Abstract: Biodegradable implants sized and suitable for implantation in an ocular region or site and methods for treating ocular conditions. The implants provide an extended release of an active agent at a therapeutically effective amount for a period of time between 50 days and one year, or longer.

Abstract: The lacrimal implant delivery systems and methods described herein provide for controlled release of a therapeutic agent for the treatment of disease, including the treatment of glaucoma, ocular hypertension, or elevated intraocular pressure with latanoprost or other anti-glaucoma agents. Treatment of disease, including glaucoma, ocular hypertension, or elevated intraocular pressure with latanoprost or other anti-glaucoma agent in conjunction with penetration enhancer, such as benzalkonium chloride, and/or artificial tears is also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of inhibiting angiogenesis, and treating or preventing a disease or disorder (or symptoms thereof) associated with angiogenesis, wherein an anti-angiogenesis compound is administered to a subject.

Abstract: Materials and methods of treating an eye with a hydrogel formed on the eye. Embodiments are provided that include post-keratectomy bandages. A method of treating a patient by application of a hydrogel bandage to a cornea by providing a first hydrogel precursor in a dry form immobilized in a first deposit at a first location in a well, providing a second hydrogel precursor in a dry form immobilized in a second deposit at a second location in the well, mixing the deposits together to form a mixture, and transferring at least some of the mixture to the cornea, with the mixture forming a covalently crosslinked hydrogel on the cornea.

Abstract: An ophthalmic drug delivery system that contains phospholipid and cholesterol for prolonging drug lifetime in the eyes.

Abstract: The invention relates to acrylic hydrogels with pendant cyclodextrins, the preparation and application thereof as release systems and components of contact lenses. The method for obtaining acrylic hydrogels with pendant cyclodextrins is characterized in that the hydrogels are formed by a polymer lattice obtained by polymerization of mono- and bifunctional acrylic or methacrylic monomers and monomers having glycidyl groups in their structure, to which cyclodextrin units are covalently bound once formed; and the use and applications of the compositions in the preparation of contact lenses with the capacity for incorporating drugs, active substances or demulcents useful in the treatment of pathological or physiological conditions, in the production of topical, transdermal or transmucosal release systems for medicinal products or active substances, and in the preparation of cosmetics.

Abstract: An ocular drug delivery system comprising a photocaged drug comprising a therapeutic agent that is rendered biologically inactive by being coupled to a protective ligand or caging group by a photocleavable bond, with the therapeutic agent being capable of being activated and/or released in response to a predetermined wavelength and/or intensity of light which breaks the photocleavable bond.

Abstract: A minimally invasive controlled drug delivery system for delivering a particular drug or drugs to a particular location of the eye, the system including a porous film template having pores configured and dimensioned to at least partially receive at least one drug therein, and wherein the template is dimensioned to be delivered into or onto the eye.

Abstract: A scleral lens is provided with a sodium channel blocker or a sodium channel modulator disposed in the pre-corneal tear film between the scleral lens and the cornea. This system can be used to deliver sodium channel blockers or a sodium channel modulators not currently used because of poor bioavailability. Methods of using this sodium channel blocker delivery system or a sodium channel modulator delivery system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sustainedly drug-releasing hydrogel contact lens which can sustainedly release an anionic medicament such as an allergy-treating agent in a mildly irritating and effective manner while achieving vision correction. Specifically disclosed is a hydrogel comprising ionic monomers composed of at least a cationic monomer and an anionic monomer, wherein the component ratio of the ionic monomers is 5 to 20 mol % inclusive relative to the total amount of monomers that constitute the gel, and the content of the anionic monomer is 15 to 25 mol % inclusive relative to the content of the cationic monomer.

Abstract: The invention provides a corneal endothelial composition comprising a transparent hydrogel scaffold and a single layer of cultured corneal endothelial cells on the surface of the scaffold. The hydrogel scaffold I comprised of at least one biopolymer, preferably gelatin.

Abstract: A corneal cover or corneal implant to be placed within or onto the surface of the cornea is made of bony fish scales and a contact lens is made of bony fish scales.

