Abstract: Aminobiguanides and the use of same as antimicrobial agents in pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed. The aminobiguanides are useful in the preservation of pharmaceutical compositions, particularly ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions and compositions for treating contact lenses. The compounds are especially useful for disinfecting contact lenses.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for treating dry eye or increasing contact lens wear time through the transdermal delivery of androgenic hormones to the adnexa of the eye. More specifically, an androgenic hormone such as testosterone or dehydroepiandrosterone is solubilized in pharmaceutically effective carrier such as a facial cream or gel. The androgenic hormone in a pharmaceutically effective carrier is applied to the adnexa of the eye, which is the tissue adjacent to and surrounding the eyeball.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating a dry eye condition by topically applying to the eye surfaces an emulsion forming a tear film that acts to lubricate the eye and to inhibit evaporation therefrom. The emulsion is constituted by water in which is dispersed a mixture that includes a phospholipid, a non-polar oil, a non-toxic emulsifying agent and a polar lipid that imparts a net positive charge to the film that is distributed throughout the film, causing the film to be electrostatically attracted to the anionic surface of the eye whereby the film adheres thereto and cannot be washed away. Includable in the mixture is a non-soluble therapeutic agent, such as cyclosporin which is effective against an eye disease and is delivered to the eye by the film.

Abstract: Composition and method of treating VKC, GPC, and AKC with H1 antagonists and ocularly safe steroids are disclosed.

Abstract: A powerful formulation for preventing and treating macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and other eye diseases, and contains over thirty naturally effective vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and amino acids, which have all been found to demonstrate a powerful protective effect on the health of the eye.

Abstract: An agent for the prophylaxis and treatment of glaucoma, which contains a compound having a Rho kinase inhibitory activity, particularly an agent for the prophylaxis and treatment of glaucoma, which contains a compound of the formula (I) wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, as the compound having a Rho kinase inhibitory activity, is provided. The agent for the prophylaxis and treatment of glaucoma of the present invention is a novel agent for the prophylaxis and treatment of glaucoma and has intraocular pressure lowering action, optic disc blood flow improving action and aqueous humor outflow promoting action.

Abstract: Inhibitors of acyl-CoA synthetase are useful for treating dry eye disorders and other disorders requiring the wetting of the eye.

Abstract: The topical use of certain flurbiprofen amide derivatives and ketorolac amide derivatives to treat ophthalmic angiogenesis-related and inflammatory disorders of the posterior segment of the eye is disclosed.

Abstract: Eye drops containing a &bgr;-blocker such as cartelol hydrochloride are improved in the penetration of the &bgr;-blocker into the eye and the retention thereof in the eye tissues by the incorporation of a C3-7 fatty acid such as sorbic acid to the eye preparations.

Abstract: N-oxides of formula (i) wherein R1 is CH3, CH2F, CHF2 or CF3; R2 is CH3 or CF3; R3 is F, Cl, Br, CN or CH3; and R4 is H, F, Cl, Br, CN or CH3; and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, are useful as therapeutic agents, e.g., for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: A new composition set and a kit for use by intraocular operations, preferably cataract operations. The composition set comprises a first and a second viscoelastic agent, e.g. sodium hyaluronate, containing an anaesthetic, e.g. lidocaine hydrochloride. Hereby a simplified operation and anaesthesia is achieved while at the same time the risk of complications and discomfort on the patient are reduced.

Abstract: An ophthalmic solutions that are broad ranged and effective in low concentrations relative to state of the art systems. In particular it has been found that ophthalmic solutions comprising 0.00001 to about 1.0 percent by weight of a nucleotide, a nucleoside or a purine or pyrimidine base; 0.00001 to about 0.05 percent by weight a cationic, polymeric preservative display an effective preservative capacity, and an increased capacity over state-of-the-art preservative systems.

