Abstract: Water-soluble borate-polyol complexes are useful as buffers and/or antimicrobials in aqueous ophthalmic compositions, including those containing polyvinyl alcohol. These compositions have greater antimicrobial activity than comparable compositions containing typical borate buffers and unexpectedly increase the antimicrobial efficacy of other antimicrobial agents when used in combination. In addition, use of the borate-polyol complexes avoids the incompatibility problem typically associated with the combination of borate buffer and polyvinyl alcohol; therefore, the compositions disclosed herein may also contain polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ophthalmic compositions containing a gelling amount of a combination of galactomannan polysaccharides and borates. The compositions gel or partially gel upon administration to the eye. The present invention also discloses methods of topical ophthalmic administration of the compositions to the eye.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating edematous retinal disorders. The method comprises administration of a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a hydrolysis-resistant P2Y receptor agonist to stimulate the removal of pathological extraneous fluid from the subretinal and retinal spaces and thereby reduce the accumulation of said fluid associated with retinal detachment and retinal edema. The P2Y receptor agonist can be administered with therapeutic and adjuvant agents commonly used to treat edematous retinal disorders. The pharmaceutical formulation useful in this invention comprises a P2Y receptor agonist with enhanced resistance to extracellular hydrolysis, such as dinucleoside polyphosphate compounds, or hydrolysis-resistant mononucleoside triphosphates.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for treating a subject with glaucoma comprising the steps of administrating a compound or composition which antagonize, inhibits, inactivates, reduce, suppresses, antagonizes, and/or limits the release, synthesis, or production from cells of TNF-&agr; thereby treating the subject with glaucoma.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for forming antimicrobial lenses comprising silver and a ligand monomer comprising;

Abstract: Drug delivery devices, and methods of delivering pharmaceutically active agents to a target tissue within a body using such devices, are disclosed. One drug delivery device includes a body having an internal surface for placement proximate a target tissue and a well having an opening to the internal surface. An inner core comprising a pharmaceutically active agent is disposed in the well.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for treating and/or preventing raised intraocular pressure, such as that associated with glaucoma or the use of corticosteroids with adrenergic agents. The invention provides insertable sustained-release devices adapted to maintain a therapeutically effective concentration of one or more adrenergic agents for an extended period of time, and a method of use thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for treating and/or preventing raised intraocular pressure, such as that associated with glaucoma or the use of corticosteroids, with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. The invention provides insertable sustained-release devices adapted to maintain a therapeutically effective concentration of one or more carbonic anhydrase inhibitors for an extended period of time, and a method of use thereof.

Abstract: A method for improving the integrity of the corneal epithelium by introducing into the eye an effective amount of a ophthalmically compatible retinoid sufficient to enhance the integrity of the corneal epithelium.

Abstract: A biodegradable botulinum toxin ocular implant for treating a medical condition of the eye upon implantation of the implant into the vitreous chamber of a patient's eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reversible hydrogel systems for medical applications. Particularly, the hydrogel of the present invention is made up of copolymers that can be a hydrogel when in an oxidized state and can be a solution when in a reduced state. A solution of the copolymer can be oxidized to form a hydrogel; and the hydrogel can be reduced to form a solution of the copolymer. The solution can be dehydrated to produce the dry copolymer for storage. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to methods of making and using the reversible hydrogel systems.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to methods and compositions of steroid suspensions suitable for intraocular use in the treatment or prevention of a variety of ocular diseases. Specifically, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions with significantly reduced endotoxin levels that are suitable for intraocular use. The invention also relates to methods of reducing the level of endotoxins within certain compositions, such as pharmaceutical compositions, that can be used for intraocular delivery.

Abstract: Macromolecular photocrosslinkers have polymeric backbones of substituted siloxane groups carrying photoactive groups. When exposed to light of wavelength above 305 nm, the photocrosslinkers are adapted to generate radicals which are retained on the macromolecular photocrosslinker and react to form a crosslinked network structure. The photocrosslinkers may be used in the production of medical devices, including ophthalmic lenses.

