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.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for alleviating eye disorders due to increased intraocular pressure (“IOP”) or inflammation by administering to the eye or eyes of an individual in need thereof a cis-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid, an inhibitor of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), or both. The invention further provides for reducing IOP or inflammation by methods in which the sEH inhibitor or EETs, or both, are administered systemically. In some embodiments, the methods comprise administering to the individual a nucleic acid encoding an inhibitor of sEH.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for treating age-related macular degeneration, blindness or glaucoma using an iron-chelator SIH.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical kit for treatment of retinitis pigmentosis and a method of producing the same, the kit comprising the enzymes glutathione peroxidase, prolidase, glucose-6-phosephate dehydrogenase and, optionally, aldose reductase in aliquot parts and interactive quantities appropriate for administering the enzymes in accordance with a predetermined time sequence.

Abstract: Cationic ophthalmic oil-in-water type emulsions, include colloid particles having an oily core surrounded by an interfacial film. The emulsion includes at least one cationic agent and at least one non ionic surfactant, the oily core including a prostaglandin selected from the group consisting essentially of latanoprost, unoprostone isopropyl, travoprost, bimatoprost, tafluprost, 8-isoprostaglandinE2, or a mixture thereof, for treating ocular hypertension and/or glaucoma. These emulsions have the property to increase the chemical stability of prostaglandins.

Abstract: Methods for treating ocular conditions by inserting an implant comprising an active agent into an ocular site of a patient thereby obtaining an amelioration of a symptom of the ocular condition (i.e. a therapeutic effect) for an extended period of time during which a therapeutic amount or a detectable amount of the active agent is not present at the ocular site.

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: A method and composition for generation of a microbubble from a nanoparticle through a non-thermal method, preferably featuring nucleation.

Abstract: Methods for treating ocular conditions by inserting an implant comprising an active agent into an ocular site of a patient thereby obtaining an amelioration of a symptom of the ocular condition (i.e. a therapeutic effect) for an extended period of time during which a therapeutic amount or a detectable amount of the active agent is not present at the ocular site.

Abstract: Methods for treating ocular conditions by inserting an implant comprising an active agent into an ocular site of a patient thereby obtaining an amelioration of a symptom of the ocular condition (i.e. a therapeutic effect) for an extended period of time during which a therapeutic amount or a detectable amount of the active agent is not present at the ocular site.

Abstract: Methods for treating ocular conditions by inserting an implant comprising an active agent into an ocular site of a patient thereby obtaining an amelioration of a symptom of the ocular condition (i.e. a therapeutic effect) for an extended period of time during which a therapeutic amount or a detectable amount of the active agent is not present at the ocular site.

Abstract: Methods for treating ocular conditions by inserting an implant comprising an active agent into an ocular site of a patient thereby obtaining an amelioration of a symptom of the ocular condition (i.e. a therapeutic effect) for an extended period of time during which a therapeutic amount or a detectable amount of the active agent is not present at the ocular site.

Abstract: Methods for treating ocular conditions by inserting an implant comprising an active agent into an ocular site of a patient thereby obtaining an amelioration of a symptom of the ocular condition (i.e. a therapeutic effect) for an extended period of time during which a therapeutic amount or a detectable amount of the active agent is not present at the ocular site.

Abstract: Methods for treating ocular conditions by inserting an implant comprising an active agent into an ocular site of a patient thereby obtaining an amelioration of a symptom of the ocular condition (i.e. a therapeutic effect) for an extended period of time during which a therapeutic amount or a detectable amount of the active agent is not present at the ocular site.

Abstract: The invention provides a method to treat or prevent posterior capsular opacification. The method comprises administering a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one kinase inhibitor. The kinase inhibitor inhibits p38 kinases, ERK kinases, and/or Src family kinases. The invention also provides an ocular device coated with at least one kinase inhibitor.

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 method for determining the optimum location for placement of an intraocular implant containing used to treat an ocular condition, particularly implants comprised of a biodegradable polymer and a therapeutic agent for the treatment of retinal tissue.

Abstract: A gelatin-based insert was designed to deliver apomorphine by the ocular route. A clinical trial showed the product to have an efficacy similar to intravenously-administered apomorphine with a better safety profile in terms of adverse effects.

Abstract: Devices, systems and techniques for delivering drugs to an ocular tissue are described. In at least some embodiments, a terminal component (e.g., a needle or open end of a catheter) is implanted in an ocular tissue and used to deliver one or more drugs. The delivered drugs may come from a source which is also implanted, or may be introduced from an external source (e.g., via a port). Both solid and liquid drug formulations can be used. Ocular implants can alternatively include a thin film coating that releases a drug into an ocular tissue.

Abstract: A method for making an ocular drug delivery device, the method comprising providing a drug delivery device comprising a core comprising a therapeutically effective amount of one or more pharmaceutically active agents and a first polymeric material, and a shell covering the core, the shell comprising a second polymeric material which is permeable to passage of the active agent, wherein the first and/or second polymeric material include one or more contaminants and wherein the drug delivery device is sized and configured for implantation or injection in eye tissue; and subjecting the drug delivery device to a supercritical fluid to remove the contaminants.

