Abstract: Intraocular devices having a drug delivery construct attached thereto, and methods for using the devices for intraocular drug delivery and the treatment and/or prevention of conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bone in-growth surface for implants which has a structure for delivering therapeutic agents to surrounding bone and tissue. The bone in-growth surface may comprise scaffolding and a controlled-permeability layer which contains the therapeutic agents in a variety of reservoirs. The porosity of the scaffolding may be controllable from zero porosity to essentially a fully porous material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for administering an active agent such as a medicine to a subject, uses an ocular implant such as a punctal plug, to which the active agent has been applied. The implant is installed at the eye of the subject for administering the active agent via tissues of the eye.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preventing or treating various ocular conditions are disclosed and described. In one aspect, for example, a method for noninvasively delivering a water insoluble macrolide into an eye of a subject for treatment of an ocular condition is provided. Such a method may include administering non-invasively a water soluble form of the macrolide directly into an eye of a subject having or at risk for having the ocular condition, wherein the water soluble form is converted into the water insoluble macrolide in the eye in order to treat the ocular condition.

Abstract: Lacrimal implants, methods of making lacrimal implants, and methods of treating ocular, respiration or other diseases or disorders using lacrimal implants are disclosed.

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: Diseases associated with the tissues in the posterior segment of the eye can be effectively treated by administering therapeutic agents transsclerally to those tissues. Compositions, devices, and methods for delivering therapeutic agents so that they cross the sclera and reach these tissues include injecting solutions or suspensions adjacent to or within the sclera and implanting solid structures containing the therapeutic agent adjacent to or within the sclera. These methods may be used for administering rapamycin or related compounds to treat choroidal neovascularization associated with age-related macular degeneration.

Abstract: Diseases associated with the tissues in the posterior segment of the eye can be effectively treated by administering therapeutic agents transsclerally to those tissues. Compositions, devices, and methods for delivering therapeutic agents so that they cross the sclera and reach these tissues include injecting solutions or suspensions adjacent to or within the sclera and implanting solid structures containing the therapeutic agent adjacent to or within the sclera. These methods may be used for administering rapamycin or related compounds to treat choroidal neovascularization associated with age-related macular degeneration.

Abstract: Diseases associated with the tissues in the posterior segment of the eye can be effectively treated by administering therapeutic agents transsclerally to those tissues. Compositions, devices, and methods for delivering therapeutic agents so that they cross the sclera and reach these tissues include injecting solutions or suspensions adjacent to or within the sclera and implanting solid structures containing the therapeutic agent adjacent to or within the sclera. These methods may be used for administering rapamycin or related compounds to treat choroidal neovascularization associated with age-related macular degeneration.

Abstract: Diseases associated with the tissues in the posterior segment of the eye can be effectively treated by administering therapeutic agents transsclerally to those tissues. Compositions, devices, and methods for delivering therapeutic agents so that they cross the sclera and reach these tissues include injecting solutions or suspensions adjacent to or within the sclera and implanting solid structures containing the therapeutic agent adjacent to or within the sclera. These methods may be used for administering rapamycin or related compounds to treat choroidal neovascularization associated with age-related macular degeneration.

Abstract: Diseases associated with the tissues in the posterior segment of the eye can be effectively treated by administering therapeutic agents transsclerally to those tissues. Compositions, devices, and methods for delivering therapeutic agents so that they cross the sclera and reach these tissues include injecting solutions or suspensions adjacent to or within the sclera and implanting solid structures containing the therapeutic agent adjacent to or within the sclera. These methods may be used for administering rapamycin or related compounds to treat choroidal neovascularization associated with age-related macular degeneration.

Abstract: A drug delivery system comprising a contact lens having dispersed therein as nanoparticles having a particle size less than about 50 nm, an ophthalmic drug nanoencapsulated in a material from which said ophthalmic drug is capable of diffusion into and migration through said contact lens and into the post-lens tear film when said contact lens is placed on the eye.

