Abstract: The invention provides an ophthalmic composition which is an aqueous suspension comprising drug, cyclodextrin and water, the composition having an aqueous phase of from about 0.1% (w/v) to about 90% (w/v) of the drug in solution, as dissolved free drug and as dissolved drug/cyclodextrin complex(es), and a solid phase of from about 10% (w/v) to about 99.9% (w/v) of the drug as solid drug/cyclodextrin particles, suspended in the aqueous phase; the size of the solid particles being from about 10 nm to about 1 mm, the drug/cyclodextrin particles being capable of dissolving in aqueous tear fluid within 24 hours of application to the eye surface. The aqueous eye suspension can be in the form of eye drops, eye gel or eye mist.

Abstract: Disclosed is a treatment for ophthalmic diseases, more specifically, a pharmaceutical composition for treating ophthalmic diseases including a fusion protein of FK506 binding protein capable of penetrating into the ocular tissue as an active ingredient.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of eyelid dermatitis and/or dermatitis of the periorbital area is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an ophthalmic composition which is an aqueous suspension comprising drug, cyclodextrin and water, the composition having an aqueous phase of from about 0.1% (w/v) to about 90% (w/v) of the drug in solution, as dissolved free drug and as dissolved drug/cyclodextrin complex(es), and a solid phase of from about 10% (w/v) to about 99.9% (w/v) of the drug as solid drug/cyclodextrin particles, suspended in the aqueous phase; the size of the solid particles being from about 10 nm to about 1 mm, the drug/cyclodextrin particles being capable of dissolving in aqueous tear fluid within 24 hours of application to the eye surface. The aqueous eye suspension can be in the form of eye drops, eye gel or eye mist.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and materials for inhibiting (e.g., treating or preventing) uveitis in a subject, including treatment refractory uveitis, using anti-IL-1? binding molecules (e.g., IL-1? binding antibodies or binding fragment thereof).

Abstract: An anti-microbial preservative for use in ophthalmic and dermatologic products. The preservative includes from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.20 wt. % chlorite compound and from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.05 wt. % peroxy compound. Additionally, the preservative does not generate chlorine dioxide within the pH range of 5.0-8.8. Also included are an antimicrobial ophthalmic and dermatologic compositions for direct application onto an eye or skin of a living being including from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.20 wt. % chlorite compound and from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.05 wt. % peroxy compound. Also included are methods for treating dryness of the eyes and skin disorders (e.g., wounds, burns, infections, ulcerations, psoriasis, etc.) and for disinfecting and cleansing contact lenses while in place upon an eye by applying the composition to the eye or to the contact lens.

Abstract: Described herein are compounds that are antagonists of PGD2 receptors. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions that include the compounds described herein, and methods of using such antagonists of PGD2 receptors, alone or in combination with other compounds, for treating respiratory, cardiovascular, and other PGD2-dependent or PGD2-mediated conditions or diseases.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing age-related retinal dysfunction involves administering to a patient a pharmaceutically effective amount of a synthetic retinal derivative repeatedly over a duration of at least about 3 months. Effective synthetic retinal derivatives include 9-cis-retinyl esters, 11-cis-retinyl esters, derivatives and congeners thereof, and combinations thereof. Suitable ester substituents include carboxylates of C1-C10 monocarboxylic acids and C2-C22 polycarboxylic acids.

Abstract: A urinary anti-backflow device is provided which prevents urine from flowing back into the patient's bladder from a urine collection bag. The device comprises a flow tube having an upstream section connectable to an external urinary device secured to a patient and a downstream section connectable to a urine collection bag, a rod within the flow tube, and a stopper which moves along the rod between the downstream and upstream ends of the flow tube. When the upstream section of the flow tube is elevated relative to the downstream section, urine from the patient is free to flow through the flow tube. When the downstream section of the flow tube is elevated relative to the upstream section, urine forces the stopper against the upstream section to prevent backflow.

