Abstract: This invention relates to solutions for packaging ophthalmic devices comprising at least one antimicrobial metal salt which prevent the loss of said antimicrobial metal salt during autoclaving and storage.

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 contact lens storage case comprising a case body including a pair of chambers for containing contact lenses therein, and a pair of lids for closing and opening the chambers, wherein inner faces of the chambers of the case body are formed by a synthetic resin including a silver based inorganic antimicrobic agent comprising a silver based compound carried on an inorganic carrier selected from the group consisting of a zeolite, a water soluble glass, zirconium phosphate, silica gel and activated charcoal. The contact lens storage case inhibits acanthamoeba.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ophthalmic device, and method of use thereof, for an individual wearing an ophthalmic lens to increase ocular surface boundary lubrication. The invention device comprises an ophthalmic lens and a sacrificial mechanism disposed on the ophthalmic lens, wherein the sacrificial mechanism comprises a plurality of surface bound receptors, such as PRG4, hyaluronic acid, and DNA aptamers, that reversibly bound to a lubricating composition comprising a gel forming agent, a surfactant, or a combination thereof, effectively inhibiting or preventing protein and lipid adsorption on the surface of the lens, and mitigate shear stress and reduce the friction between the lens and the ocular surface of the individual in need.

Abstract: Drug delivery devices, and methods of delivering pharmaceutically active agents to a target tissue within a body using such devices, are disclosed. One drug delivery device includes a body having an internal surface for disposing on a target tissue and a well having an opening to the internal surface. An inner core comprising a drug containing portion and an expandable material is disposed in the well.

Abstract: A contact lens solution comprising 0.001 to 10 weight percent or a preservative enhancer chosen from the group consisting of: D4E1, D2A21, and P-113; and at least 0.0001 weight percent of a preservative, and where the concentration of chloride in said solution is less than 0.2 percent by weight.

Abstract: The invention comprises a composition with means to inhibit the function of the inflammatory cytokine IL-17 and methods for using this composition to treat IL-17-mediated ocular inflammatory disorders. The invention also discloses devices for delivering this composition to the eye.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite material, preferably an ophthalmic device, more preferably a contact lens, which comprises a vesicle-containing coating including at least one layer of a vesicle and one layer of a polyionic material having charges opposite the charges of the vesicle. Such composite material can find use in biomedical applications, for example, a device for localized drug delivery and an in vivo analyte sensor such as glucose sensing contact lens. By lifting off the vesicle-containing coating from a substrate, a self-standing membrane (film) capable of encapsulating a wide variety of guest materials can be prepared. In addition, the invention provides methods for making vesicle-containing composite and film materials of the present invention.

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: Described herein are polymeric compositions that comprise at least one polymer residue and at least one crosslinking moiety, wherein the polymer residue is crosslinked by the crosslinking moiety and wherein the crosslinking moiety is formed from a reaction between a boronic acid moiety and a hydroxamic acid moiety. Also, described are methods of making and using such polymeric compositions.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a practical ophthalmic lens which has an effect of effectively retaining and sustainedly releasing a drug and has form stability before and after release of the drug, wherein the ionic polymer gel having sustained drug releasability can regulate the amount of the drug included therein, depending on the efficacy of the drug used, and storing solution for a practical ophthalmic lens.

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: 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: The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for administering one or more active agents to the eye of a human or animal patient in need thereof, and more particularly to devices for application to the cornea which release active agent to the eye in a controlled manner.

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 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: The present invention comprises a composition with means to inhibit the function of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1 and methods for using this composition to treat inflammatory disease of ocular and adnexal tissues by topical administration. The present invention also discloses devices for delivering this composition to target tissues.

Abstract: A family of infection resistant and biocidal polymeric materials incorporates an infection resistant biguanide such as chlorhexidine or polyhexanide pendant to the polymer chain, chemically linked to the polymer through the biguanide group secondary nitrogen atoms. The disclosure extends to the use of such polymeric materials in articles of manufacture and particularly in medical devices, and the preparation of the materials as polymer resins from which articles can be made, as solutions and emulsions which can be used for coating performed articles, and in situ on the surface of preformed polymeric articles.

Abstract: A method of retaining hyaluronic acid on a surface of a contact lens. The method comprises providing a contact lens care solution comprising; 0.005 wt. % to 0.05 wt. % of hyaluronic acid in a borate containing buffer, and 0.01 wt. % to 1.0 wt. % of an amphoteric surfactant of general formula I wherein R? is a C8-C16alkyl optionally substituted with hydroxyl; R2 and R3 are each independently selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl or iso-propyl; and R4 is a C2-C8alkylene optionally substituted with hydroxyl; and soaking the contact lens in the contact lens care solution for at least two hours prior to placement of the contact lens in an eye.

