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 polymer material useful for manufacturing an intraocular lens (IOL) suitable for insertion through an IOL inserter barrel having an inner diameter of less than 3 mm is provided. Specifically, acrylic-silicone hybrids having a tensile strength of approximately 100 psi to 400 psi and a percent elongation at break of between 50% and 400% are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions including a first component including at least one phospholipid possessing at least one vinyl group, a second component including a furanone possessing vinyl and/or acrylate groups, and a third component including a hydroxamate. Compositions, medical devices, and coatings including copolymers and blends of the foregoing components are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and methods for culturing stem cells, and in particular, for culturing ocular stem cells and the use of stem cells cultured using the devices and methods of the invention for the treatment of diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials that have high glucose and oxygen permeability, strength, water content, and resistance to protein adsorption. The materials include an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel that is coated with biomolecules. The IPN hydrogels include two interpenetrating polymer networks. The first polymer network is based on a hydrophilic telechelic macromonomer. The second polymer network is based on a hydrophilic monomer. The hydrophilic monomer is polymerized and cross-linked to form the second polymer network in the presence of the first polymer network. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrophilic telechelic macromonomer is PEG-diacrylate or PEG-dimethacrylate and the hydrophilic monomer is an acrylic-based monomer. Any biomolecules may be linked to the IPN hydrogels, but are preferably biomolecules that support the growth of cornea-derived cells. The material is designed to serve as a corneal prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptide variants of the HMGB-1 high affinity binding domain Box-A (HMGB1 Box-A) or to a biologically active fragment of HMGB1 Box-A, which are obtained through systematic mutations of single amino acids of the wild-type HMGB1 Box-A protein and which show an increased resistance to proteases and which are therefore characterized by more favourable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. Moreover, the present invention concerns the use of said polypeptide molecules of HMGB1 Box-A to diagnose, prevent, alleviate and/or treat pathologies associated with extracellular HMGB1 and associated with RAGE.

Abstract: Provided is an intraocular lens that inhibits secondary cataract which occurs after insertion of an intraocular lens and that is free from the adherence and deposition of a protein, etc., to/on the front surface of the lens, and the intraocular lens has an optic portion with a front surface and a back surface, said front surface and said back surface being different from each other in the property of adhering to a protein and satisfying the relationship of the expression (x), PAF<PAB??(x) wherein PAF is the property of adherence of said front surface to fibronectin and PAB is the property of adherence of said back surface to fibronectin in a fibronectin adherence test.

Abstract: A delivery device that allows for the sustained release of an agent, particularly useful for the sustained release of a therapeutic agent to limited access regions, such as the posterior chamber of the eye and inner ear. The delivery device is minimally invasive, refillable and may be easily fixed to the treatment area. The delivery device includes a hollow body with an inlet port at its proximal end for insertion of the agent, a reservoir for holding the agent and a delivery mechanism for the sustained delivery of the agent from the reservoir to the patient.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of inhibiting IMPDH type 1, and treating or preventing a disease or disorder (or symptoms thereof) associated with IMPDH type 1, wherein an IMPDH type 1 inhibitor compound is administered to a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels that have high oxygen permeability, strength, water content, and resistance to protein adsorption. The hydrogels include two interpenetrating polymer networks. The first polymer network is based on a hydrophilic telechelic macromonomer. The second polymer network is based on a hydrophilic monomer. The hydrophilic monomer is polymerized and cross-linked to form the second polymer network in the presence of the first polymer network. The telechelic macromonomer preferably has a molecular weight of between about 575 Da and about 20,000 Da. Mixtures of molecular weights may also be used. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrophilic telechelic macromonomer is PEG-diacrylate or PEG-dimethacrylate and the hydrophilic monomer is an acrylic-based monomer. The material is designed to serve as a contact lens.

Abstract: A material that can be applied as implants designed to artificially replace or augment the cornea, such as an artificial cornea, corneal onlay, or corneal inlay (intrastromal lens) is provided. The artificial corneal implant has a double network hydrogel with a first network interpenetrated with a second network. The first network and the second network are based on biocompatible polymers. At least one of the network polymers is based on a hydrophilic polymer. The artificial cornea or implant has epithelialization promoting biomolecules that are covalently linked to the surface of the double network hydrogel using an azide-active-ester chemical linker. Corneal epithelial cells or cornea-derived cells are adhered to the biomolecules. The double network has a physiologic diffusion coefficient to allow passage of nutrients to the adhered cells.