Abstract: Improved artificial tear compositions are described. The compositions are preferably formulated as sterile, isotonic solutions. The solutions contain a unique combination of three demulcents. The solutions preferably also contain one or more electrolytes and may also contain a nonionic surfactant. The solutions provide ocular comfort and are particularly useful in patients that are experiencing mild to moderate dryness or other irritation of the cornea. The solutions may be packaged as either an unpreserved unit dose product or as a preserved multi-dose product. The multi-dose products contain a very mild antimicrobial preservative system, and consequently can be frequently applied to the eye with little risk of ocular irritation attributable to the preservative components.

Abstract: Pirenoxine or 1-hydroxy-5-oxo-5H-pyrido-[3,2a]-phenoxazin-3-carboxylic acid, also called pirfenossone and already used as anti-cataract agent, in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, if desired, is used for the protection of the corneal tissue in photokeratectomy interventions, as cornea photoablation using excimer laser, for both refractive and therapeutic purpose. In fact pirenoxine is able to inhibit, in the cornea, the oxidative phenomena determined by reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are produced within the tissues following the laser irradiation.

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: The invention relates to stable ophthalmic preparations including the penetrant antiphlogistic diclofenac or salts thereof and the penetrant antibiotic ofloxacin present in the form of the racemate, an enantiomer, particularly levofloxacin, or the corresponding hydrochloride thereof. The preparations may be used for treating eye infections and/or inflammations and for preventing infections before and after eye surgery.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for treating diminished visual acuity in a human patient who has been diagnosed as suffering from a disease or disorder of the posterior region of the eye. These involve topical application to the eye, an amount of acetylcholine esterase inhibitor containing composition is carried out so that it is sufficient to provide a therapeutic benefit to alleviate the diminished visual acuity in the human patient. The composition is administered at bedtime after an eye straining work for about 20 minutes.

Abstract: Ophthalmic composition with prolonged residence time on the eye, in particular in the form of a gel which can be administered as drops, of an ointment or the like, containing a free-flowing vehicle with increased viscosity and a preservative, and, where appropriate, one or more active ingredients and conventional additives such as tonicity agents, substances to adjust the pH etc. The preservative is essentially formed according to the invention by a benzyllauryldimethylammonium salt. The invention furthermore relates to the use of a benzyllauryldimethylammonium salt as preservative for producing ophthalmic compositions intended for repeated use over lengthy periods and/or formulated for a lengthy residence time on the eye after each use, whereby irritation and/or damage to the tissue of the eye are avoided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel dithiocarbamamte disulfide dimer useful in various therapeutic treatments, either alone or in combination with other active agents. In one method, the disulfide derivative of a dithiocarbamate is coadministered with an agent that inactivates (or inhibits the production of) species that induce the expression of nitric oxide synthase to reduce the production of such species, while, at the same time reducing nitric oxide levels in the subject. In another embodiment, free iron ion levels are reduced in a subject by administration of a disulfide derivative of a dithiocarbamate(s) to scavenge free iron ions, for example, in subjects undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy. In another embodiment, cyanide levels are reduced in a subject by administration of a disulfide derivative of a dithiocarbamate so as to bind cyanide in the subject. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to compositions and formulations useful in such therapeutic methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating edematous retinal disorders. The method comprises administration of a 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 may be administered with therapeutic and adjuvant agents commonly used to treat edematous retinal disorders. The pharmaceutical composition useful in this invention comprises a P2Y receptor agonist with enhanced resistance to extracellular hydrolysis, such as dinucleoside polyphosphate compounds.

Abstract: An anti-microbial liquid ophthalmic composition for direct application onto an eye of a living being. The composition includes from about 0.02 wt. % to about 0.20 wt. % chlorite compound and from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.01 wt. % peroxy compound, at a pH between about 7.0 and 7.8. Preferably, the chlorite compound is a metal chlorite where the metal is chosen from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, while the peroxy compound is hydrogen peroxide. Also included are methods for treating an eye infection through application of the composition to the eye, and for cleansing a contact lens in place on an eye through application of the composition to the lens.