Abstract: Methods for reducing or preventing transplant rejection in the eye of an individual are described, comprising: a) performing an ocular transplant procedure; and b) implanting in the eye a bioerodible drug delivery system comprising an immunosuppressive agent and a bioerodible polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drug delivery device for a human eye. The human eye has a sclera, an inferior oblique muscle, and a macula. The device of the present invention includes a pharmaceutically active agent, and a geometry that facilitates the implantation of the device on an outer surface of the sclera, beneath the inferior oblique muscle, and with the pharmaceutically active agent disposed above the macula. Methods of delivery a pharmaceutically active agent to the posterior segment of the human eye are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drug delivery device for a human eye. The human eye has a sclera, an inferior oblique muscle, and a macula. The device of the present invention includes a pharmaceutically active agent, and a geometry that facilitates the implantation of the device on an outer surface of the sclera, beneath the inferior oblique muscle, and with the pharmaceutically active agent disposed above the macula. Methods of delivery a pharmaceutically active agent to the posterior segment of the human eye are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved sustained release drug delivery device comprising a drug core, a unitary cup, and a permeable plug.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved sustained release drug delivery device for delivering multiple agents comprising a drug core, a unitary cup, and a permeable plug.

Abstract: Aqueous pharmaceutical solution compositions preserved with a cationic preservative and comprising a cationic drug and a sulfonated styrene/maleic anhydride copolymer are disclosed. The compositions are particularly well suited for topical ophthalmic use, but may also be used as topically administrable otic or nasal compositions.

Abstract: Optical lenses and methods of preparing the same, in which an active material encapsulated in resin capsules is impregnated in said lens, adjacent an optical surface thereof. The active material may be a coloring material for producing a printed color pattern in the iris or other areas of the lens, or it may be a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to biochemical methods for the elimination of corneal collagen fiber disorganization to improve vision. Disorganization of corneal collagen fibers is seen in corneal scars, corneal opacification and corneal haze. In addition, the invention relates to biochemical methods for the elimination of corneal collagen fiber disorganization resulting from accidental traumatic injury to the cornea and from refractive surgery for such as radial keratotomy (RK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) so as to improve visual acuity and quality of vision.

Abstract: A lipid or other hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound (collectively referred to herein as “hydrophobic compounds”) is integrated into a polymeric matrix for drug delivery to alter drug release kinetics. In embodiments where the drug is water soluble, the drug is released over longer periods of time as compared to release from the polymeric matrix not incorporating the hydrophobic compound into the polymeric material. In contrast to methods in which a surfactant or lipid is added as an excipient, the hydrophobic compound is actually integrated into the polymeric matrix, thereby modifying the diffusion of water into the microparticle and diffusion of solubilized drug out of the matrix. The integrated hydrophobic compound also prolongs degradation of hydrolytically unstable polymers forming the matrix, further delaying release of encapsulated drug.

Abstract: An implant having a tube for permitting fluid flow has an outer flange at the outlet end and a retention projection near the inlet end. A delivery device for implanting the implant has a central bore for accommodating the implant during the implantation procedure. When the implant is loaded in the delivery device, the retention projection of the implant protrudes beyond the outside surface of the delivery device. After the delivery device and implant have penetrated the tissue through which drainage is desired, and the retention projection has fully penetrated through the tissue, the delivery device is withdrawn. The retention projection acts as a hook engaging the inside surface of the tissue, causing the implant to stay implanted in the tissue. An implant may also be provided with a mechanism for temporary occlusion, in whole or in part, of the flow passage.

Abstract: A composition and method for suppressing pain and irritation of tissue uses an anti-irritant in an effective amount to suppress pain and irritation temporarily when applied topically to the skin, mucosa, or the eye. The anti-irritant is a natural or non-nutritive sweetener. The composition can contain an edible acid such as citric acid and ascorbic acid from fresh lemon juice to provide a pH of about 2.0 to 4.0 and an anti-irritant, such as sodium saccharine. The composition can be used to treat cuts, scratches and abrasions on the skin and for applying a pharmaceutical agent to the skin, mucosa or eye without irritation. The acidic composition can further be used to remove or loosen calculus deposits from the teeth without burning or irritation of the gums.

