Abstract: Photodynamic therapy of conditions of the eye characterized by unwanted neovasculature, such as age-related macular degeneration, is effective using green porphyrins as photoactive agents, preferably as liposomal compositions.

Abstract: This invention provides a therapeutic composition for corneal impairment which comprises a phosphoric acid diester compound of the following formula or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof, ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.The therapeutic composition of this invention is useful for the treatment of electricity-related ophthalmia, snow-related ophthalmia, corneal lesions caused by contact lens wearing, and corneal impairment associated with hypolacrimia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical preparation comprising: (A) at least one triglyceride or propylene glycol diester of fractionated coconut oil fatty acids; and (B) at least one carboxamide compound of the formula I. The composition renders the carboxamides of formula I more storage-stable and less susceptible to hydrolysis. Methods of using the composition to inhibit activation of collagenase, treating inflammatory disease, and eliciting an analgesic response are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ophthalmic composition in the form of a topical aqueous solution consisting essentially ofan ophthalmologically active agent containing basic groups,an ion sensitive, hydrophilic polymer containing acidic groups in an amount of 0.004 to 1.5% by weight,at least one salt selected from the group of inorganic salts and buffers in a total amount of from 0.01 to 2.0% by weight,and optionally a wetting agent and a preservative, the ratio between salt and polymer being such that the solution exhibits a viscosity of less than 1000 mpas, and the pH of the solution is 4.0 to 8.0. The composition contains a sufficient amount of polymer to provide for a controlled absorption of the drug into the eye, its viscosity having been reduced to provide for better handling characteristics.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for increasing retinal and optic nerve head blood velocity by topical application of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors to the eye.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting refractive errors of the eye are disclosed. Accelerated reshaping of the corneal tissue is accomplished by administering one or more enzymes and/or other agents to the eye which temporarily soften the cornea. The cornea is thereafter fitted with a rigid contact lens or a series of lenses which have a concave curvature that will correct a refractive error. The softened cornea then rapidly reshapes its convex curvature to the concave curvature of the contact lens or series of lenses, thereby rendering the eye emmetropic. The enzymes and/or other agents then dissipate from the cornea, and the cornea "hardens" to retain the new emmetropic shape. After "hardening" has occurred, the lens rendering the eye emmetropic is removed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods directed to the use of adenosine uptake inhibitors for the treatment of retinal and optic nerve head damage following acute or chronic glaucoma, edema, ischemia, hypoxia or trauma are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations particularly well suited for use as delivery systems in the delivery of an active agent to the eye. The formulations comprise an alginate having a particular proportion of guluronic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treatment of optic nerve disorder by the administration of a prostanoic acid compound in an amount effective in treatment of optic nerve disorder to a subject in need of such treatment, by which visual acuity can be recovered.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aqueous liquid composition for external use which contains a tricyclo compound of the chemical formula (I) presented here-under or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to an aqueous liquid composition for external use characterized in that it contains said tricyclo compound and a water-soluble solubilizer. The composition of the invention is used in medical treatment.

Abstract: Methods and formulations for treating ocular neovascularization using angiostatic steroids are disclosed.

Abstract: The subject of this invention is a ready-for-use collyrium intended for the treatment of ocular allergies, comprising, in aqueous solution, mequitazine and a .beta.- or a .gamma.-cyclodextrin optionally etherified by C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydroxyalkyl groups, the said cyclodextrin being present in at least a molar ratio of at least one in relation to mequitazine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an eye drop formulation, which, in combination, comprises a single polymer, pilocarpine, a beta-blocking agent and an ophthalmologically acceptable carrier wherein the pH of the formulation is from 3.5 to 5.8 and the viscosity is from 10 to 25000 mPas.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic solution containing oligosaccharides in an appropriate concentration. The oligosaccharide preferably is a disaccharide such as sucrose, maltose or lactose. The disaccharide is placed in solution in a pharmacologically acceptable concentration ranging from 0.1% to 11.4%. The disaccharide can be added to physiologic saline, Lactated Ringers, balanced salt solution or other appropriate physiologic solution. The disaccharide does not enter the tissue cells and maintains an extracellular pressure gradient that prevents flow of fluid into the eye. The solution is used to replace vitreous or used topicall. One or more pharmacologic agents or drugs may be added to the solution.

Abstract: Novel pharmaceutically/cosmetically-active bicyclic aromatic compounds have the structural formula (I): ##STR1## and are useful for the treatment of a wide variety of disease states, whether human or veterinary, for example dermatological, rheumatic, respiratory, cardiovascular and ophthalmological disorders, as well as for the treatment of mammalian skin and hair conditions/disorders.

