Abstract: This invention is a long acting moisturizer particularly suited for moisturizing the epithelia.

Abstract: Therapeutic compounds and methods for inhibiting amyloid deposition in a subject, whatever its clinical setting, are described. Amyloid deposition is inhibited by the administration to a subject of an effective amount of a therapeutic compound comprising an anionic group and a carrier molecule, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, such that an interaction between an amyloidogenic protein and a basement membrane constituent is inhibited. Preferred anionic groups are sulfonates and sulfates. Preferred carrier molecules include carbohydrates, polymers, peptides, peptide derivatives, aliphatic groups, alicyclic groups, heterocyclic groups, aromatic groups and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for treating atopic dermatitis, hayfever, asthma and pruritis that includes topical or systemic application of an effective amount of buspirone or a buspirone derivative or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, other than a quaternary salt, optionally in a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier.

Abstract: Intraocular administration of drugs such as .alpha.-2a interferon is employed in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Intraocular administration obviates the side effects associated with systemic administration, concentrates the drug at the site of the disease, and, where microcapsules are employed, provides continuous, long-lasting treatment.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a cutaneous, ocular, or mucosal pathological condition which is associated with an immune response in a human or other mammal, that includes topical application of an effective amount of buspirone or a buspirone derivative or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, optionally in a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier for topical application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating a patient with visco-surgery, particularly ocular visco-surgery, utilizing a collagen-based viscoelastic solution having a reversibly high viscosity. The invention also relates to collagen-based viscoelastic solutions which further include mucopolysaccarides or growth factors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting refractive errors of the eye are disclosed. Accelerated reshaping of the corneal tissue is accomplished by administering one or more enzymes and/or other agents to the eye which temporarily soften the cornea. The cornea is thereafter fitted with a rigid contact lens or a series of lenses which have a concave curvature that will correct a refractive error. The softened cornea then rapidly reshapes its convex curvature to the concave curvature of the contact lens or series of lenses, thereby rendering the eye emmetropic. The enzymes and/or other agents then dissipate from the cornea, and the cornea "hardens" to retain the new emmetropic shape. After "hardening" has occurred, the lens rendering the eye emmetropic is removed.

Abstract: This invention relates to compounds of the formula ##STR1## or an optical isomer thereof wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and are an alkyl or alkenyl group of 6 to 24 carbon atoms; R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 are the same or different and are alkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, aryl, aralkyl of 7 to 11 carbon atoms, or when two or three of R.sup.3, R.sup.4, and R.sup.5 are taken together to form quinuclidino, piperidino, pyrrolidino, or morpholino; n is 1 to 8; and X is a pharmaceutically acceptable anion.

Abstract: Nonaqueous pharmaceutical compositions for use in aqueous physiological systems are disclosed comprising drug delivery vehicles suspended in nonaqueous perfluorocarbon or fluorinated silicone liquid carriers. The suspended drug delivery vehicles may be water labile or water stable and incorporate therapeutic or diagnostic compounds which remain stable and pharmaceutically effective for extended periods. The pharmaceutical compositions have improved bioavailability, are capable of low dose volume delivery, and do not leach the incorporated therapeutic or diagnostic compounds into the liquid carriers making them well suited for multi-dose packaging and administration.

Abstract: Intraocular devices which are capable of sustained release of a cell proliferation modulating agent, together with methods for their preparation and use, are provided. The intraocular devices are implanted in the tissue, and the drug is released from the intraocular device such that the drug is substantially retained within the implant region. The device may be used to inhibit cellular proliferation around the implant. The device can be provided as a kit, preferably in a form suitable for use.

Abstract: There is provided a method for applying anesthetic to the eye organ during anterior segment or other ophthalmological surgeries. The method comprises the steps of placing a moisture absorbent member that is substantially soaked in an anesthetic in at least one of the superior fornix and inferior fornix of the eye organ, and thereafter applying pressure of a desired quantity to the absorbent member in order to promote the transport of the anesthetic from the moisture absorbent member into the deeper ocular and adnexal tissues, and ultimately to the nerves located therein.