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: Biocompatible intraocular implants include a steroid and a polymer associated with each other to facilitate release of the steroid into an eye for a period of time greater than about two months. The steroid 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 may be placed in an eye to treat one or more ocular conditions. The steroid is released from the implant for more than about two months, and may be release for more than several years.

Abstract: An implant device is provided which incorporates a retinoid for improving the biocompatibility of the device in tissue. The device may be bioerodible for the purpose of systemically or locally releasing a therapeutic agent in tissue or it may be a permanent implant which includes a surface treated with a retinoid for increasing the biocompatibility thereof.

Abstract: A method for targeting the central nervous system, for use in the treatment and/or prevention of central nervous system disorders and/or states, comprising administering to a subject in need of treatment an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition by the ocular route of drug delivery.

Abstract: Combinations of hydrophilic and hydrophobic entities in a biodegradable sustained release implant are shown to modulate each other's rate of release. Formulations of a therapeutically active agent and modulator provide substantially constant rate of release for an extended period of time.

Abstract: Described herein are stable ocular devices that immobilize and deliver bioactive agents to the eye over sustained periods of time. Also described herein are methods of making and using the ocular devices.

Abstract: Biomedical devices with stable peptide coatings are provided. The coatings are formed by incorporating at least one latent reactive component into the reactive mixture, forming a medical device from said reactive mixture and reacting said medical device with a coating effective amount of a coating peptide to bond said coating to the surface by ester or amide linkages.

Abstract: The present invention is related to hydrogel particles and aggregates formed therefrom having characteristics including, without limitation, shape-retentiveness, elasticity, controllable pore sizes and controllable degradation rates that render them useful for a wide variety of applications including, without limitation, the controlled release of biologically active substances, in vivo medical devices, tissue growth scaffolding and tissue replacement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for lowering intraocular pressure and providing neuroprotection to a patient in need thereof by administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one non-nucleotide or non-protein agent that inhibits expression and/or signaling of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF).

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing age related macular degeneration and other conditions involving macular degeneration or choroidal neovascularization, ocular inflammation, or any combination of these. Certain of the compositions comprise a poxvirus complement control protein or a complement binding fragment or variant thereof. Other compositions comprise a poxvirus complement control protein linked 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, ocular inflammation, or any combination of these. Certain of the methods comprise administering a poxvirus complement control protein or complement binding fragment or variant thereof to a subject.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the treatment of ocular conditions by the enhancement of lens regeneration. Enhancement of lens regeneration is accomplished by the administration of a viscoelastic material in association with a composition comprising a polymer having functional acryl groups useful in the preparation of intraocular lenses (IOLs).

Abstract: A method of preparing intraocular lenses in situ is disclosed. The method involves the injection of an unsaturated macromonomer of the formula The macromonomer is then polymerized to give a polymer having an E modulus in the range 0.5-5 kPa.

Abstract: Disclosed are implantable devices that are configured for implantation through tissue or membrane and into an implantation site comprising viscoelastic fluid or non-osseous tissue. In embodiments of the invention, the implantable devices comprise: (a) a nonlinear body member having a direction of extension, a longitudinal axis along the direction of extension, and a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein at least a portion of the body member deviates from the direction of extension, (b) a retention element at the proximal portion of the body member, the retention element configured to retain the implantable device at the implantation site, the retention element presenting an external profile of no greater than 0.5 mm when the device is implanted in a patient; and (c) a bioactive agent delivery system at the distal portion of the body member, the bioactive agent delivery system comprising one or more bioactive agents.

Abstract: A delivery device including at least one stinging capsule and methods of use are described.

Abstract: A method for the prevention or treatment of symptoms of hypertension in a patient who is resistant to antihypertensive effects of an antihypertensive compound administered in the absence of melatonin comprises administering to said patient melatonin in an amount effective to ameliorate or prevent symptoms of hypertension in said patient.

Abstract: Polymerizable light absorbing azo dyes are disclosed useful as monomers in the formation of devices such as, but not limited to ocular lenses. Specifically, intraocular lenses (IOL) are disclosed wherein one or more of the light absorbing dye is covalently bonded to other structural polymers though ethylene unsaturated groups. The resulting IOLs possess light absorbing properties without significant amounts of free (un-bound) azo dye molecules present in the final structural polymer matrix.

Abstract: The present invention includes techniques for delivering an active agent into the eye of a subject. Accordingly, in one aspect a method may include delivering invasively an active agent into a peripheral tissue of the eye to form a drug reservoir, and applying an electric current to the drug reservoir to thus drive at least a portion of the active agent at least partially through the choroid. Numerous configurations are contemplated for the positioning of the electric current relative to the drug reservoir. For example, in one aspect the electric current may be applied to the drug reservoir from a non-invasively positioned electrode. In another aspect, the electric current may be applied to the drug reservoir from an invasively positioned electrode. A variety of invasive positions are contemplated, including, for example, positioning the invasive electrode within the peripheral tissue.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a copolymer comprising at least three types of monomeric units, said three types of monomeric units comprising: a temperature-sensitive unit, a hydrophilic unit, and a hydrophobic unit comprising at least one pH-sensitive moiety; wherein said hydrophobic monomeric unit is derived from a copolymerisable unsaturated fatty acid.