Abstract: The invention makes available a keratin coating of a support substrate and a method for the production thereof. This keratin coating is suitable particularly for the in vitro or in vivo culturing of epithelial or endothelial cells and, because of its optical transparency, for microscopy. The keratin coating is prepared by applying or coating keratin in the form of nanoparticles from an aqueous keratin solution or keratin suspension. The solution or suspension does not contain any reducing compounds. The keratin solution is prepared preferably from hair, such as human hair. For the preparation of the coating, keratin is brought into solution or into a suspension of nanoparticles by mixing the keratin with an aqueous composition which contains thiourea, urea, and mercaptoethanol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and methods for culturing stem cells, and in particular, for culturing ocular stem cells and the use of stem cells cultured using the devices and methods of the invention for the treatment of diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amphiphilic block copolymers comprising at least one block of hydrophilic units and at least one block of hydrophobic units, wherein at least one hydrophobic block contains siloxane units. The present invention may be particularly useful as a tissue adhesive or as a coating for an intraocular lens (IOL). As an IOL coating, copolymers according to the invention may be used, for example, to promote tissue adhesion for the prevention of posterior capsule opacification.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer having an affinity for corneal cells such that it can be used as a substrate for the growth of corneal cells, and so is suitable for use in a corneal bandage, especially in the form of a contact lens in which at least the cornea contacting surface is composed of the polymer. The substrate with an affinity for corneal cells is a copolymer comprising units -(A)- and -(B)- in which the units A are derived from aminoalkyl (alkyl)acrylates and the units B are derived from aryloxy, alkoxy or hydroxyalkyl (alkyl)acrylates, and (alkyl)acrylic acids.

Abstract: This invention provides reagents and methods for delivering insulin, insulinomimetic agents, and the like to a vertebrate eye via subconjunctival routes, sub-Tenon's routes, or intravitreal routes for treatment of nerve-related vision disorders such as diabetic retinopathy, and formulations useful in the practice of the disclosed methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides intraocular implants including at least one therapeutic bioactive agent and a molecular partitioning system. The molecular partitioning system comprises at least two phases wherein the first phase has an inherent viscosity equal or greater than the inherent viscosity of a second phase. The molecular partitioning system allows the intraocular implants to controllably release the at least one therapeutic bioactive agent into the surrounding tissues once implanted.

Abstract: The invention provides retrievable devices for sustained delivery of bioactive agent to a site within a patient, the devices including a body member having a direction of extension, a longitudinal axis along the direction of extension, and a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the body member deviates from the direction of extension; a cap at the proximal end of the body member; and a polymeric coated composition in contact with a surface of the body member, the polymeric coated composition including a first polymer, a second polymer, and a bioactive agent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the dissociation of soft proteinaceous tissue using pulsed rapid variable direction energy field flow fractionization is disclosed. The pulsed rapid disruptive energy field is created by the use of a probe which surrounds the soft proteinaceous tissue to be removed. Once the adhesive mechanism between tissue constituents has been compromised, fluidic techniques are used to remove the dissociated tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for implantation in the subretinal space of an eye, the composition including amniotic membrane, which may be cryopreserved human amniotic membrane, and a plurality of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells or RPE equivalent cells present at the amniotic membrane. The amniotic membrane may be intact, epithelially denuded, or otherwise treated. The invention includes the use of amniotic membrane for the culturing of RPE cells thereon, forming a surgical graft for replacement of Bruch's membrane as a substrate, and for the transplanting of RPE cells to the subretinal space. The composition does not elicit immunological reactions to alloantigens or to RPE specific autoantigens; and exerts anti-inflammatory, and angiogentic, and anti-scarring effects. The invention includes methods and kits for making or using composites including amniotic membrane and RPE cells. Also disclosed is a device for harvesting RPE cells.

Abstract: Ocular implant devices (10, 20, 121) for the delivery of a therapeutic agent to an eye (101, 301) in a controlled and sustained manner. Dual mode and single mode drug delivery devices (10, 20, 121) are illustrated and described. Implants (10, 20) suitable for subconjunctival placement are described. Implants (121, 10, 20) suitable for intravitreal placement also are described. The invention also includes fabrication and implementation techniques associated with the unique ocular implant devices (10, 20, 121) that are presented herein.

Abstract: The invention provides cells and cell lines the are genetically modified to express the hCox-2 enzyme, which, in turn, results in the upregulation of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2a) production. The invention also provides encapsulated cell therapy devices containing such cells or cell lines that are capable of delivering PGF2a as well as methods of using these devices to deliver PGF2a to the eye and to treat ophthalmic disorders in patients suffering therefrom.

Abstract: The invention provides micronized encapsulated cell therapy devices that are capable of delivering a biologically active molecule to the eye. Also provided are methods of using the same to deliver biologically active molecules to the eye and to treat ophthalmic disorders in patients suffering there from.