Abstract: A dosage form for the administration of a biologically active agent is a silicone hydrogel appliance where the agent is absorbed in a copolymer of at least one siloxane containing monomer and at least one hydrophilic monomer where the appliance is placed in contact with a tissue surface of the patient, such as a contact lens placed in the eye. The appliance can be formed where a copolymer of the siloxane containing and hydrophobic monomers is soaked in a solution of the biologically active agent. The agent can be a non-ionic drug which is absorbed into the appliance from a non-aqueous solution, such as an ethanol solution.

Abstract: Polymer membranes are disclosed having increased permeability. The process of the present disclosure, for instance, can increase the ion permeability of membranes and/or the gas permeability of membranes. In one embodiment, for instance, a precursor polymer is subjected to energy in an amount sufficient to form damage tracks through the thickness of the polymer. The damage tracks are then oxidized to form free radical groups. The precursor polymer is then hydrolyzed causing ion groups to form that cluster along the damage tracks. In one embodiment, sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene-based copolymer ionomer membranes are formed that have increased conductivity. Other ionomer membranes that may be formed according to the present disclosure include copolymers of a vinyl hydrocarbon and a vinyl carboxylic acid.

Abstract: This invention provides novel active agents (e.g. peptides, small organic molecules, amino acid pairs, etc.) peptides that ameliorate one or more symptoms of eye disease and/or other pathologies characterized by an inflammatory response. In certain embodiment, the peptides resemble a G* amphipathic helix of apolipoprotein J. The agents are highly stable and readily administered via an oral route or via intraocular injection.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds and methods for the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases. In particular, LFA-1 antagonists are described herein and these antagonists are used in the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases. One aspect of the invention provides for diagnosis of an LFA-1 mediated disease and administration of a LFA-1 antagonist, after the patient is diagnosed with a LFA-1 mediated disease. In some embodiments, the LFA-1 mediated diseases treated are dry eye disorders. Also provided herein are methods for identifying compounds which are LFA-1 antagonists.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds and methods for the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases. In particular, LFA-1 antagonists are described herein and these antagonists are used in the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases. One aspect of the invention provides for diagnosis of an LFA-1 mediated disease and administration of a LFA-1 antagonist, after the patient is diagnosed with a LFA-1 mediated disease. In some embodiments, the LFA-1 mediated diseases treated are dry eye disorders. Also provided herein are methods for identifying compounds which are LFA-1 antagonists.

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 is directed to a coated biomedical device said micelle having a hydrophilic outer shell and a hydrophobic inner core, or a hydrophobic outer shell and a hydrophilic inner core said micelle comprised of a block copolymer having a HLB value ranging from about 1 to about 40. The medical device may have one coating thereon or multiple coatings. The present invention is also directed to the use of the micelle as a drug carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a preparation for topically delivering and localizing therapeutic agents, comprising: a vasoconstrictor for retarding vascular dispersion of a therapeutic agent; and a penetration enhancer for facilitating penetration of the vasoconstrictor and the therapeutic agent through a patient's skin. Further disclosed is an associated method of topically delivering and localizing therapeutic agents, comprising the steps of: using a vasoconstrictor for retarding vascular dispersion of a therapeutic agent; in combination with using a penetration enhancer for facilitating penetration of the vasoconstrictor and the therapeutic agent through a patient's skin. Also disclosed are various courses of treatment which comprise applying the various disclosed combinations of agents to the patient's skin.

Abstract: Ophthalmic devices containing anti-allergic agents and methods of preparing the same are disclosed herein.

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 bactericidal or antimicrobial polymeric composition includes a hydrophilic first comonomer copolymerized to a second comonomer to produce a polymeric composition that is more hydrophilic or more bactericidal or antimicrobial in an aqueous solution than either of the comonomers alone. Methods for identifying bactericidal or antimicrobial polymers, methods for rendering materials bactericidal or antimicrobial, and methods for using bactericidal or antimicrobial compositions to kill or reduce bacterial or microbial growth are also described. Applications for the inventive compositions include their use in catheters, stents, medical devices, contact lenses; root canal fillers; fibers; paper; and/or wound dressing.

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: Electrospun fibers are utilized to improve the mechanical characteristics of a contact lens reducing the weight and mechanical strength of the polymers from which the lenses are typically formed. Electrospun fibers are also utilized as a drug delivery system, both through direct use in the eye and by inclusion of the fibers in a contact lens. The fibers are loaded with therapeutic drugs by a variety of methods and processed by coating and cross-linking the fibers.

Abstract: Electrospun fibers are utilized to improve the mechanical characteristics of a contact lens reducing the weight and mechanical strength of the polymers from which the lenses are typically formed. Electrospun fibers are also utilized as a drug delivery system, both through direct use in the eye and by inclusion of the fibers in a contact lens. The fibers are loaded with therapeutic drugs by a variety of methods and processed by coating and cross-linking the fibers.