Abstract: Methods for treating and preventing retinopathic conditions by administering an anti-VEGF compound to the vitreous chamber of a patient at risk of, or suffering from, the retinopathy.

Abstract: Biodegradable implants sized and suitable for implantation in an ocular region or site and methods for treating ocular conditions. The implants provide an extended release of an active agent at a therapeutically effective amount for a period of time between 50 days and one year, or longer.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a copolymer which is a graft or block copolymer useful to change wettability and surface characteristics of biological surfaces. Methods for use of these formulations and coatings to change wettability and sterically stabilize, and lubricate biological surfaces in a subject, for example, in the treatment of dry eye syndrome, and to prevent adherence of unwanted proteins, for example in the treatment of contact lens intolerance, are provided.

Abstract: Processes for coating a carrier with microparticles of a drug are described. For example, a coated carrier can be obtained in a one-stage process that entails evaporating a solvent from microdroplets of a solution containing an API to obtain dry microparticles, which are then coated on the carrier.

Abstract: The present technology provides a nanoparticulate in-situ gelling vitreous substitute, which is a liquid at room temperature to aid easy administration, such as e.g. through a small needle incision, and forms a gel within the eye, which is hydrophilic in nature, similar to the natural vitreous. The vitreous substitute formulation may include a water-soluble natural or synthetic polymer and a gelling-agent which are blended together in the presence of a cross linker, to form a gel having the properties of the vitreous humor. The process of cross linking and gelation may occur in-situ. This can be achieved by dispensing to the eye, different components of the vitreous substitute in liquid state, along with the cross linking agent.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments comprise an implantable ophthalmic device comprising at least one shell encapsulating oxygenic bacteria and growth medium and designed to increase the oxygen partial pressure in an oxygen-deprived structure of, or space within, an eye. Exemplary embodiments may be used therapeutically to treat ischemic retinopathies in situ and thereby prevent damage, for example, retinal damage.

Abstract: An implant for insertion into a punctum of a patient comprises a body. The body has a distal end, a proximal end, and an axis therebetween. The distal end of the body is insertable distally through the punctum into the canalicular lumen. The body comprises a therapeutic agent included within an agent matrix drug core. Exposure of the agent matrix to the tear fluid effects an effective therapeutic agent release into the tear fluid over a sustained period. The body has a sheath disposed over the agent matrix to inhibit release of the agent away from the proximal end. The body also has an outer surface configured to engage luminal wall tissues so as to inhibit expulsion when disposed therein. In specific embodiments, the agent matrix comprises a non-bioabsorbable polymer, for example silicone in a non-homogenous mixture with the agent.

Abstract: Ophthalmic conditions such as presbyopia, myopia, and astigmatism can be corrected by the use of a molding contact lens in combination with a pharmaceutical composition suitable for delivery to the eye. The molding contact lenses are preferably commercially available and are not specifically designed for orthokeratology. The agents in the pharmaceutical compositions such as hyaluronase allow the cornea of the eye to be molded in order to correct the refractive error of the eye. The contact lenses and the pharmaceutical composition induce a change in the radius of curvature of the anterior surface of the cornea, thereby correcting the refractive error of the eye. One advantage of the inventive technique is that the patient with his or her own individual visual needs guides the treatment until the patient near and far visual needs are met.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reversible hydrogel systems. 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. Reversible nanogels can also be formed from a dilute solution of the copolymers. The hydrogel is formed with nanoparticles embedded therein to form a nanocomposite whose refractive index and modulus can be controlled by varying the amounts of nanoparticles and the polymer concentration of the hydrogel, respectively.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments comprise an implantable ophthalmic device comprising at least one shell encapsulating oxygenic bacteria and growth medium and designed to increase the oxygen partial pressure in an oxygen-deprived structure of or space within, an eye. Exemplary embodiments may be used therapeutically to treat ischemic retinopathies in situ and thereby prevent damage, for example, retinal damage.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for removing epithelium from the cornea include a fluid agent for facilitating de-epithelialization of the cornea. A disc includes a biocompatible material operable for covering a predetermined zone of a cornea. The disc is hydrated by the fluid agent, wherein the hydrated disc is pliable for conforming to a surface of the cornea. An application of the hydrated disc to the cornea substantially constrains the fluid agent to the determined zone and softens a corneal epithelium enabling delamination of the epithelium from an underlying stroma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric compositions useful in the manufacture of biocompatible medical devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to certain cationic random copolymers capable of polymerization to form polymeric compositions having desirable physical characteristics useful in the manufacture of ophthalmic devices. Such properties include the ability to extract the polymerized medical devices with water. This avoids the use of organic solvents as is typical in the art. The polymer compositions comprise polymerized siloxane prepolymer containing pendant cationic and polymerizable groups.