Abstract: A surgical procedure is described for the restoration of eyelid function in individuals suffering from ptosis or upper eyelid droop syndrome that makes a patient unable to voluntarily fully raise an eyelid. The surgical procedure includes implantation and suturing of eye drop (pH) activated and actuated fibrous contractile and expansive artificial muscles such as pH active hydrogels of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) artificial muscles that are surgically implanted and sutured under the superior palpebral conjunctiva in a serpentine parallel configuration with respect to the tarsal (meibomian) glands of the upper eyelid and anchored to the tissues of superior fornix.

Abstract: The present invention features hydrogel drug delivery systems and methods of producing and using such systems for the treatment of wounds. The systems are based on a hydrogel into which a low concentration of growth factor, e.g., epidermal growth factor, is passively transferred from a dilute aqueous solution. When placed in contact with a wounded tissue, the growth factor passively transfers out of the contact lens to provide accelerated healing. The systems are applicable to ocular and other wound treatments.

Abstract: Matrix controlled diffusion drug delivery systems are described herein which are based on one or more silicon-containing monomers of the general formula: wherein L, X?, n, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and V are as set forth herein.

Abstract: Matrix controlled diffusion drug delivery systems based on one or more silicon-containing monomers of the general formula: wherein L, X?, n, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and V are as set forth herein.

Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure relate to a method of treating an opthalmic disease affecting an eye of a patient comprising forming a covalently-crosslinked hydrogel in situ at a peri-ocular, intra-ocular, or intra-vitreal site for controlled release of a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Degradable polymeric compositions containing water-insoluble drugs blended with copolymers of biocompatible diphenol compound monomer units with pendant carboxylic acid groups polymerized with biocompatible diphenol com-pound monomer units with pendant carboxylic acid ester groups and poly(alkylene oxide) blocks, wherein the molar fraction in the copolymer of biocompatible diphenol compound monomer units with pendant carboxylic acid groups and poly(alkylene oxide) blocks relative to the weight percentage of the drug in the composition is effective to provide pseudo-zero order release of the drug from the composition during the sustained-release phase of drug delivery under physiological conditions. Ocular treatment methods and manufacturing methods are also disclosed.

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: Described are photochromic ocular devices such as contact lenses and intraocular lenses made of an organic polymeric material and at least one photochromic material capable upon exposure to actinic radiation to change from a less ultraviolet radiation absorbing unactivated form to a more ultraviolet radiation absorbing activated form. The photochromic ocular device is capable upon exposure to actinic radiation to exhibit a ratio of greater than 0.5:1.0 of increased ultraviolet radiation absorbance to increased visible radiation absorbance as measured in the Ultraviolet Photochromic Performance Test described herein.

Abstract: A method, device, and system for easier, consistent, and comfortable delivery of therapeutic agents to the front of the eye.

Abstract: The present invention provides composition, methods, and articles of manufacture for treating an eye disorder, e.g., a disorder characterized by macular degeneration, choroidal neovascularization, or retinal neovascularization. One method of the invention comprises the step of: administering first and second therapeutic agents to the subject's eye in a single procedure, wherein the first therapeutic agent provides rapid improvement in the condition of the subject's eye and the second therapeutic agent is administered as a sustained release formulation of the second therapeutic agent. For example, the first and second therapeutic agents are administered by intravitreal injection. The first therapeutic agent may be dissolved in a liquid medium located in the syringe and the sustained formulation of the second therapeutic agent may comprise an ocular implant or plurality of particles located in the needle.

Abstract: An implant for intraocular drug delivery for the treatment of inflammatory or degenerative diseases. In one embodiment, the implant includes a body portion having a first end portion and a second, opposite end portion and defining a cavity with a first opening at the first end portion, and a second, opposite opening at the second end portion, and a solid material received in the cavity, wherein the solid material comprises a depot material and an effective amount of at least one therapeutic compound or agent. When the implant is implanted in an eye of a living subject, the effective amount of at least one therapeutic compound or agent is released to the environment of the implant through at least one of the first opening and the second, opposite opening over an extended period of time.

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: The present invention relates to a biological implantation material and method of preparing the same, which comprises the steps of: (i) treating a tissue derived from animal or human with alcohol; (ii) contacting the said tissue with an enzyme selected from the group consisting of dispase, DNAse, RNAse and pepsin in a solvent; (iii) treating the tissue obtained in step (ii) with alkaline solution; and (iv) treating the tissue obtained in step (iii) with acid solution.