Abstract: Processes for providing durable antimicrobial surfaces are disclosed that comprise treating a polymer substrate surface with formaldehyde followed by treatment with an antimicrobial peptide. Further embodiments include articles, including medical devices, characterized by a durable antimicrobial surface provided by the processes of the invention.

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: The invention relates to highly biocompatible or biophilic un-cross-linked or cross-linked polymers comprising one or more side-chain active acrylic amino acids of formula I wherein: X is —NH(CH2)4—, —O—C6H4—CH2—, —OCH2—, —O—CH(CH3)—, —S—CH2—, —O-proline, and R is H or CH3; and wherein the polymer further includes a free radical initiator and, optionally, a cross-linking agent having a plurality of polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated groups. The invention further concerns various highly biocompatible, cross-linked co-polymers comprising one or more monomers of formula I, and one or more other polymerizable monomers. Uses of such polymers and co-polymers for the production of contact lenses, intraocular lenses, implants, wound healing slabs, additives for food and cosmetics, conductive plastics, spinnable fibers, and the like are disclosed.

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 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: An ophthalmic device is disclosed that is a polymerization product of a monomeric mixture comprising (a) a major amount of a non-silicone-containing hydrophilic monomer; (b) a hydrophobic monomer; and (c) a crosslinking agent, wherein the ophthalmic device has an equilibrium water content of at least about 70 weight percent and further wherein the ophthalmic device has an evaporative dehydration barrier layer on the surface thereof. A method for the mitigation of evaporative corneal dehydration employing the high water content ophthalmic device is also disclosed.

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 polypeptides, comprising repeats of peptides derived from apolipoproteins, which exhibit antibacterial activity and to nucleic acids encoding the same. The invention further provides the use of such polypeptides, derivatives, analogues or nucleic acids as medicaments, and also their use in methods of preventing or treating bacterial infection or objects and surfaces. The invention further extends to objects, such as contact lenses, coated with the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds and methods for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. In particular, LFA-1 antagonists are described herein to be used in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. One aspect of the invention provides for diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and administration of a LFA-1 antagonist, after the patient is diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting adhesion of bacteria to a surface of a biomedical device is disclosed. The method involves at least (a) incorporating one or more non-functionalized polymers having one or more hydrophilic moieties into an ophthalmic device that is a polymerization product of a comonomer mixture comprising: (i) a major amount of a non-silicone-containing hydrophilic monomer; and (ii) an end-terminal functionalized surfactant; and (b) inserting the ophthalmic device in the eye of a patient, wherein the at least one non-functionalized polymer migrates to the surface of the device in a sustained release manner to inhibit adhesion of bacteria to a surface of the biomedical device. Biomedical devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device comprising an intraocular lens and a drug delivery system attached thereto, wherein said drug delivery system is or can be loaded with one or more therapeutic agents. Preferably, said drug delivery system comprises a biodegradable matrix material wherein said biodegradable matrix material is preferably selected from the group consisting of: poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolic acid), poly(lactide-co-glycolide), polycaprolactones, polyorthoesters, polyanhydrides, polyesteramides and mixtures thereof. Preferred therapeutic agent(s) is/are selected from anti-inflammatory agents, anti-vasoproliferative agents, immunosuppressive agents, antibiotics, antiviral agents, anti-mitotic agents and combinations thereof. Also provided is a method of treatment and/or prevention of one or more diseases or malfunctions of the eye, comprising implanting one, two, three or more devices of the invention into an eye of a patient.

Abstract: Compounds described herein are useful in modulating bacterial quorum sensing.

Abstract: Provided are surface modified contact lenses formed from one or more fumaric- or itaconic-containing prepolymers having reactive functionality that is complimentary to surface modifying polymers.

Abstract: A bioactive agent delivery system comprising an optically transparent contact lens having dispersed therein (1) an ophthalmically bioactive agent capable of diffusion through the contact lens and into the post-lens tear film when placed on the eye and (2) associated with the bioactive agent, an ophthalmically compatible polymeric surfactant in an amount sufficient to slow the rate of migration of the bioactive agent through the contact lens.

Abstract: A drug delivery device includes a contact lens along with a drug delivery zone disposed above an applied axis of the lens. A colored layer is disposed over the drug delivery zone in order to mark a color of the drug delivery zone.

Abstract: A contact lens providing zonal drug delivery includes a lens body having an optical axis and an opaque simulated iris pattern applied to the lens body, about the optical axis, with the pattern including an ophthalmic drug.

Abstract: A contact lens for delivery of a multiplicity of drugs includes a lens body with a first drug incorporated in a first zonal area of the lens body and a second drug incorporated in a second zonal area of the lens body. The first and second drugs are dissimilar and the first and second zonal areas are spaced apart from one another.