Abstract: The invention provides an ophthalmic composition which is an aqueous suspension comprising drug, cyclodextrin and water, the composition having an aqueous phase of from about 0.1% (w/v) to about 90% (w/v) of the drug in solution, as dissolved free drug and as dissolved drug/cyclodextrin complex(es), and a solid phase of from about 10% (w/v) to about 99.9% (w/v) of the drug as solid drug/cyclodextrin particles, suspended in the aqueous phase; the size of the solid particles being from about 10 nm to about 1 mm, the drug/cyclodextrin particles being capable of dissolving in aqueous tear fluid within 24 hours of application to the eye surface. The aqueous eye suspension can be in the form of eye drops, eye gel or eye mist.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds having pharmacological activity towards the 5-HT7 receptor, and more particularly to some 2,2a,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-aza-acenaphthylen substituted sulfonamide compounds, to processes of preparation of such compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and to their use for the treatment and or prophylaxis of a disease in which 5-HT is involved, such as CNS disorders.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of treating inflammation of the eye comprising administering to an eye of a patient suffering from inflammation of the eye, a composition comprising an aqueous solution of alginate having a minimum of about 50% mannuronate residues based upon the total number of saccharide monomeric units.

Abstract: An anti-microbial composition for providing a therapeutic application onto a living being. The composition includes from about 0.001 wt. % to about 0.20 wt. % chlorite compound and from about 0.001 wt. % to about 0.05 wt. % peroxy compound. The anti-microbial composition of the present invention is composed to remain intact without being degraded to generate chlorine dioxide during storage at about a room temperature. The anti-microbial composition of the present invention is at a pH range between about 6.0 and about 8.8.

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 describes linking a therapeutic agent to a compound which is known to be naturally concentrated in a tissue affected by, or that is causing, a disease, to create a prodrug for treatment of the disease. Embodiments of the present invention include a new class of carotenoid-linked drugs to treat such blinding retinal disease such as age-related macular degeneration, retinoblastoma, and diabetic macular edema. For example, the present invention comprises a method for the treatment of a disorder of the eye comprising linking a therapeutic agent to a xanthophyll carotenoid to create a prodrug, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of the prodrug to an individual in need of treatment. Provided are prodrugs for treatment of retinoblastoma, cystoid macular edema (CME), exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, or inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: There is provided a method of treating irritations and inflammation of the eye or ear by the topical administration of an aqueous composition containing an inorganic monobasic iodide salt and an oxidizing agent which is buffered to a pH of 4.0 to 8.0. The eye treating compositions have an osmolarity between 140 and 180 mOsm/l and are hypotonic.

Abstract: The application discloses methods of treating mammalian diseases characterized by abnormal cell mitosis by administering estradiol derivatives including those comprising colchicine or combretastatin A-4 structural motifs of the general formulae found below in a dosage sufficient to inhibit cell mitosis. The application discloses novel compounds used in the methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of one or more antimicrobial metals preferably selected from silver, gold, platinum, and palladium but most preferably silver, formed with atomic disorder, and preferably in a nanocrystalline form, for reducing inflammation or infection of the mucosal membrane. The antimicrobial metal may be formulated as, or used in the form of, a nanocrystalline coating of one or more antimicrobial or noble metals, a nanocrystalline powder of one or more antimicrobial or noble metals, or a liquid or solution containing dissolved species from a nanocrystalline powder or coating of one or more antimicrobial or noble metals.

Abstract: A tear replacement solution that contains at least one water-soluble fluorosurfactant, water and a non-polar component, preferably in gel form, and a method for the external treatment for the eye of an mammal by applying the tear replacement solution to the eye, preferably by placing in the conjunctival sac.

Abstract: A composition comprising a cyclodextrin, a guanidine-based cationic compound, and sorbic acid is disclosed herein. Preservatives and methods related thereto, and experimental results suggesting certain advantages related to these compositions, preservatives, and methods are also presented herein.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides methods for promoting the function of retinal cells using neuregulins. A novel aspect of the invention involves the use of neuregulins as growth factors tp promote survival of retinal cells. Treating of the retinal cells to provide these effects may be achieved by contacting retinal cells with a polypeptide described herein. The treatments may be provided to slow or halt net cell loss or to increase the amount or quality of retinal tissue present in the vertebrate.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition for slimming which includes, in combination with a cosmetically acceptable excipient, at least one compound having the formula (I) where R1 is a group bound by a peptidic bond and selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an acyl group, acyloxy group and a substituted or unsubstituted aminoacid; R2 is a group bond by a peptidic bond and selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, an amine group, an alkoxy group, an alkylamine group, a silyloxy group or a substituted or unsubstituted aminoacid; and n is 3 or 4.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel angiogenesis inhibitor, more particularly, arsenolite (solid As4O6) and composition containing the same. The arsenolite of the present invention inhibits endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation so that it can be used for medication of various angiogenic diseases.