Abstract: A stable solution, cream, salve, or spray composition containing activated stabilized chlorine dioxide and phosphates, such as disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, trisodium phosphate, and sodium monofluorophosphate, is disclosed for the prevention and treatment of abnormal conditions of the epithelium of bodily orifices. Examples of such abnormal conditions of the epithelium of the rectal, vaginal, urethral, oral, nasal, ocular, and auditory canal orifices include bacterial infections, such as Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, and fungal infections, such as Candida, and leukoplakia. The preferred concentration ranges are between about 0.005%-2.0% chlorine dioxide, and between about 0.02%-3.0% phosphate. The phosphate compound retards escape of chlorine dioxide in the pH range of 6.0 to 7.

Abstract: A sustained release medicinal preparation is produced by enclosing a macrocyclic compound represented by 17-allyl-1,14-dihydroxy-12-[2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxycyclohexyl)-1-methylviny l)-23,25-dimethoxy-13,19,21,27-tetramethyl-11,28-dioxa-4-azatricyclo[22.3.1 .0.sup.4,9 ]octacos-18-ene-2,3,10,16-tetraone or 17-ethyl-1,14-dihydroxy-12-[2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxycyclohexyl)-1-methylviny l]-23,25-dimethoxy-13,19,21,27-tetramethyl-11,28-dioxa-4-azatricyclo[22.3.1 .0.sup.4,9 ]octacos-18-ene-2,3,10,16-tetraone, into the fine particles generally called microspheres which arc made of biodegradable polymer. This preparation, when, for example, given by injection, appreciably improves the transferance of said macrocyclic compound into the blood. Further, this is also used as an agent suitable for topical administration.

Abstract: Reversibly gel-forming compositions for sustained delivery of bio-affecting substances are disclosed. The compositions exhibit significant changes in viscosity in response to changes in pH. The compositions contain relatively low concentrations of a stable combination of at least one pH-responsive gelling polymer and at least one other thermally nonresponsive polymer. The compositions are preferably formulated to include one or more therapeutic or diagnostic agents for administration as a liquid that will gel in situ or for topical application as a pre-formed gel.

Abstract: Compositions based upon aqueous gels for medical application, comprising polyoxyalkylene copolymers. Such gels which are isotonic, iso-osmotic, pH balanced, thermo-reversible gels are ideal vehicles for drug or diagnostic agent delivery.

Abstract: Methods for treating the cornea following UV laser irradiation and resulting photoablation of corneal tissue are disclosed. The methods include administration of compositions of a non-steroidal antiinflammatory to the eye. Compositions for use in treating the cornea are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for preventing and treating corneal haze resulting from exposure of the eye to laser irradiation are disclosed. The methods include administration of compositions of wound healing modulators to the eye. Compositions for use in preventing and treating the corneal haze are also disclosed.

Abstract: Balanced pH, hyperosmotic, hypoosmotic, or isoosmotic gels are ideal vehicles for drug delivery. They are especially suited for topical body cavity or injection application of drugs or diagnostic agents; for drug or diagnostic agent delivery to the eye of a mammal; as protective corneal shields; or as ablatable corneal masks useful in laser reprofiling of the cornea. The compositions without the addition of a drug or diagnostic agent are useful as medical devices, for instance, in separating surgically or otherwise injured tissue as a means of preventing adhesions.

Abstract: Methods for preventing and treating corneal haze resulting from exposure of the eye to laser irradiation are disclosed. The methods include administration of compositions of wound healing modulators to the eye. Compositions for use in preventing and treating the corneal haze are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for preventing and treating corneal haze resulting from exposure of the eye to laser irradiation are disclosed. The methods include administration of compositions of wound healing modulators to the eye. Compositions for use in preventing and treating the corneal haze are also disclosed.

Abstract: Lesions supplied by abnormal aggregations of vascular tissue or neovascular tissues are treated with photodynamic therapy by application of photosensitizing agent followed by precisely directed and calibrated laser activation to induce photothrombosis within target vascular tissue. The treatment forms a blood clot within the supply vessels thereby reducing the blood supply to the target lesion. Treated tissues atrophy or recede with low regrowth of vessels. The lower energy levels required significantly reduce damage to the surrounding tissues.

Abstract: A therapeutic method is provided to alleviate the tobacco withdrawal syndrome, the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal or the management of human body weight in nicotine-experienced or nicotine-naive individuals, comprising of administering an amount of nicotine metabolites or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof to a human in need of such treatment, in an amount which is effective to reduce or eliminate at least one of the symptoms of the tobacco withdrawal syndrome, nicotine withdrawal or manage human body weight.