Abstract: A preparation suitable for sustained and extended corneal analgesia and for repeated administration consisting of ultralow nontoxic subanaesthetic concentrations of local anesthetic agents. A method for corneal analgesia has a fast onset of pain relief and extended duration of the corneal analgesia for several months without accompanying toxic symptoms by administering to a patient an ophthalmic analgesic solution containing a local anesthetic agent in subanesthetic concentration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treatment or prevention of secondary cataract, comprising contacting the surface of the eye with an effective amount of a therapeutically active and physiologically acceptable prostaglandin comprising a prostaglandin A, a prostaglandin J, a derivative of prostaglandin A or a derivative of prostaglandin J.

Abstract: Photodynamic therapy of conditions of the eye, especially those conditions characterized by unwanted neovasculature, such as age-related macular degeneration, results in enhanced visual acuity for treated subjects,

Abstract: Compounds characterized generally as alkylaminoalkyl-terminated sulfide/sulfonyl-containing cycloalkylalkyl alanine amino-diol derivatives are useful as renin inhibitors for the treatment of hypertension. Compounds of particular interest are those of Formula II: ##STR1## wherein m is is two or three; wherein x is zero or two; wherein R.sup.2 is selected from hydrido, methyl, ethyl and phenyl; wherein R.sup.3 is selected from hydrido, cyclohexylmethyl, benzyl, fluorobenzyl, chlorobenzyl, fluoronaphthylmethyl and chloronaphthylmethyl; wherein R.sup.5 is selected from cycloalkylalkyl groups containing from three to about twelve carbon atoms; wherein R.sup.7 is cyclohexylmethyl; wherein R.sup.8 is selected from n-propyl, isobutyl, cyclopropyl;, cyclopropylmethyl, allyl and vinyl; and wherein each of R.sup.9 and R.sup.10 is a group independently selected from methyl, ethyl and isopropyl; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The invention features a purified hyaluronidase BH55 polypeptide isolated from a mammalian species, preferably bovine or human. The invention also features DNA encoding BH55, vectors and transformed host cells containing DNA encoding BH55, the methods of making BH55 hyaluronidase polypeptides, and the antibodies that specifically bind BH55.

Abstract: The use of glycine and other low molecular weight amino acids in ophthalmic compositions (e.g., preserved saline solutions) is described. These compounds have been found to enhance the efficacy of antimicrobial preservatives. The compounds also act as chelating agents, buffers and tonicity agents.

Abstract: 2,5-Diaryl tetrahydrofurans, 2,5-diaryl tetrahydrothiophenes, 1,3-diaryl cyclopentanes are disclosed that reduce the chemotaxis and respiratory burst leading to the formation of damaging oxygen radicals of polymorphonuclear leukocytes during an inflammatory or immune response. The compounds exhibit this biological activity by acting as PAF receptor antagonists, by inhibiting the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase, or by exhibiting dual activity, i.e., by acting as both a PAF receptor antagonist and inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase. Also disclosed is a method to treat disorders mediated by PAF and/or leukotrienes that includes administering an effective amount of one or more of the above-identified compounds or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, optionally in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, to a patient in need of such therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed are in-the-eye uses of chlorine dioxide-containing compositions as effective ophthalmic antiseptics and as effective ophthalmic surgical irrigants. Surprisingly low concentrations of chlorine dioxide are effective in such applications. In addition, the presently useful compositions are ophthalmically acceptable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sustained-release delivery composition for ophthalmic drugs comprising cross-linked hydrogel microspheres having a binding affinity for the drug.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for treating a patient suffering from xerostomia, xerophthalmia or excessive intraocular pressure. The method comprises administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of pilocarpine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in an amount sufficient to maintain a blood serum level of pilocarpine in said patient of from about 5 to about 40 ng/ml, for a period of at least 6 hours. Controlled release unit dosage forms containing pilocarpine are also disclosed.

Abstract: A preservative for ophthalmic solutions having an active ingredient is provided, having a hydrogen peroxide content of about 0.001% to about 0.10% by weight; and diethylene triamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) or a physiologically compatible salt thereof, present at about 0.002% to 0.03% by weight and/or 0.005% to about 0.20% by weight of 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, or physiologically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: Novel trienoic compounds having activity for retinoic acid receptors and retinoid X receptors are provided. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions incorporating such compounds and methods for their use.