Abstract: The aqueous ophthalmic formulation for the treatment and prevention of infections contains ofloxacin as active ingredient and a chitosan having a weight average molecular weight of 500,000-5,000,000 Daltons and a deacetylation degree of 30-90% as solubilizing agent of ofloxacin. Chitosan having a deacetylation degree of 30-90% may be also used for solubilizing ofloxacin suspended in an aqueous media having a substantially neutral pH in any other applications.

Abstract: Photoablatable modulator for use in Laser ablation processes on the cornea consisting of a mixture of collagen and vegetable gelatins which is formed in situ on the corneal surface to be treated. A small quantity of a solution at a temperature higher of that of the cornea is applied on the corneal surface and is shaped to form an optically centered lenticule by means of a special device. The solution solidifies at corneal temperatures and forms a rigid gel which adheres strongly on the corneal surface. A dye added in the solution enables the visual monitoring of the ablation process. The lenticular modulator produced with the disclosed method is customized to provide an ablation profile that smoothes the corneal surface and additionally removes the geometrical irregularities that may pre-exist on it. The final shape of the cornea corresponds to the shape of the mold used for the preparation of the modulator.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of glaucoma are provided by the present invention. The compounds described cause a perturbation of the actin cytoskeleton in the trabecular meshwork or the modulation of its interactions with the underlying membrane. Perturbation of the cytoskeleton and the associated adhesions reduces the resistance of the trabecular meshwork to fluid flow and thereby reduces intraocular pressure.

Abstract: A method for inactivating ocular viral pathogens and for treating associated lesions on tissue by means of selectively activating a tissue-associated photosensitizing agent with light. The photosensitizing agent, preferably tin ethyl etiopurpurin, is administered to a patient to concentrate within the lesionous target tissue of the eye. The photosensitizer-laden target tissue is irradiated with photoactivating light. In pre-clinical in vitro studies, the photoactivated photosensitizer drug within the lesionous target tissue inactivates both cell free Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cell-associated HSV and cytomegalovirus (CMV). The use of PDT for treating ocular viral diseases reduces the toxicity to the biological system when compared with prior art therapeutic procedures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ophthalmic compositions containing a gelling amount of a combination of galactomannan polysaccharides and borates. The compositions gel or partially gel upon administration to the eye. The present invention also discloses methods of topical ophthalmic administration of the compositions to the eye.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that electrolytes, such as the tetrasodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), reduce the ocular irritation and increase the disinfecting and sanitizing efficacy of compositions containing quaternary ammonium compounds and/or amines. As a result, concentrated solutions containing quaternary ammonium compounds and/or amines of the present invention have low, if any, ocular irritation. Furthermore, use dilutions of the concentrated solutions of the present invention include ingredients which are approved by the U.S. EPA for use on indirect food contact surfaces, unlike disinfecting and sanitizing compositions containing imidazoline compounds. Additionally, the use dilutions exhibit superior efficacy against gram negative and positive bacteria compared to similar compositions which do not contain the electrolyte and remain effective in hard water. The present invention is a concentrate, such as a sanitizing and disinfecting concentrate, comprising from about 0.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of immune-related diseases of ocular surface and the anterior segment of the eye. More specifically, the invention relates to a composition comprising tacrolimus in a pharmaceutically acceptable formulation, particularly a suitable local treatment formulation, such as eye drops and ointments. Also disclosed is a method for the treatment of immune-response related ocular diseases of the anterior segment of the eye and the eye surface, wherein the method comprises administering to a patient in need thereof the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. The method of the present invention preferably further comprises administering to the patient an immunosuppressant in addition to tacrolimus.

Abstract: The present invention describes in particular a method for stabilizing a pharmaceutical composition by contacting said composition with a polymeric material comprising an antioxidant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the prevention and treatment of orbital disorders associated with the aging eye in mammals by the application of a topical composition comprising a permeation enhancing amount of one or more penetration enhancers, and one or more bio-affecting agents which penetrate into the underlying tissues and into the vascular network of the orbit. Another object of this invention is the improvement of age-related changes to the eyelids such as dry skin, wrinkles, keratoses, age spots and pigmented skin lesions. It is a further object of this invention to prevent and treat cataract formation, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.