Abstract: Disclosed are lacrimal inserts and their method of use for delivery of medication to the eye. The plug includes a body portion sized to pass through a lacrimal punctum and be positioned within a lacrimal canaliculus of the eyelid. The plug may contain a core, or reservoir, at least partially within the body portion comprising a therapeutic agent that is configured to controlled release into the eye and is configured for release medication via a designated port, valve, or orifice in the insert housing and inhibits diffusion of medication via the housing itself.

Abstract: An object is to provide an artificial lens for use in an artificial eye device for cataract surgery practice. The artificial lens includes an artificial nucleus corresponding to a human eye lens nucleus and an artificial cortex corresponding to a human eye lens cortex. The artificial nucleus is formed of an agar gel of agar concentration 1.0 wt % to 5.0 wt %. The artificial cortex is formed of an agar gel of agar concentration 0.5 wt % to 1.5 wt % which is lower than the agar concentration of an agar gel forming the artificial nucleus. In another embodiment, an artificial lens includes an artificial nucleus corresponding to a human eye lens nucleus and an artificial cortex corresponding to a human eye lens cortex. The artificial nucleus is formed of cheese or a cheese-like substance, and the artificial cortex is formed of pulp fiber.

Abstract: A therapeutic device to release a therapeutic agent comprises a porous structure coupled to a container comprising a reservoir. The reservoir comprises a volume sized to release therapeutic amounts of the therapeutic agent for an extended time when coupled to the porous structure and implanted in the patient. The porous structure may comprise a first side coupled to the reservoir and a second side to couple to the patient to release the therapeutic agent. A plurality of interconnecting channels can extend from the first side to the second side so as to connect a first a plurality of openings on the first side with a second plurality of openings on the second side.

Abstract: Methods for treating and preventing retinopathic conditions by administering a glucocorticoid to the vitreous chamber of a patient at risk of, or suffering from, the retinopathy.

Abstract: An implant for insertion into a punctum of a patient comprises a body. The body has a distal end, a proximal end, and an axis therebetween. The distal end of the body is insertable distally through the punctum into the canalicular lumen. The body comprises a therapeutic agent included within an agent matrix drug core. Exposure of the agent matrix to the tear fluid effects an effective therapeutic agent release into the tear fluid over a sustained period. The body has a sheath disposed over the agent matrix to inhibit release of the agent away from the proximal end. The body also has an outer surface configured to engage luminal wall tissues so as to inhibit expulsion when disposed therein. In specific embodiments, the agent matrix comprises a non-bioabsorbable polymer, for example silicone in a non-homogenous mixture with the agent.

Abstract: A therapeutic device to release a therapeutic agent comprises a porous structure coupled to a container comprising a reservoir. The reservoir comprises a volume sized to release therapeutic amounts of the therapeutic agent for an extended time when coupled to the porous structure and implanted in the patient. The porous structure may comprise a first side coupled to the reservoir and a second side to couple to the patient to release the therapeutic agent. A plurality of interconnecting channels can extend from the first side to the second side so as to connect a first a plurality of openings on the first side with a second plurality of openings on the second side.

Abstract: Methods and products are provided for treating a wound or infection in a mammal or disinfecting a surface with a hypochlorous acid solution that has been activated by a catalyst. Additionally provided is a process for preparing an antimicrobial product that produces an activated hypochlorous acid solution for use as an antimicrobial.