Abstract: Non-ionic surfactant emulsion vehicles and compositions comprising an emulsifier system including one or more non-ionic surfactants, an oil phase and an aqueous phase for enhancing the penetration of a drug substance across the stratum corneum and into deeper skin layers are disclosed. A method whereby an effective amount of a composition comprising the emulsion vehicle and a drug substance is topically applied to the skin also is disclosed.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for use as a retinal pigment epithelial cell growth stimulating agent comprising an interferon and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is disclosed. The composition is useful as a therapeutic agent for oculopathies, such as pigmentary retinal degeneration, central chorioretinopathy, and macular dystrophy.

Abstract: Novel pharmaceutically/cosmetically-active polyaromatic propynyl compounds have the structural formula (1): ##STR1## in which X is one of the radicals: ##STR2## and are useful for the treatment of a wide variety of disease states, whether human or veterinary, for example dermatological, rheumatic, respiratory, cardiovascular and ophthalmological disorders, as well as for the treatment of mammalian skin and hair conditions/disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vision improving eye solution (10) comprising: H.sub.2 O (12), panax ginseng extractum (14) and microorganisms (16). A method (110) of preparing a vision improving eye solution (10) is described which consists of the following steps: A) sterilizing (112) H.sub.2 O (12); B) first mixing (114) panax ginseng extractum (14) into sterilized H.sub.2 O (12); C) second mixing (116) panax ginseng extractum (14)/sterilized H.sub.2 O (12) with microorganism (16); D) incubating (118) the panax ginseng extractum (14)/sterilized H.sub.2 O (12) solution/microorganism (16) in a bottle (20); E) attenuating (120) the microorganism (16); and F) adding (122) NaCl (18) until isotonic.

Abstract: Novel pharmaceutically/cosmetically-active polyaromatic amides have the structural formula (I): ##STR1## wherein Z is a radical --CO--NH-- or --NH--CO--, and are useful for the treatment of a wide variety of disease states, whether human or veterinary, for example dermatological, rheumatic, respiratory, cardiovascular and ophthalmological disorders, as well as for the treatment of mammalian skin and hair conditions/disorders.

Abstract: An ophthalmic preparation which comprises a fumagillol derivative represented by the general formula(I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen; R.sup.2 is a halogen, N(O).sub.m R.sup.5 R.sup.6, N.sup.+ R.sup.5 R.sup.6 R.sup.7 .multidot.X.sup.-, S(O).sub.n R.sup.5 or S.sup.+ R.sup.5 R.sup.6 .multidot.X.sup.-, wherein R.sup.5, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 represent independently a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon group or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group; X.sup.- represents a counter anion; m represents 0 or 1; n represents an integer from 0 to 2; or R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 together with the adjacent nitrogen or sulfur atom may form a substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen- or sulfur-containing heterocyclic group which may form a condensed ring; or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are combined to represent a chemical bond; R.sup.3 is a substituted or unsubstituted 2-methyl-l-propenyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted isobutyl group; A is oxygen or NR.sup.8, wherein R.sup.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ophthalmic composition in the form of a topical aqueous solution consisting essentially ofan ophthalmologically active agent,an ion sensitive, hydrophilic polymer in an amount a of 0.004 to 1.5% by weight,at least one salt selected from the group of inor ganic salts and buffers in a total amount of from 0.01 to 2.0% by weight,a wetting agent in an amount of 0 to 3.0% by weight,a preservative in an amount of 0 to 0.02% by weight,water, and optionallya pH regulating agent in an amount sufficient to give a pH of 4.0 to 8.0 to the composition,the ratio between salt and polymer components being such that the solution exhibits a viscosity of less than 1000 mPas. The composition contains a sufficient amount of polymer to provide for a controlled absorption of the drug into the eye, its viscosity having been reduced to provide for better handling characteristics.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring ophthalmic formulation retention on the surface of an eye include dissolving a fluorescent macromolecule in an ophthalmic formulation to form a fluorescently labelled formulation; topically administering the fluorescently labelled formulation to an eye, said fluorescently labelled formulation forming a thin film on the eye surface. Apparatus is provided for illuminating the eye to cause fluorescence of the fluorescently labelled formulation as the fluorescently labelled formulation thin film is eliminated from the eye by normal blinking and lacrimation; and for measuring fluorescence from the thin film as a function of time.

Abstract: An angiographic method to observe the condition of blood vessels, including neovasculature in the eyes of living primates using green porphyrins and light at a wavelength of 550-700 nm to effect fluorescence is disclosed.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and a method are disclosed for treating glaucoma and/or ocular hypertension in the mammalian eye by administering to the mammalian eye the pharmaceutical composition of the invention which contains, as the active ingredient, one or more compounds having chloride channel blocking activity. Examples of chloride channel blockers utilized in the pharmaceutical composition and method of treatment are: ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or a pharmaceutically-acceptable cation, e.g. an alkali or alkaline earth metal, or a quaternary amine; or R represents a ester-forming moiety, e.g. a lower alkyl radical, having up to six carbon atoms, that may be derived from a lower alkanol.