Abstract: An improved viscoelastic composition useful in the performance of ophthalmic surgical procedures and especially cataract procedures is disclosed. The embodiments of the composition comprise combinations of sodium hyaluronate and chondroitin sulfate and exhibit an improved rheological profile.

Abstract: Disclosed are ophthalmic drug-delivery devices, comprising a body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the body includes a styrene elastomer matrix and a drug in contact with the matrix. Also disclosed are methods of treating or preventing an eye disease in a subject, that involve contacting an eye of the subject with an ophthalmic drug delivery device comprising a body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the body comprises a styrene elastomer matrix and a drug in contact with the matrix, wherein release of the drug from the device occurs over time following contacting of the device with the eye of the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming shape-retentive aggregates of gel particles in which the aggregates are held together by non-covalent bond physical forces such as, without limitation, hydrophobic-hydrophilic interactions and hydrogen bonds. The method comprises introducing a suspension of gel particles in a polar liquid at a selected concentration, wherein the gel particles have an absolute zeta potential, into a medium in which the absolute zeta potential of the gel particles is decreased, resulting in the gel particles coalescing into the claimed shape-retentive aggregate. This invention also relates to uses of the method of formation of the shape-retentive aggregates of gel particles.

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: Drug solutions (or other combinations of vehicle with entrained drug) are prepared by removing drug from one or more masses of a solid form of the drug. The solid form of the drug may be sparingly soluble or insoluble in water. Examples of devices for holding solid drug and facilitating delivery of such drug to targeted regions are also described.

Abstract: IVIG replacement compounds are derived from recombinant and/or biochemical creation of immunologically active biomimetic(s). These replacement compounds are then screened in vitro to assess each replacements compound's efficiency at modulating immune function. Particular replacement compounds are selected for further in vivo validation and dosage/administration optimization. Finally, the replacement compounds are used to treat a wide range of diseases, including inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Biocompatible intraocular implants include a prostamide component and a biodegradable polymer that is effective in facilitating release of the prostamide component into an eye for an extended period of time. The prostamide component 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 or reduce a at least one symptom of an ocular condition, such as glaucoma.

Abstract: The present invention provides a graft more suitable for the transplantation of corneal endothelial cells and an application method thereof. Specifically, the present invention provides a corneal endothelial preparation capable of cell proliferation in vivo, which contains a substrate and a corneal endothelial cell layer cultured on the substrate, and a treatment method of a disease selected from the group consisting of bullous keratopathy, corneal edema, corneal leukoma and corneal endothelial inflammation, which includes a step of transplanting the preparation to patients. As the substrate, collagen is used.

Abstract: An ocular device for insertion into an eye is provided and includes a body having an anterior surface and a posterior surface for placement on one of superior sclera and inferior sclera of the eye. The posterior surface is defined by a base curve that is substantially identical to a radius of curvature of the one of the superior sclera and inferior sclera of the eye. In one embodiment, the ocular device serves as an ocular drug delivery system and contains an active pharmaceutical agent, a lubricant, etc. In a second embodiment the ocular device can be constructed in such a manner to treat a wide variety of ocular conditions and diseases.

Abstract: An ocular lens has a refractive optics structure formed from a polyisobutylene-based material and a glassy segment that is non-reactive to ocular fluid and that maintains in vivo transparency for a substantial time period. The material has a central elastomeric polyolefinic block and thermoplastic end blocks (such as a triblock polymer backbone comprising polystyrene-polyisobutylene-polystyrene). The material is preferably flexible such that the refractive optics structure can be folded upon itself and introduced through a small scleral incision. The lens device includes an optic portion and preferably either an annular haptic element or one or more haptic elements adapted to rest within a capsular bag formed by a surgical procedure. A portion of the lens device may be loaded with at least one therapeutic agent that interferes with proliferation of the epithelial cells of the eye to protect against PCO.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ophthalmic peri-corneal drug delivery device. The device includes a core of matrix material and therapeutic agent and a coating over the core. One or more opening[s] extend through the coating to provide for release of the drug to the eye. Moreover, the device is designed to lay atop the external surface of the eye.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an implantable optical system comprising a central optical part and an annular anchoring part, where said annular part comprises animals cells, including human cells, that encourage the integration of the implant into the ocular tissue of the patient, as well as a system for dosing chemical compounds directed at a particular function, creating a stabilising microenvironment for the presence of the implant in the tissue. A method for obtaining said system by polymerisation and its applications in various types of ocular disorders is also described.

Abstract: A flat strip of supporting material, such as filter paper, having marked reference locations on each of one or more legs, for delivering controlled quantities of one or more agents to the adnexa of the eye simultaneously upon dispensing a liquid to the strip at the appropriate reference location.