Abstract: Biocompatible intraocular implants include a beta adrenergic receptor antagonist and a polymer associated with the beta adrenergic receptor antagonist to facilitate release of the beta adrenergic receptor antagonist into an eye for an extended period of time. The beta adrenergic receptor antagonist may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. The implants may be placed in an eye to treat one or more ocular conditions, such as an ocular neuropathies, for example, various forms of glaucoma.

Abstract: The invention comprises a transdermal dosage form comprising an active agent component comprising an active agent and an adverse agent component comprising an adverse agent, wherein the active agent component defines at least one channel extending substantially there through.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions and systems for topical ophthalmic application, which include an aqueous mixture of bromfenac and flowable mucoadhesive polymer, for treating inflammation and inflammatory conditions of the eye.

Abstract: Biocompatible intraocular implants include a steroid and an auxiliary agent, where the auxiliary agent is present in an amount sufficient to lessen the severity of at least one side effect compared to the use of an otherwise identical implant lacking said auxiliary agent. The steroid and the auxiliary agent may be present on the same intraocular implant or on different implants. The steroid and auxiliary agent may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. Or, the steroid may be associated with a polymeric coating having one or more openings effective to permit the steroid to be released into an external environment. The implants containing the steroid and an auxiliary agent may be placed in an eye to treat one or more ocular conditions while reducing the side effects otherwise accompanying steroid use.

Abstract: A solid drug core insert can be manufactured by injecting a liquid mixture comprising a therapeutic agent and a matrix precursor into a sheath body. The injection can be conducted at subambient temperatures. The mixture is cured to form a solid drug-matrix core. The therapeutic agent can be a liquid at about room temperature that forms a dispersion of droplets in the matrix material. A surface of the solid drug core is exposed, for example by cutting the tube, and the exposed surface of the solid drug core releases therapeutic quantities of the therapeutic agent when implanted into the patient. In some embodiments, the insert body inhibits release of the therapeutic agent, for example with a material substantially impermeable to the therapeutic agent, such that the therapeutic quantities are released through the exposed surface, thereby avoiding release of the therapeutic agent to non-target tissues.

Abstract: Drug delivery devices comprising a non-bioabsorbable polymer structure configured to support a composition comprising an active agent. The devices include a plurality of portions fused together and a recess configured to support the composition. At least one of the portions includes an impermeable polymer and at least one other portion includes a rate-limiting water-permeable polymer. The rate-limiting water-permeable polymer allows for transportation of the active agent to an exterior of the device.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of inhibiting or reversing the progression of cataract formation or presbyopia in an eye by administering a ?L-crystallin electrostatic interaction inhibitor. Both presbyopia and cataracts are caused by aggregation of the soluble crystalline lens proteins called the crystallins, particularly ?L-crystallin. It has been found that the aggregation of ?L-crystallin is an electrostatic phenomenon and that electrostatic interaction inhibitors can be employed to prevent the formation of ?L-crystallin aggregates as well as to deaggregate already formed aggregates.

Abstract: The present invention concerns implantable ocular devices for the sustained release of medication to the eye, and methods for manufacturing and using such devices. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device comprising: (a) a body comprising a matrix of a prostaglandin and a silicone; (b) a parylene coating on the outer surface of the body; and (c) one or more pores extending from the outer surface of the parylene coating to the outer surface of the body.

Abstract: A drug insert is configured for use with an implant. The implant is configured for insertion into a lacrimal canaliculus. The drug insert includes a drug core comprising a therapeutic agent and a polymer; and a sheath body comprising material substantially impermeable to the therapeutic agent, wherein the drug core is positioned within the sheath body. The sheath body is configured to provide an exposed end of the drug core that releases therapeutic agent to an eye when the drug insert is disposed within the implant and the implant is positioned in the lacrimal canaliculus. A distal end of the drug core is sealed with a medical-grade adhesive.

Abstract: Biocompatible intraocular implants include a beta adrenergic receptor antagonist and a polymer associated with the beta adrenergic receptor antagonist to facilitate release of the beta adrenergic receptor antagonist into an eye for an extended period of time. The beta adrenergic receptor antagonist may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. The implants may be placed in an eye to treat one or more ocular conditions, such as an ocular neuropathies, for example, various forms of glaucoma.