Abstract: Novel pharmaceutically/cosmetically-active dibenzofuran compounds have the structural formula (I): ##STR1## wherein A is a radical having one of the formulae (IIa), (IIb) or (IIc): ##STR2## and are useful for the treatment of a wide variety of disease states, whether human or veterinary, for example dermatological, rheumatic, respiratory, cardiovascular and ophthalmological disorders, as well as for the treatment of mammalian skin and hair conditions/disorders.

Abstract: Methods for treating ocular hypotony are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of administering a drug to an eye including the steps of: (a) admixing a pharmaceutically acceptable hydrocarbonaceous semi-solid or oil which contains the drug with water at a temperature above the melting point of the semi-solid or oil; and (b) nebulizing the admixture to form liquid drops; and (c) applying the liquid drops to the eye.

Abstract: In order to prevent or treat cataract, present invention features 3(2H)-furanone derivatives having 3(2H)-furanone skeleton as a main structure and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical preparations containing the derivatives and/or the salts thereof, treatment methods of cataract, and their use. The 3(2H)-furanone derivatives have excellent effects for the prevention and/or treatment of cataract, for instance, senile cataract caused by oxidation disorder. Particularly, the pharmaceutical preparations have good effect for the prevention and/or treatment of cataract when they are administrated as ophtalmics.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical vehicle which is a nanoemulsion is formulated using 0.1-10 % (w/v) of an oil; 0.1-10% (w/v) of a non-ionic surface active agent; a maximum of 0.01% (w/v) of benzalkonium chloride; a drug or a precursor or active substance; and optionally, one or more of the following components; isotonizing agents, viscosity modifying agents, stabilizers, buffers and/or antioxidants. The vehicle is prepared by emulsification of an aqueous phase which contains a non-ionic surface active agent with an organic phase containing dissolved therein an oil and the drug, drug precursor or active substance in an organic water miscible solvent and then totally removing by evaporation the organic solvent and part of the water up to the final desired volume. The vehicle is especially useful in ophthalmic preparations used to treat eye disorders and diseases.

Abstract: A disinfecting composition for contact lenses includes an effective disinfecting amount of a terpene or combination of terpenes.

Abstract: The intraocular use of combinations of lens epithelial cell growth stimulators (e.g., TGF-.beta.) and antimetabolites (e.g., mitomycin C) is described. The combination is applied to the capsular bag to prevent or retard the formation of secondary cataracts following cataract surgery. The lens epithelial cell stimulators activate DNA synthesis in dormant lens epithelial cells, and thereby make those cells susceptible to the anti-metabolites. This enables the antimetabolites to suppress the proliferation of lens epithelial cells to a much greater extent, relative to the proliferation observed when the metabolites alone are utilized. The increased suppression of the growth of lens epithelial cells results in a significant improvement in the ability to prevent or retard the formation of opacities on the lens capsule (i.e., secondary cataracts).

Abstract: Compositions containing a HETE derivative and methods of use for treating dry eye are disclosed.

Abstract: The topical application to the ocular surface or adjacent regions of the eye of a preparation containing a therapeutic amount of an androgen or androgen analogue or a therapeutic amount of TGF-.beta. is disclosed as a method of relieving the chronic and acute manifestation of dry eye symptoms in Sjogren's syndrome. Measurement of the increased tear levels of TGF-.beta. is disclosed as a diagnostic test to monitor the therapeutic effect of topical treatment with androgen or androgen analogues.

Abstract: Compositions containing certain sulfur containing compounds and methods of use in the treatment and prevention of cataracts is disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions containing certain sulfur containing compounds and methods of use in the treatment and prevention of cataracts is disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the decomposition rate of polymeric bioadhesives and viscosity enhancers, such as poly(acrylic acids). The compositions include at least one strong, stable chelating agent, preferably an organophosphorous compound such as diethylene triamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid). These biocompatible compositions are especially useful in the ophthalmic field.

Abstract: A composition useful for disinfecting a contact lens comprising a substantially isotonic, aqueous liquid medium containing hydrogen peroxide in an amount effective to disinfect a contact lens contacted with the aqueous liquid medium, and a hydrogen peroxide reducing agent dissolved in the aqueous liquid medium in an amount effective to enhance the antimicrobial activity of the aqueous liquid medium. Preferably, the composition further includes transition metal ions in an amount effective to further enhance the antimicrobial activity of the aqueous liquid medium and is substantially free of peroxidase.