Abstract: Methods of treating ocular diseases and conditions using biodegradable ocular implants containing cyclosporine to inhibit mitochondrial permeability transition pore formation are disclosed.

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 procedure for the manufacture of contact lenses for eye treatment, eye protection and eye-care wherein the lenses are impregnated with a suitable composition, a composition for the impregnation of a contact lens for the treatment and/or care and/or protection of the eye, and a kit containing such a composition and one or more contact lenses are disclosed herein. A method for the treatment and/or car and/or protection of the eye comprising wearing contact lenses impregnated with a suitable composition and a composition for disinfection and/or conservation of eye care products is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Polymeric materials and methods that realize a gel-type intraocular lens that is formed in situ within the lens capsule of the eye. The polymeric material of the intraocular lens includes reactive end groups that effectively bond with lens capsule walls, thus eliminating space between the intraocular lens and the lens capsule walls and significantly reducing the proliferation of lens epithelial cells which can cause unwanted posterior capsule opacification.

Abstract: A method of preparing intraocular lenses in situ is disclosed. The method involves the injection of an unsaturated macromonomer of Formula I: The macromonomer is then polymerized to give a polymer suitable for use in an intraocular lens.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment or prevention of ocular angiogenesis and neovascularization associated with neovascular disease. Administration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A into the eye when macrophage infiltration is reduced inhibits ocular angiogenesis.

Abstract: An anti-VEGF method for treating undesirable conditions resulting from radiation-induced vasculopathy. In a specific application, the method is applied to these undesirable conditions found in an eye.

Abstract: A coated, drug eluting ocular conformer includes an ocular conformer and at least one substantially purified anti-fibrosis agent. The ocular conformer is formed from a base material having inner and outer sides, including apical and basal portions configured to contact one or more conjunctival tissues in an eye of a patient. The anti-fibrosis agent is formulated into at least one ophthalmic medicament layer over at least one side of the ocular conformer or is impregnated within the base material of the ocular conformer. The device may be configured to release the anti-fibrosis agent from one or both sides of the ocular conformer. An elution control layer may be included to facilitate controlled release of the anti-fibrosis agent. In addition, an adhesion promoting layer may be included in the device to promote adhesion of polymeric layers to the base material or to ocular tissues during delivery.

Abstract: A crosslinkable macromer system and related methods of preparing the system and using the system in the form of a crosslinked matrix between a tissue site and an implant article such as a tissue implant or on the porous surface of a prosthetic device. The macromer system includes two or more polymer-pendent polymerizable groups and one or more multifunctional initiator groups. The polymerizable groups and the initiator group(s), when polymer-pendent, can be pendent on the same or different polymeric backbones. The macromer system provides advantages over the use of polymerizable macromers and separate, low molecular weight initiators, including advantages with respect to such properties as nontoxicity, efficiency, and solubility. A macromer system of the invention can be used as an interface between the tissue site and implant article in a manner sufficient to permit tissue growth through the crosslinked matrix and between the tissue site and implant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bioartificial lacrimal gland which contains at least one unit that includes (a) a permeable housing having an interior and an exterior; (b) an outlet connecting the housing interior to the housing exterior; and (c) a population of lacrimal epithelial cells within the housing interior.

Abstract: A dispensing device having a polymer which is combined with a therapeutic agent in the form of a microparticle which is compressed to form a controlled release dispensing device and methods of locally administering a therapeutic agent using said microparticles.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to three-dimensional porous structures for modulating intraocular pressure. The structures can include a mixture of copolymers, for example, collagen and glycosaminoglycan.