Abstract: A medical device having an increased surface hydrophilicity comprises a coating polymer comprising units of a polymerizable hydrophilic compound that is attached to the surface of the medical device via the Michael addition reaction. The coating polymer can be applied to a medical device comprising a hydrogel material. The attachment of the coating polymer may be enhanced by increasing the population of the medical-device surface functional groups before contacting the medical device with the coating polymer.

Abstract: Biocompatible intraocular implant systems are formulated for discontinuous or intermittent release of therapeutic levels of a therapeutic agent (such as a steroid) to minimize development of side effects associated with continuous or long term use of such agent. The implant system may comprise one or more implant, and preferably, although not necessarily, also contains an auxiliary agent having an activity effective to lessen at least one side effect associated with said therapeutic agent compared to the use of an otherwise identical implant system lacking said auxiliary agent. The implants containing the therapeutic agent and auxiliary agent may be placed in an eye to treat one or more ocular conditions while reducing the ocular side effects otherwise accompanying the use of such therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Biocompatible intraocular implant systems are formulated for discontinuous or intermittent release of therapeutic levels of a therapeutic agent (such as a steroid) to minimize development of side effects associated with continuous or long term use of such agent. The implant system may comprise one or more implant, and preferably, although not necessarily, also contains an auxiliary agent having an activity effective to lessen at least one side effect associated with said therapeutic agent compared to the use of an otherwise identical implant system lacking said auxiliary agent. The implants containing the therapeutic agent and auxiliary agent may be placed in an eye to treat one or more ocular conditions while reducing the ocular side effects otherwise accompanying the use of such therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Use of a composition comprising at least one prodrug of a steroid, preferably of a corticosteroid, for the preparation of an ophthalmic composition intended for the treatment of an ocular condition or disease of a human being or an animal.

Abstract: Ocular tissue separation areas having a barrier region are described herein. In one embodiment, the tissue separation area can have an implant placement site configured to accept an ocular implant. The barrier region can be located about at least a portion of the periphery of the implant placement site. The barrier region can include one or more barrier structures. An example barrier structure is a channel formed on one side of the tissue separation area with a corresponding ridge formed on the opposite side. The channel/ridge structure can be configured to impede epithelial ingrowth to the implant placement site.

Abstract: Biomedical devices with antimicrobial coatings are provided. One or more surfaces of the device are coated with a cationic peptide, cationic proteins, or mixtures thereof to impart antimicrobial properties to the surface.

Abstract: A method of treating ocular disorders involving angiogenesis includes the steps of providing a trans-scleral drug delivery device comprising an insert stabilizer for attachment to a scleral surface and having an interlock opening and a replaceable implant having a reservoir adjacent the scleral surface and an interlock tab, wherein said insert stabilizer and said replaceable implant are removeably connectable by mating said interlock tab and said interlock opening; providing an anti-angiogenic factor; introducing said anti-angiogenic factor into said reservoir; and attaching said insert stabilizer to the scleral surface. The reservoir can be refilled by disengaging the implant from the stabilizer, inserting a new dosage of anti-angiogenic factor, and reconnecting the implant to the stabilizer or injecting a new dosage of anti-angiogenic factor into the reservoir through an injection port in the stabilizer.

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 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: The present invention relates to an article having at least one surface, wherein said surface is at least partially coated with a ultra high hydrophobic film having a surface roughness such that the film exhibits a static water contact angle at least equal to 115°, preferably 120°, even better 125°, and wherein said film is a nanostructured film comprising a first layer comprising nanoparticles bound by at least one binder adhering to the surface of the article, and a second layer of an anti-fouling top coat at least partially coating said first layer. The present invention also concerns a process for preparing the above article.

Abstract: The present invention provides engineered proteins and biomedical products made from the engineered proteins. The biomedical products include lenses useful for ophthalmic purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating edematous retinal disorders. The method comprises administration of a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a hydrolysis-resistant P2Y receptor agonist to stimulate the removal of pathological extraneous fluid from the subretinal and retinal spaces and thereby reduce the accumulation of said fluid associated with retinal detachment and retinal edema. The P2Y receptor agonist can be administered with therapeutic and adjuvant agents commonly used to treat edematous retinal disorders. The pharmaceutical formulation useful in this invention comprises a P2Y receptor agonist with enhanced resistance to extracellular hydrolysis, such as dinucleoside polyphosphate compounds, or hydrolysis-resistant mononucleoside triphosphate salts. The present invention also provides P1-(2?-deoxycytidine 5?-)P4-(uridine 5?-)tetraphosphate, tetra-(alkali metal) salts such as tetrasodium, tetralithium, tetrapotassium, and mixed (tetra-alkali metal) salts.