Abstract: An embodiment is a medical prosthesis for blocking or reducing tear flow through a punctum or canaliculus of a human eye and delivering a drug to the eye that comprises a dehydrated covalently crosslinked synthetic hydrophilic polymer hydrogel with dimensions to pass through a puncta lacrimali, with the dehydrated hydrogel absorbing physiological water to swell to at least 1 mm in cross-sectional width and conformably fit a canaliculus, with the hydrogel comprising a therapeutic agent dispersed through the hydrogel for release to an eye, with the hydrogel having a water content of at least about 50% by weight or volume when allowed to fully hydrate in vitro in physiological saline.

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: Biocompatible intraocular implants include a tyrosine kinase inhibitor and a biodegradable polymer that is effective to facilitate release of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor into an eye for an extended period of time. The therapeutic agents of the implants may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix that is substantially free of a polyvinyl alcohol. The implants may be placed in an eye to treat or reduce the occurrence of one or more ocular conditions.

Abstract: Substance delivering punctum plug devices and related methods for treating disorders and diseases of the eye. Some embodiments of the device maximize dissolution of the substance in tears and/or other fluid(s) that distribute to the anterior surface of the eye so as to maximize delivery of the substance to or through the cornea or anterior surface of the eye ball while minimizing loss of substance through other routes.

Abstract: The present invention provides implantable ocular drug delivery devices. Generally, the devices have a distal portion with a coil shaped body member and a proximal portion which contacts the sclera. In one aspect, the coil-shaped body member includes a unique configuration including two coiled portions with different pitches, which improves insertion of the device into the eye. In another aspect, the device has a proximal portion that includes a unique cap configuration having a concave distal face that improves stabilization of the device in the eye. In another aspect, the device includes a transitional portion between the cap and the coil-shaped body member that also improves stabilization of the device in the eye. The invention also provides methods for inserting the medical device into the eye, and methods for the treatment of an ocular condition.

Abstract: An artificial tear film over the surface of an eye having a first layer in direct contact with the ocular surface, an aqueous layer over the first layer, and a layer of a phospholipid over the aqueous layer. The first layer has polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone. The phospholipid is derived from Amisol® Clear. The artificial tear film is effective in significantly prolonging the tear break up time in patients with dry eye syndrome.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions containing a high percentage of bound alkyl ether segments provide matrices and membranes for the controlled release of drugs and medicinal agents. The polymeric compositions are prepared by the polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated alkyl ether containing monomers. Copolymers of ethylenically unsaturated alkyl ether containing monomers with co-monomers are also disclosed. The drug loaded polymeric compositions of this invention find particular utility in the construction of controlled release devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the supply of coenzyme Q which is highly useful in maintaining human health, and provides a method and preparations whereby coenzyme Q can be efficiently supplied to patients having difficulties in oral administration, aged having swallowing difficulties and patients with diseases caused by topical disorders. It is found that the coenzyme Q concentration in the blood or topical mucosae can be elevated by using a composition for transmucosal administration containing oxidized coenzyme Q and/or reduced coenzyme Q as the active ingredient, wherein the total content of the oxidized coenzyme Q and the reduced coenzyme Q amounts to 0.0001 to 99% by weight of the whole composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to drug delivery systems comprising ocular implant, which include organic molecules, capable of modulating tyrosine kinase signal transduction in order to regulate, modulate and/or inhibit abnormal cell proliferation, in combination with a polymer, which polymer serves to control, modify, modulate and/or slow the release of the therapeutic component into the environment of the eye in which said composite is placed.

Abstract: A device for selective delivery of therapeutic agents to internal body tissues is disclosed. Upon tight sealing of the device to targeted tissues the diffusion of therapeutic agents to the targeted tissue can be controlled, while minimizing exposure of adjacent organs to the agents being delivered. Mechanisms for replenishment of the device and methods for application of the device in remote sites of the body are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to altering the physical and/or chemical properties of at least part of at least one tissue in the eye. In a specific embodiment, it relates to the treatment and/or prevention of myopia. An activating energy source is utilized to photopolymerize or crosslink molecules in the sclera, thereby increasing the strength of the tissue. The individual is administered a crosslinking reagent or photopolymerizable molecule that becomes associated with the membrane, which is then precisely exposed to an energy source, such as light or ultrasound.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions suitable for use as artificial tears or as vehicles for ophthalmic drugs are disclosed. The compositions contain a combination of two polymers that have a synergistic effect on viscosity.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods that are useful for treating or preventing a protein conformation disease in a subject by enhancing the degradation of misfolded proteins in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention features a hybrid superporous hydrogel scaffold for cornea regeneration and a method for producing the same. The hybrid hydrogel is composed of a superporous hydrogen matrix with collagen and cells embedded within the pores of the matrix.