in admixture with a hydrogel-forming compound. The pharmaceutically effective compound may be any compound that is soluble in bodily fluids, or that forms bodily fluid-soluble adducts when exposed to bodily fluids. Exemplary compounds include analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic compounds. The hydrogel-forming compound is a biologically tolerated substance that forms a hydrogel upon exposure to bodily fluids, such as the interstitial fluid surrounding or within a joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of localized pain by providing sustained release of an agent suitable for treating pain, methods for preparing and administering the agent, and methods of formulating and administering the agent as a pharmaceutical preparation. The agent can be locally administered to reduce systemic concentrations of the agent.

Abstract: An intraluminal medical device comprises a stent having a coating applied to at least part of an interior surface, an exterior surface, or both. The coating comprises a sustained release formulation of a combination of pharmaceutical compounds dispersed within a biologically tolerated polymer composition. The choice of the combination of pharmaceutical compounds are intended to reduce neointimal hyperplasia restenosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions for topical delivery comprising a suitable carrier and a codrug capable of penetrating, or being transported across, the dermis. The codrug according to the invention comprises a first constituent moiety linked to a second constituent moiety, wherein the second constituent moiety is the same as, or different from, the first constituent moiety. The first and second constituent moieties are so linked that they are easily transported into or across the dermis, into the skin, or into the blood or lymphatic system, and are reconstituted in vivo to form the first and second constituent moieties.

Abstract: An injectable drug delivery device includes a core containing one or more drugs and one or more polymers. The core may be surrounded by one or more polymer outer layers (referred to herein as “coatings,” “skins,” or “outer layers”). In certain embodiments, the device is formed by extruding or otherwise preforming a polymeric skin for a drug core. The drug core may be co-extruded with the skin, or inserted into the skin after the skin has been extruded, and possibly cured. In other embodiments, the drug core may be coated with one or more polymer coatings. These techniques may be usefully applied to fabricate devices having a wide array of drug formulations and skins that can be selected to control the release rate profile and various other properties of the drugs in the drug core in a form suitable for injection using standard or non-standard gauge needles.

Abstract: An intraluminal medical device comprises a stent having a coating applied to at least part of an interior surface, an exterior surface, or both. The coating comprises a sustained release formulation of a combination of pharmaceutical compounds dispersed within a biologically tolerated polymer composition. The choice of the combination of pharmaceutical compounds are intended to reduce neointimal hyperplasia restenosis.

Abstract: Loss of hearing can be treated by implanting a sustained-release drug delivery device in the inner ear. The slow delivery of medication from the implanted device to the tissues of the ear, including the inner ear, can treat numerous conditions of the ear while avoiding the side effects associated with systemic administration.

Abstract: The invention provides a compound comprising a first pharmacological moiety connected to at least a second pharmacological moiety through a physiologically labile linker, or a salt thereof. The invention also provides a method of reducing cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular disease-related conditions in an individual. The method involves administering to an individual with cardiovascular disease an effective amount of a compound, in which the compound has a first pharmacological moiety linked to a second pharmacological moiety, and the compound or either or both of the constituent pharmacological moieties acts to reduce, treat, or prevent cardiovascular disease. The compounds of the invention can be delivered in a drug delivery device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of prodrugs of chemotherapeutic agents and method of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for administering a corticosteroid to a posterior segment of an eye. In the method, a sustained release device is implanted to deliver the corticosteroid to the eye. The aqueous corticosteroid concentration remains less than vitreous corticosteroid concentration during release of the corticosteroid from the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions for topical delivery comprising a suitable carrier and a codrug capable of penetrating, or being transported across, the dermis. The codrug according to the invention comprises a first constituent moiety linked to a second constituent moiety, wherein the second constituent moiety is the same as, or different from, the first constituent moiety. The first and second constituent moieties are so linked that they are easily transported into or across the dermis, into the skin, or into the blood or lymphatic system, and are reconstituted in vivo to form the first and second constituent moieties.

Abstract: A variety of ocular diseases and conditions can be treated using corticosteroids or other compounds having glucocorticoid activity. A consequence of administration of such compounds is elevated intraocular pressure, which causes undesirable side-effects. The unwanted consequences of such elevated intraocular pressure may be prevented or treated through the administration of a steroid antagonist sufficient to counter the deleterious effect of the corticosteroid or other compound having glucocorticoid activity in the anterior chamber of the eye without countering the therapeutic effect of the treatment compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel suspension delivery system for the sustained and controlled release of pharmaceuticals. Methods of preparation and use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A therapeutically effective compound is locally administered by associating the compound with a piece of orthopedic hardware that is implanted at an appropriate site within a body. The compound is adapted, such as through a sustained release device, to administer an effective dosage continuously over an extended period of time. The compound may be administered, for example, to a joint of a mammal by intraarticularly implanting a sustained release device to deliver the therapeutically effective compound within a synovial capsule of the joint, such that synovial fluid concentration of the compound is greater than plasma concentration of the compound. A wide range of orthopedic hardware, such as bone screws and staples, may be adapted to use in the systems described herein to provide treatment for a variety of medical conditions.

Abstract: A method and device for treating a mammalian organism to obtain a desired local or systemic physiological or pharmacological effect is provided. The method includes administering a sustained release drug delivery system to a mammalian organism in need of such treatment at an area wherein release of an effective agent is desired and allowing the effective agent to pass through the device in a controlled manner. The device includes an inner core or reservoir including the effective agent, an impermeable tube which encloses portions of the reservoir, and a permeable member at an end of the tube.

Abstract: Genitourinary system disorders are treated with therapeutic agents, and optionally further with radiation treatments.

Abstract: The invention provides insertable drug delivery devices for the controlled and sustained release of nucleic acid-based therapeutic agents, including antisense agents, siRNAs, ribozymes, and aptamers.

Abstract: The invention provides liquid controlled-release drug delivery compositions which gel upon injection into the body to form, in situ, controlled-release drug implants. The compositions of the invention feature a gel-forming polymer that is insoluble in water, a polyethylene glycol solvent in which the polymer is dissolved, and the drug substance to be delivered.

Abstract: A therapeutically effective compound is locally administered by associating the compound with a piece of orthopedic hardware that is implanted at an appropriate site within a body. The compound is adapted, such as through a sustained release device, to administer an effective dosage continuously over an extended period of time. The compound may be administered, for example, to a joint of a mammal by intraarticularly implanting a sustained release device to deliver the therapeutically effective compound within a synovial capsule of the joint, such that synovial fluid concentration of the compound is greater than plasma concentration of the compound. A wide range of orthopedic hardware, such as bone screws and staples, may be adapted to use in the systems described herein to provide treatment for a variety of medical conditions.