Abstract: Methods for treating inflammation-mediated conditions of the eye are described, comprising: implanting into the vitreous of the eye of an individual a bioerodible implant comprising a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent and a bioerodible polymer, wherein the implant delivers the agent to the vitreous in an amount sufficient to reach a concentration equivalent to at least about 0.05 &mgr;g/ml dexamethasone within about 48 hours and maintains a concentration equivalent to at least about 0.03 &mgr;g/ml dexamethasone for at least about three weeks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for presbyopia correction via combination of a surgical and pharmacological means are disclosed. The pharmacological means is to either “trigger” or enhance the contraction effect after a surgical method for larger accommodation and/or for more stable post-surgery results. In addition, the invention discloses that lower dose range is especially useful in providing eye drugs that is low enough to be both safe and effective when used together with the surgical methods. The preferred embodiments for the surgical methods to remove a portion of the sclera tissue include lasers at wavelength of (0 19-0.36) um and (0.9-3.2) um and the non-laser device of radio frequency wave, electrode device, bipolar device and plasma assisted device. The preferred embodiment for pharmacological means includes the use of pilocarpine hydrochloride, phosphorothioate, physostigmine or other beta-adrenergic propanolamines.

Abstract: An therapeutic agent delivery device that can allows is particularly suitable for delivery of a therapeutic agent to limited access regions, such as the posterior chamber of the eye and inner ear. Preferred devices of the invention are minimally invasive, refillable and may be easily fixed to the treatment area. Preferred delivery devices of the invention also include those that comprise a non-linear shaped body member body housing one or more substances and a delivery mechanism for the sustained delivery of the one or more substances from the non-linear shaped body member to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intra-ocular lens that is made from hydrophilic polymer. An effective amount of medicine is dispersed in the mass of the of the polymer and when implanted in the eye of a subject, the lens releases the medicine into the intra-ocular tissues so that the medicine is in the vicinity of the site where action is needed.

Abstract: Ocular implant devices for the delivery of a therapeutic agent to an eye in a controlled and sustained manner. Dual mode and single mode drug delivery devices are illustrated and described. Implants suitable for subconjunctival placement are described. Implants suitable for intravitreal placement also are described. The invention also includes fabrication and implementation techniques associated with the unique ocular implant devices that are presented herein.

Abstract: Scleral plug system for occluding a hole in the eye and for controlling irrigation during vitreo-retinal surgery in order to maintain a closed system during the procedure, and angled forceps for handling a scleral plug.

Abstract: A health supplement composition is disclosed. The health supplement composition contains a solid health supplement material that is separated from a soy molasses material. The solid health supplement material contains at least two isoflavones where one of the isoflavones is either glycitein or glycitin.

Abstract: The invention provides an ophthalmic aqueous composition for topical administration, comprising: (a) a block copolymer of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide in concentration sufficient to provide viscosity of less than about 25 centipoise at ambient temperature and viscosity of from about 25 to about 55 centipoise when applied topically to a patient; (b) hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in concentration sufficient to improve the durability of the gel formed by the block copolymer. The invention further provides a method for administering ophthalmic pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of quinolone carboxylic acid formulations in the treatment of ocular and periocular infections. The present invention also relates to sustained release compositions comprising specific quinolone carboxylic acid compounds. The invention also relates to quinolone carboxylic acid compositions and methods of preparing the same.

Abstract: There is provided a pharmaceutical preservative free composition suitable for topical administration to an eye, the composition comprising (a) an oxazolidinone antimicrobial drug, for example linezolid, in a therapeutically or prophylactically effective drug concentration that is above the practical limit of solubility of the drug in a substantially isotonic aqueous solution at a physiologically compatible pH, and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable cyclodextrin compound in a concentration sufficient to maintain the drug in solution at such a drug concentration. The composition is particularly useful for the treatment and/or prevention of eye infections due to gram positive bacteria.

Abstract: Method for preparing an implantable device for a sustained delivery of a substance within a body of a human or an animal subject, the method including; dissolving a biocompatible polymer in a suitable solvent solution to produce a polymer-solvent solution; adding the substance to the polymer-solvent solution to produce a polymer-solvent solution-substance admixture; drying the polymer-solvent solution-substance admixture to form a substantially dry mass; and one or more of the following three steps: (1) adding a second polymer-solvent solution-substance admixture to the dry mass and this second polymer-solvent solution-substance admixture is then allowed to dry; and/or, (2) refrigerating the mass; and/or, (3) adding a liquid to the mass to cause the mass to soften and thereafter manipulating the softened mass to a desired shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of quinolone carboxylic acid formulations in the treatment of ocular and periocular infections. The present invention also relates to sustained release compositions comprising specific quinolone carboxylic acid compounds. The invention also relates to quinolone carboxylic acid compositions and methods of preparing the same.

Abstract: Solid or semi-solid intraocular implant compositions are disclosed. The compositions contain a lipophilic compound but lack a polymeric ingredient.