Abstract: A comfortable insert comprises a retention structure sized for placement under the eyelids and along at least a portion of conjunctival sac of the upper and lower lids of the eye. The retention structure resists deflection when placed in the conjunctival sac of the eye and to guide the insert along the sac when the eye moves. The retention structure can be configured in many ways to provide the resistance to deflection and may comprise a hoop strength so as to urge the retention structure outward and inhibit movement of the retention structure toward the cornea. The insert may move rotationally with deflection along the conjunctival sac, and may comprise a retention structure having a cross sectional dimension sized to fit within folds of the conjunctiva. The insert may comprise a release mechanism and therapeutic agent to release therapeutic amounts of the therapeutic agent for an extended time.

Abstract: The methods described herein provide treatment of glaucoma, ocular hypertension, and elevated intraocular pressure with latanoprost or other therapeutic agent(s). Implant devices for insertion into a punctum of a patient provide sustained release of latanoprost or other therapeutic agent(s) that is maintained for 7, 14, 21, 30, 45, 60, or 90 days or more, thus avoiding patient noncompliance and reducing or lowering adverse events associated with eye drop administration of latanoprost or other therapeutic agent(s) and other therapeutic agent(s).

Abstract: Lacrimal implants for treating diseases or disorders are disclosed. More particularly, lacrimal implants, methods of making such implants, and methods of treating ocular, respiration, inner ear or other diseases or disorders using such implants are disclosed.

Abstract: A drug insert is configured for use with an implant. The implant is configured for insertion into a lacrimal canaliculus. The drug insert includes a drug core comprising a therapeutic agent and a polymer; and a sheath body comprising material substantially impermeable to the therapeutic agent, wherein the drug core is positioned within the sheath body. The sheath body is configured to provide an exposed end of the drug core that releases therapeutic agent to an eye when the drug insert is disposed within the implant and the implant is positioned in the lacrimal canaliculus. A distal end of the drug core is sealed with a medical-grade adhesive.

Abstract: Biodegradable implants sized and suitable for implantation in an ocular region or site and methods for treating ocular conditions. The implants provide an extended release of an active agent at a therapeutically effective amount for a period of time between 50 days and one year, or longer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical preparation comprising a layer-by-layer thin film that is produced by alternately layering a polycation and a polyanion, and a drug loaded onto the layer-by-layer thin film. As a result, a pharmaceutical preparation with a prolonged duration of drug action with a single dose is provided.

Abstract: Ophthalmic conditions such as presbyopia, myopia, and astigmatism can be corrected by the use of a molding contact lens in combination with a pharmaceutical composition suitable for delivery to the eye. The molding contact lenses are preferably commercially available and are not specifically designed for orthokeratology. The agents in the pharmaceutical compositions such as hyaluronase allow the cornea of the eye to be molded in order to correct the refractive error of the eye. The contact lenses and the pharmaceutical composition induce a change in the radius of curvature of the anterior surface of the cornea, thereby correcting the refractive error of the eye. One advantage of the inventive technique is that the patient with his or her own individual visual needs guides the treatment until the patient near and far visual needs are met.

Abstract: A scleral lens is provided with a sodium channel blocker or a sodium channel modulator disposed in the pre-corneal tear film between the scleral lens and the cornea. This system can be used to deliver sodium channel blockers or a sodium channel modulators not currently used because of poor bioavailability. Methods of using this sodium channel blocker delivery system or a sodium channel modulator delivery system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A solid dosage form for the ocular administration of an active principle includes at least one biocompatible, water-soluble excipient for ophthalmic use. The form is obtained using a method which is selected from among the following: direct compression, dry compression, wet compression, compression of a lyophilizate, the compression being carried out a temperature below 45° C., or lyophilization, such that the form can disintegrate and release the active principle in the conjunctival sac. The invention also relates to an ophthalmic insert having the aforementioned dosage form which is appropriately dimensioned for ocular administration.