Abstract: Proliferation of retinal pigment epithelium following surgery or trauma or resulting in ocular diseases associated with choroidal neovascularization, such as age related macular degeneration and histoplasmosis syndrome, is prevented by contacting retinal pigment epithelium cells with a therapeutic amount of a retinoic acid receptor (RAR agonist, preferably one with specific activity for retinoic acid receptors. Preferably the RAR agonist is also a potent antagonist of AP1-dependent gene expression. Alternatively, the proliferation of retinal pigment epithelium is ameliorated with a therapeutic amount of an AP-1 antagonist, alone or in combination with an RAR agonist. The drug can be administered by bolus injection into the vitreous cavity using a dosage from about 50 to 150 &mgr;g. Or by slow release from liposomes or an oil tamponade injected into the vitreous cavity. Formulations for preventing proliferation of retinal pigment epithelium are also provided.

Abstract: Glutamate causes migration and proliferation of retinal pigment epithelium and/or glial cells, and glutamate antagonists can prevent, treat or reduce retinal pigment epithelium and/or glial migration and the subsequent development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Avoidance or management of proliferative vitreoretinopathy can be achieved by administering to the patient a compound capable of reducing glutamate-induced retinal cell migration in a concentration effective to reduce such migration.

Abstract: Self-preserved nasal, inhalable and topical ophthalmic preparations and medications which destroy, inhibit or therapeutically significantly limit microbial growth within said preparations or medications. The nasal, inhalable, and topical ophthalmic preparations and medications are mildly buffered and maintain a stable pH at pH 3.5 or lower.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions having negligible side effects on the heart can be obtained by using as the active ingredient an adrenergic &bgr; receptor agonist having a high selectivity toward adrenergic &bgr;2 receptor. These compositions are usable as preventives or therapeutics for xerophthalmic disorder and keratoconjunctival disorder.

Abstract: An ophthalmic solution comprising: 0.01 to 5 weight percent imidazole: 0.01 to 30 weight percent hydrogen peroxide and the balance water which can further comprisie 0.01 to 2 weight percent of a buffer adjusted so the pH of the formulation is between 5.5 to 8.5.

Abstract: An ophthalmic pharmaceutical composition comprising trehalose as an effective ingredient and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier. The pharmaceutical composition is a safe, long-term continuously-administrable, therapeutic and/or prophylactic agent for the ophthalmologic clinical symptoms and signs in Sjögren syndrome.

Abstract: Compositions including a quinolone component, such as ofloxacin, having fungistatic activity in the compositions, present in an amount effective as an antibiotic when the composition is placed in a mammalian eye, a NSAID component present in an amount to reduce inflammation or pain when the composition is placed in the eye, and a carrier component in an amount effective to act as a carrier for the quinolone component and NSAID component are provided. Methods of using the present compositions, for example, to resolve microbial infections and/or to reduce inflammation and/or pain in a mammalian eye are included within the scope of the present invention. Methods for treating corneal injuries are also included. In addition, methods for treating ocular infections, for example, corneal infections, are included.

Abstract: Methods for reducing non-inflammatory pain caused by injuries and traumas include administering to a mammal eye having non-inflammatory pain a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a quinolone component in an amount effective as an antibiotic and a NSAID component in an amount effective, in combination with the quinolone component, to provide a reduction in non-inflammatory pain.

