Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for noninvasive delivery of therapeutic agents across an intact tympanic membrane. For example, the compositions include a penetration enhancer which increases the flux of a therapeutic agent (e.g., antibiotic) across the tympanic membrane. Such compositions are particularly useful in the treatment of otitis media. Additionally, the composition may include a sustained release agents that, in some embodiments form sustained release reservoirs, in situ, once administered to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for administering one or more active agents to the eye of a human or animal patient in need thereof, and more particularly to devices for application to the cornea which release active agent to the eye in a controlled manner.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for releasing a releasable species from an article using an external trigger, for example, using infrared or near-infrared radiation. Such systems and methods may be useful, for example in biological applications (e.g., as an implant within a subject), industrial applications, commercial applications, or the like. One aspect of the invention is generally directed to an article containing a radiation-sensitive polymer or other radiation-sensitive material. Exposure of the radiation-sensitive material to radiation such as infrared or near-infrared radiation may cause the material to increase in temperature. This increase in temperature may be used, in some cases, to cause the release of a drug or other releasable species from the article.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for releasing a compound from an article using an external trigger, for example, magnetic fields. One aspect of the invention is generally directed to an article containing a magnetically-susceptible material. Exposure of the magnetically-susceptible material to a magnetic field, such as an oscillating magnetic field, may cause the magnetically-susceptible material to increase in temperature. This increase in temperature may be used, in some embodiments, to cause the release of a drug or other releasable material from the article. For instance, the drug may be contained in a heat-sensitive material in thermal communication with the magnetically-susceptible material, or the drug may be contained within an enclosure that is isolated, at least in part, by a heat-sensitive material in thermal communication with the magnetically-susceptible material. Other aspects of the invention are directed to systems and methods of making or using such articles, e.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for releasing a releasable species from an article using an external trigger, for example, using microwave radiation or other forms of radiation, e.g., radiofrequency radiation. Such systems and methods may be useful, for example, in biological applications (e.g., as an implant within a subject), industrial applications, commercial applications, or the like. One aspect of the invention is generally directed to an article containing a radiation-sensitive polymer or other radiation-sensitive material. Exposure of the radiation- sensitive material to radiation such as microwave and/or radiofrequency radiation may cause the material to increase in temperature. This increase in temperature may be used, in some cases, to cause the release of a drug or other releasable species from the article.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for noninvasive delivery of therapeutic agents across an intact tympanic membrane. For example, the compositions include a penetration enhancer which increases the flux of a therapeutic agent (e.g., antibiotic) across the tympanic membrane. Such compositions are particularly useful in the treatment of otitis media. Additionally, the composition may include a sustained release agents that, in some embodiments form sustained release reservoirs, in situ, once administered to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for administering one or more active agents to the eye of a human or animal patient in need thereof, and more particularly to devices for application to the cornea which release active agent to the eye in a controlled manner.