Abstract: Matrix controlled diffusion drug delivery systems based on one or more silicone-containing monomers of the general formula: wherein x, y, m, m?, R, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, X, Z and Z? are as defined herein are provided, wherein the matrix controlled diffusion drug delivery systems are sized and configured for back of the eye delivery.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating and/or preventing age related macular degeneration and other conditions involving macular degeneration, ocular neovascularization, or ocular inflammation. The methods comprise administering a composition comprising a compound that is an antagonist of a G protein coupled receptor, e.g., the C5a receptor, to a subject in need of treatment or prevention of age-related macular degeneration or another condition involving macular degeneration or ocular neovascularization. The invention provides compositions comprising a compound that is an antagonist of a G protein coupled receptor linked either directly or indirectly to a moiety that binds to a component present on or at the surface of cell or noncellular molecular entity, e.g., a component present in the eye of a subject at risk of or suffering from age related macular degeneration or a related condition or choroidal neovascularization.

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: The present invention includes methods and devices for non-invasively delivering an active agent to the eye of a subject. In one aspect, for example, a device for delivering an active agent to an eye of a subject may include an ocular lens-shaped housing configured to contact a surface of the eye, and a reservoir coupled to the housing and configured to deliver an active agent to the eye, wherein the reservoir is located entirely within a 180 degree section of the housing. In another aspect, the reservoir is located entirely within a 150 degree section of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insert for the treatment of dry eyes, wherein the insert can be placed on or inserted into the lacrimal sac or the cornea.

Abstract: Ophthalmic drug delivery devices useful for delivery of pharmaceutically active agents to the posterior segment of the eye are disclosed.

Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure relate to a method of treating an opthalmic disease affecting an eye of a patient comprising forming a covalently-crosslinked hydrogel in situ at a peri-ocular, intra-ocular, or intra-vitreal site for controlled release of a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A membrane for corneal implant or keratoprosthesis comprising a biological polymer and a polyacrylamide is described. The mixture of both polymers produces a hydrogel that becomes a transparent film or membrane upon drying. The resulting device and tissue engineered implants are useful for biomedical applications of the cornea, such as tissue repair and transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention provides interpenetrating polymeric networks (IPNs), and related methods and compositions. The hydrogel material of this invention comprises an interpenetrating network of two or more polymer networks, wherein at least one of the polymer networks is based on a biopolymer. Also provided is a method of producing the hydrogel material comprising, combining a first polymeric network with a second polymeric network, wherein the first polymeric network or the second polymeric network is based on a biopolymer. The present application also discloses devices manufactured from the IPN hydrogel material and uses thereof.

Abstract: Targeted therapeutic delivery systems comprising specially designed nanocarriers for intracellular therapeutic delivery, mediated by acoustic energy, for use either in vivo or in vitro, are described. Nanocarriers comprised of substantially supramolecular complexes, and mixtures thereof, are used to treat a variety of diseases in humans and other species, such as cancer, opthalmological, pulmonary, urinary or other pathologies. Methods for preparing the targeted therapeutic delivery systems are also embodied, which comprise processing a solution comprised of biopolymers or other species and components, with or without targeting moieties, adding said biopolymers and other compounds to a solution containing one or more therapeutic agents, stabilizing or not stabilizing said nanocarriers, adding one or more contrast agents, and resulting in a targeted therapeutic delivery system.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for placement in the eye includes a drug core comprising a hydrophobic pharmaceutically active agent, and a holder that holds the drug core. The holder is made of a material impermeable to passage of the active agent and includes an opening for passage of the pharmaceutically agent therethrough to eye tissue. The device includes polyurethane-siloxane-containing copolymers crosslinked with hydrophilic monomers.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to prepare substances which are excellent in delivery and enable drugs to be retained in a body effectively over a long period and to construct a drug delivery system using the substances. When the delivering substance which is obtained by reacting polyalkylene glycol or a reactive derivative thereof, a phospholipid and a drug with each other to form covalent bonds is administered systemically or topically, the substance is retained at a target site in a body for a long period, thereby making it possible to sustain drug efficacy over a long period by a single administration.

Abstract: A scleral lens is provided with a drug that is retained in the reservoir of fluid between the scleral lens and the cornea. This system can be used to deliver drugs not currently used because of poor bioavailability, to increase bioavailability of drugs used in patients already wearing a scleral lens, and to improve bioavailability in patients who are not currently wearing the lens. Dosing can be provided less frequently, thus decreasing the risk of non-compliance.