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: The present invention provides an ophthalmic composition for soft contact lenses (SCL), which contains a terpenoid as an active ingredient, an ophthalmic composition for SCL, which contains polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester, a method of enhancing the wettability of soft contact lenses, which comprises bringing terpenoid into contact with SCL and a method of inhibiting adsorption of terpenoid onto SCL, which comprises adding polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester to an ophthalmic composition containing a terpenoid. The ophthalmic composition containing a terpenoid improves, for example, the wettability of SCL, thereby to inhibit decrease in the water content of SCL. As a result, it can inhibit a dry feeling and an uncomfortable feeling during wearing SCL and is useful for enhancing the wettability of SCL. Further, addition of polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester leads to the inhibition of adsorption of terpenoid onto SCL.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of potent potassium channel blockers or a formulation thereof in the treatment of glaucoma and other conditions which leads to elevated intraoccular pressure in the eye of a patient. This invention also relates to the use of such compounds to provide a neuroprotective effect to the eye of mammalian species, particularly humans.

Abstract: An ophthalmic composition which contains a component A consisting of at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyoxyalkylene block copolymers and their derivatives, and a component B consisting of at least one member selected from the group consisting of glycyrrhizic acid and its salts.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a physiological method for improving vision in a human patient. This method involves topical application to the eye, an amount of acetylcholine esterase inhibitor containing composition so that it is sufficient to provide a therapeutic benefit to improve the visual acuity in the human patient. The composition is administered topically and at bedtime after an eye straining work for about 20 minutes. The method disclosed herein is used for treatment and prevention of congenital and acquired color vision blindness, treatment of ocular hypertension and glaucoma, prevention of the progression of myopia, treatment of strabismus or squint, potentiation of best visual acuity, neuro-protection, treatment of aberrations secondary to pupil dilation.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the treatment of an individual suffering from lupus erythematosus utilizing a serine protease inhibitor. The treatment includes the use of a corticosteroid that is administered separately or in combination. The serine proteases preferred are alpha 1-antitrypsin, secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor, alpha 2-macroglobulin or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The nerve growth factor (NGF) is used for the storage of corneas in culture, for the production and the storage in vitro of single cell populations of the corneal morphological and functional unit (i.e., epithelium, stroma/keratocytes and endothelium) and of the conjunctival epithelium, and for the production and the storage of corneal and conjunctival tissues, in particular for transplantation purposes. The NGF is also proposed for use in the therapy and/or the prophylaxis of diseases of the corneal surface, wherein a lack of integrity of the corneal and conjunctival morphological and functional unit occurs, in particular for pathologies having a dystrophic or neurodystrophic basis, both congenital and acquired.

Abstract: The present invention comprises and utilizes methods and compositions for treating hyperimmune reactions in the eye. Compositions comprising antibodies to gamma interferon alone and in combination with other drugs are described. Also disclosed in the invention are methods of applying a composition comprising interferon gamma antibodies topically to the eye to treat hyperimmune reactions, such as transplant rejection, autoimmune diseases of the eye, and ocular disorders incidental to or connected with autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating ocular neovascularization with TIMP-3, TIMP-3 inducers, and TIMP-3 mimetics are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for protecting or enhancing erythropoietin-responsive cell, tissue, organ and bodily part function and viability in vivo, in situ or ex vivo in mammals including human beings by systemic or local administration of an erythropoietin receptor activity modulator, such as an erythropoietin:

Abstract: This invention relates to the topical ocular use of non-peptide bradykinin receptor antagonists for the treatment of human ocular pain, neovascularization, corneal haze, allergy and inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: A polymer comprising quaternary ammonium salts and alkylene groups having hydroxyl groups on the main chain, is extremely useful as a disinfectant for ophthalmic apparatuses, as eye drops, and an eyewash solution as well as a cleaning solution, disinfectant, or storing solution for contact lens care. The polymer compound has sufficient bactericidal and fungicidal effects within a concentration range in which the compound causes no damage on human cells and does not irritate the eye as well as being hard to be absorbed, adsorbed, and accumulated on hydrophilic contact lenses. In addition, the compound is highly hydrophilic, and as a result, when the polymer is used for contact lens care, the lenses become favorably lubricated to be worn comfortably, and furthermore, is very gentle to eye.