Abstract: A health supplement composition is disclosed. The health supplement composition contains a solid health supplement material that is separated from a condensed soy molasses material. The solid health supplement material contains at least two isoflavones where one of the isoflavones is either glycitein or glycitin.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treatment of eye disorders and injury, including methods for treatment of reduced flow of blood or other nutrients to retinal tissue and/or optic nerve, methods for treatment of retinal ischemia and trauma and methods for treatment for optic nerve injury/damage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drug delivery device for a human eye. The human eye has a sclera, an inferior oblique muscle, and a macula. The device of the present invention includes a pharmaceutically active agent, and a geometry that facilitates the implantation of the device on an outer surface of the sclera, beneath the inferior oblique muscle, and with the pharmaceutically active agent disposed above the macula. Methods of delivery a pharmaceutically active agent to the posterior segment of the human eye are also disclosed.

Abstract: A health supplement composition is disclosed. The health supplement composition contains a solid health supplement material that is separated from a soy molasses material. The soy molasses material is derived from a soy material selected from soy flour, soy flakes, soy grit, or soy meal. The solid health supplement material contains at least two isoflavones where one of the isoflavones is either glycitein or glycitin.

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: A nutritional or dietary supplement composition that strengthens and promotes retinal health through the prevention, stabilization, reversal and/or treatment of visual acuity loss by reducing the risk of developing late stage or advanced age-related macular degeneration in persons with early age-related macular degeneration. The nutritional or dietary supplement composition may likewise reduce the risk of vision loss associated with the development of cataracts. The essential ingredients of the nutritional or dietary supplement composition are vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc and copper. The essential ingredients are preferably provided in a tablet form suitable for oral ingestion. Preferably the composition is taken in the form of one or two tablets taken twice daily.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing intraocular fibrin comprising the administration of a pharmacologically effective dose of Protein C to an individual having elevated levels of intraocular fibrin. Also provided are various methods of preventing intraocular fibrin formation, treating intraocular diseases and reducing intraocular inflammation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for delivering biologically active molecules to the eye by implanting biocompatible capsules containing a cellular source of the biologically active molecule. Also provided is a method of treating ophthalmic diseases using biocompatible capsules.

Abstract: A novel technique is provided, designated DamID, for the identification of DNA loci that interact in vivo with specific nuclear proteins in eukaryotes. By tethering a DNA modification enzyme, in particular, E. coli DNA adenine methyl transferase (Dam), to a chromatin protein. The DNA modification enzyme (Dam) can be targeted in vivo to the native binding loci of the protein, resulting in local DNA modification. Sites of DNA modification can subsequently be mapped using modification-specific restriction enzymes, antibodies, or DNA array methods. DNA Modification Identification (DamID) has potential for genome-wide mapping of in vivo target binding sites of chromatin proteins in various eukaryotes.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions containing Lipoxin A4 and its analogs and methods of their use for treating dry eve are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of producing an intraocular lens in vivo comprise preparing a composition of discrete water soluble macromolecular particles, mixing the composition with a water soluble photoinitiator and forming an opthalmically acceptable aqueous solution having a refractive index of at least 1.39, injecting the resulting aqueous solution into the capsular bag of an eye, and initiating crosslinking between the macromolecular particles by irradiation of a wavelength in the range of about 380 to 700 nm to create a lens in the capsular bag.

Abstract: Compositions useful for improving effectiveness of alpha-2-adrenergic agonist components include carrier components, alpha-2-adrenergic agonist components, solubility enhancing components which aid in solubilizing the alpha-2-adrenergic agonist components. In one embodiment, the alpha-2-adrenergic agonist components include alpha-2-adrenergic agonists. In another embodiment, the solubility enhancing components include carboxymethylcellulose.

Abstract: A method of treatment of a condition selected from the group comprising conjunctivitis, keratitis, ‘allergic eyes’, adenovirus infections, corneal homograft rejection, anterior uveitis, nasal polyps, vasomotor rhinitis, allergic manifestations of the nasopharynx, reversible obstructive airways disease, Crohn's disease, distal colitis and proctitis, which method comprises administration to a patient suffering from such a condition of a therapeutically effective amount of an aqueous solution containing, as active ingredient, 9-ethyl-6,9-dihydro-4,6-dioxo-10-propyl-4H-pyrano(3,2-g)quinoline-2,8-dicarboxylic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Also described are novel pharmaceutical compositions suitable for use in such methods of treatment.