Abstract: Methods for preventing and treating corneal haze resulting from exposure of the eye to laser irradiation are disclosed. The methods include administration of compositions of wound healing modulators to the eye. Compositions for use in preventing and treating the corneal haze are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable highly concentrated formulations of specific fluorescein derivatives, to the preparation of said formulations and the use thereof, especially for the photodynamic therapy of secondary cataract.The invention principally relates to an aqueous solution comprising a fluorescein diester, preferably a fluorescein di-lower alkyl ester, most preferably fluorescein diacetate, and a partially etherified .beta.-cyclodextrin the ether substituents of which are hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl or dihydroxypropyl groups, some of which ether substituents may be methyl or ethyl groups, said .beta.-cyclodextrin ether having a water-solubility of more than 1.8 g in 100 ml of water, preferably hydroxy-.beta.-cyclodextrin.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided prosthetic articles having polyurethane coatings with biologically active compounds incorporated within the interstices of the polymer. Methods for the preparation of such articles are also provided. Thus, a polyurethane coating is applied to a prosthetic article, the coating then swelled (without significantly dissolving the polymer) so that substantial quantities of biologically active compounds can be incorporated within the interstices of the polymer. Upon long term exposure of a prosthetic article of the invention to physiological conditions, the biologically active compound is slowly released by the treated polymer. The biologically active compound is, therefore, released only at the site where it is desired, i.e., where the prosthetic article is positioned.

Abstract: A unit that can be a tiny module within a battery pack includes a microprocessor operating through onboard sensors and read circuitry to monitor battery current, voltage and temperature and to develop fast charge termination control data. Various termination schemes are available including negative delta V, dT/dt, dV/dt, absolute temperature, absolute voltage, and override timer. The microprocessor also operates to develop state of charge, percentage of capacity charge and other status data, to store such data along with setup and calibration data, in an EEPROM, to report data to a host periodically or when polled to and to operate automatically or at a user's request to initially perform and update a calibration as to actual battery capacity. During times when the pack is idle, the unit automatically reverts to a low-power mode in which measuring circuitry is deenergized but during such times, it operates periodically to compensate for self-discharge as a function of temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel aqueous ophthalmic compositions containing vitamin E or ester thereof as an active ingredient, sorbic acid or salts thereof as a preservative, and surfactant. The composition of this invention is useful for treatment of various eye diseases, especially for cataract.

Abstract: Stable, comfortable, preserved, topical, ophthalmic compositions of acidic drugs are disclosed. Methods for their use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drug delivery ophthalmic insert prepared by forming a water soluble solid polymer into a paste by the addition of a small fixed amount of water, drying the paste and then sectioning the paste into a plurality of rod shaped inserts is provided. The insert is rendered suitable for prolonged and sustained delivery of medication to the eye since it is formed by the addition of a small amount of water and has a surface area less than about 3 mm.sup.2. Specific water soluble solid polymers which may be used include methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, alginic acid and combinations thereof as well as mixtures of pilocarpine dispersed in methylcellulose and its combinations.

Abstract: Medication dispensing intra-ocular lens system for implantation into an eye. An implantable intra-ocular lens includes a carrier medium disposed on a surface of the lens. A biologically active material is embedded in the carrier medium for controlled release into the eye. Contemplated biologically active materials include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents and cell growth inhibitors. The controlled release of biologically active materials within the eye is more effective than conventional topical applications of the same substances.

Abstract: A veterinary method for clinically modifying the behavior of a household pet dog exhibiting a recognized type of canine affective aggression behavior is provided. The veterinary behavior modification method administers at least one selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor compound to the dog upon one or multiple occasions; and the administration of these compounds will modify clinically the canine affective aggression behavior of the household dog permanently or for an indefinite period of time. This veterinary behavior modification method can be usefully employed as an adjunct to conditioning approaches presently employed and will avoid the need for euthanasia in extreme behavioral circumstances.

Abstract: This invention relates to compounds of the formula ##STR1## or an optical isomer thereof wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and are an alkyl or alkenyl group of 6 to 24 carbon atoms; R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are the same or different and are alkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, aryl, aralkyl of 7 to 11 carbon atoms, or when two or three of R.sup.3, R.sup.4, and R.sup.5 are taken together to form quinuclidino, piperidino, pyrrolidino, or morpholino; n is 1 to 8; and X is a pharmaceutically acceptable anion.

Abstract: A topical gel formulation containing aminocaproic acid prevents secondary hemorrhage following hyphema without the adverse side effects associated with systemically delivered aminocaproic acid. Of ten human patients treated with the formulation, none have experienced a secondary hemorrhage and none have experienced adverse side effects. The topical gel formulation is prepared by a process which ensures sterility, a pH compatible with conditions in the aqueous humor, and optimum consistency. A permeation enhancer such as proparacaine can be incorporated into the gel during formulation and be used to enhance the transport of aminocaproic acid across the corneal epithelium.

Abstract: This invention relates to compounds of the formula ##STR1## or an optical isomer thereof wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and are an alkyl or alkenyl group of 6 to 24 carbon atoms; R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are the same or different and are alkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, aryl, aralkyl of 7 to 11 carbon atoms, or when two or three of R.sup.3, R.sup.4, and R.sup.5 are taken together to form quinuclidino, piperidino, pyrrolidino, or morpholino, n is 1 to 8; and X is a pharmaceutically acceptable anion.

Abstract: The invention provides novel compositions of matter containing water-insoluble steroid drugs suitable for therapeutic use. The invention provides stable aqueous suspensions of water-insoluble steroid drugs of particle sizes of .ltoreq.15 .mu.m which remain in such a state so as to allow for immediate suspension, when desired, even after extended periods of settling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-soluble conjugate having antithrombin-binding activity comprising a substantially straight-chained organic polymer backbone having at least 30 molecules of sulfated glycosaminoglycans distributed along the polymer backbone, wherein the sulfated glycosaminoglycans are attached to the polymer backbone at a single point of attachment which is not responsible for the antithrombin-binding activity. The present invention also relates to a surface having antithrombin-binding properties prepared with the conjugate and methods of preparing said conjugate and said surface.

Abstract: A method of retarding and ameliorating eye diseases and injuries is disclosed. The method comprises administering astaxanthin in a therapeutically-effective amount to prevent, retard or treat eye and central nervous system diseases or injuries, such as age-related macular degeneration and other central nervous system degenerative diseases, photic injury, ischemic diseases, and inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Methods for preventing and treating corneal haze resulting from exposure of the eye to laser irradiation are disclosed. The methods include administration of compositions of wound healing modulators to the eye. Compositions for use in preventing and treating the corneal haze are also disclosed.

Abstract: A collagen-hydrogel for promoting epithelial cell growth and regeneration of the stroma is shown. Also shown is an optical lens for the eye, fabricated from the collagen-hydrogel, which, when affixed to Bowman's membrane, promotes and supports epithelial cell growth, enables corneal epithelium of the cornea of an eye, during the healing process, to attach to and cover the anterior surface of the lens implanting the same and to regenerate the stroma which grows over the edge of and attaches to the optical lens. Laid down in the layers of the regenerated stroma are new keratocytes and collagen fibial produced from keratocytes. The collagen-hydrogel is a hydrogel polymer formed by the free radical polymerization of a hydrophilic monomer solution gelled and crosslinked in the presence of an aqueous stock solution of collagen to form a three dimensional polymeric meshwork for anchoring collagen. The collagen-hydrogel material has a ratio by weight of collagen-to-hydrogel in the range of about 0.

Abstract: Bio-erodible ophthalmic shields comprising gelatin, a glycosaminoglycan (for example chondroitin sulfate) and carboxymethyl cellulose, and a method of treating a traumatized or "dry" eye by administering the gelatin-based ophthalmic shields to the traumatized eye. The ophthalmic shields are bio-compatible and bio-erodible in traumatized, non-traumatized and dry eyes. The gelatin-based ophthalmic shields can further include one or more therapeutically active substances that will be released to the eye.

Abstract: Nonaqueous pharmaceutical compositions for use in aqueous physiological systems are disclosed comprising drug delivery vehicles suspended in nonaqueous perfluorocarbon or fluorinated silicone liquid carriers. The suspended drug delivery vehicles may be water labile or water stable and incorporate therapeutic or diagnostic compounds which remain stable and pharmaceutically effective for extended periods. The pharmaceutical compositions have improved bioavailability, are capable of low dose volume delivery, and do not leach the incorporated therapeutic or diagnostic compounds into the liquid carriers making them well suited for multi-dose packaging and administration.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, drugs having pharmacological properties which are useful in the medicinal therapy of fibrotic disease for the reparation and prevention of fibrotic lesional tissues, such drugs including as the active ingredient one or more N-substituted 2-(1H) pyridone(s). The composition of this invention is novel as an anti-fibrotic drug, namely, as an agent for treating fibrosis. Any existing compounds have not been shown to be effective for the reparation and prevention of fibrotic lesions.

Abstract: A biodegradable porous drug delivery device for controllably releasing a pharmacological agent is disclosed which comprises a hollow tube closed at both ends having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the tube formed of a mixture of polycaprolactone and a pore-creating agent, the tube further comprising channels formed between the interior surface and the exterior surface and a pharmacological agent filled into the hollow tube for controllable release through the channels of the tube. Methods of manufacturing the biodegradable porous drug delivery device are also disclosed.

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: A topical gel formulation containing aminocaproic acid prevents secondary hemorrhage following hyphema without the adverse side effects associated with systemically delivered aminocaproic acid. Of ten human patients treated with the formulation, none have experienced a secondary hemorrhage and none have experienced adverse side effects. The topical gel formulation is prepared by a process which ensures sterility, a pH compatible with conditions in the aqueous humor, and optimum consistency. A permeation enhancer such as proparacaine can be incorporated into the gel during formulation and be used to enhance the transport of aminocaproic acid across the corneal epithelium.

Abstract: Compositions useful to at least partially correct an effect of ametropia in a mammalian eye are disclosed. Such compositions comprise a plurality of particles sized and adapted to be placed in proximity to the outer surface of the cornea of a mammalian eye to at least partially correct an effect of ametropia in the mammalian eye. Each of the plurality of particles carries a complete hologram, preferably a complete hologram which holds all the information needed to at least partially correct the effect of ametropia in the mammalian eye. A particularly useful method of administering the plurality of particles to a mammalian eye is to use an additional component in an amount effective to act as a carrier for the plurality of particles. In one embodiment, this carrier component is an ophthalmically acceptable, aqueous-based liquid. Methods for using such compositions to at least partially correct an effect of ametropia in the mammalian eye, and methods for producing such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Presented are a controlled-release pharmaceutical preparation for intra-ocular implant to be applied to the interior of the eye after a surgical operation for disorders in retina/vitreous body or for glaucoma, which is produced by homogeneously dispersing an anti-inflammatory agent or a cell proliferation antagonist in certain polylactic acid and forming it into a particular shape; and a method for the prevention of the recurrence of said disorders or glaucoma after a surgical operation therefor.

Abstract: The present invention provides the fumarate salt of 4-(diethyl-3-(1-methyloctyl)-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-6,6,9-trimethyl-6H-dibenz o[b,d]pyran-1-ol, 4-diethyl-amino)butyric acid ester, i.e. the compound having the following structure (I): ##STR1## and methods of treatment, particularly treatment of glaucoma, and pharmaceutical compositions that utilize or comprise the fumarate salt (I).

Abstract: A suspendible composition comprising a tricyclic compound such as FK 506 substance which is 17-allyl-1,14-dihydroxy-12-[2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxycyclohexyl)-1-methylviny l]-23,25-dimethoxy-13,19,21,27-tetramethyl-11,28-dioxa-4-azatricyclo-[22.3. 1.0.sup.4,9 ]octacos-18-ene-2,3,10,16-tetraone, or the like, and a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant, which can be used as an orally administrable agent or eye drops and is useful for treating various diseases.

Abstract: A stable solution, cream, salve, or spray composition containing activated stabilized chlorine dioxide and phosphates, such as disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, trisodium phosphate, and sodium monofluorophosphate, is disclosed for the prevention and treatment of abnormal conditions of the epithelium of bodily orifices. Examples of such abnormal conditions of the epithelium of the rectal, vaginal, urethral, oral, nasal, ocular, and auditory canal orifices include bacterial infections, such as Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, and fungal infections, such as Candida, and leukoplakia. The preferred concentration ranges are between about 0.005%-2.0% chlorine dioxide, and between about 0.02%-3.0% phosphate. The phosphate compound retards escape of chlorine dioxide in the pH range of 6.0 to 7.