Abstract: The aqueous suspension can be prepared by incorporating, in an aqueous suspension of a hardly soluble drug, a water-soluble polymer within the concentration range from the concentration at which the surface tension of the aqueous suspension of the drug begins to decrease up to the concentration at which the reduction in surface tension ceases. The resulting aqueous suspension shows ready redispersibility and will not undergo aggregation of dispersed particles or caking. Because of its good redispersibility, the suspension is useful as a parenteral preparation, eye drops, nasal drops, a preparation for oral administration, a lotion or the like.

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: 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: 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: 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: Phospholipid-HETE derivatives, compositions and methods of use are disclosed. The compounds are particularly useful for treating dry eye.

Abstract: Nonaqueous pharmaceutical compositions for use in aqueous physiological systems are disclosed comprising drug delivery suspension of nonaqueous perfluorocarbon or fluorinated silicone liquid carriers. The suspended drug may be water labile or water stable and therapeutic or diagnostic compounds which will remain stable and pharmaceutically effective for extended periods. The pharmaceutical compositions have improved bioavailability, are capable of low dose volume delivery, and do not degrade the incorporated therapeutic or diagnostic compounds making them well suited for multi-dose packaging and administration.

Abstract: Phospholipid-HETE derivatives, compositions and methods of use are disclosed. The compounds are particularly useful for treating dry eye.

Abstract: The aqueous suspension can be prepared by incorporating, in an aqueous suspension of a hardly soluble drug, a water-soluble polymer within the concentration range from the concentration at which the surface tension of the aqueous suspension of the drug begins to decrease up to the concentration at which the reduction in surface tension ceases. The resulting aqueous suspension shows ready redispersibility and will not undergo aggregation of dispersed particles or caking. Because of its good redispersibility, the suspension is useful as a parenteral preparation, eye drops, nasal drops, a preparation for oral administration, a lotion or the like.

Abstract: An O/W emulsion composition comprising fluorometholone or clobetasone butyrate, a phospholipid, an oil, a nonionic water-soluble cellulose derivative, and water. The O/W composition has advantages that fluorometholone or clobetasone butyrate contained therein is highly bioavailable and that the solubility of fluorometholone or clobetasone butyrate and the concentration thereof present in the composition can be kept stable. Thus, this composition is usable for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases by the generalized or local administration thereof. It provides a drug which shows an anti-inflammatory activity equal or higher than that of commercially available eye drops comprising a suspension of such an active ingredient even when it is applied in a smaller dose than that of commercially available one and further provides a drug having excellent storability, which reduces apprehension of systemic side effects of fluorometholone or clobetasone butyrate when it is applied to the eyes.

Abstract: Specific Cytokine Antagonists, including TNF antagonists and/or Interleukin-1 antagonists, are used as novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of hearing loss, including presbycusis and other forms of sensorineural hearing loss. The present invention provides a method for inhibiting the action of TNF and/or IL-1 antagonists for treating hearing loss in a human by administering a TNF antagonist and/or an IL-1 antagonist for reducing the inflammation affecting the auditory apparatus of said human, or for modulating the immune response affecting the auditory apparatus of said human, by administering a therapeutically effective dosage level to said human of a TNF antagonist and/or an IL-1 antagonist. Administration may be systemic, through the subcutaneous, intramuscular, oral, or intravenous routes; or by delivering an anatomically localized application in the region of the head.

Abstract: Cytokine antagonists for use in localized clinical disorders are provided for the treatment and prevention of damage to the optic nerve, other cranial nerves, spinal cord, nerve roots, peripheral nerves or muscles caused by any one of the following: a herniated nucleus pulposus, osteoarthritis, other forms of arthritis, disorders of bone, disease, or trauma. The cytokine antagonists are used to treat these disorders by local administration. These cytokine antagonists include antagonists to tumor necrosis factor; interleukin-1; interleukin-6; and interleukin-8.

Abstract: Use of an extract of alchemilla vulgaris, or a fraction or a lyophilizate thereof, or one or more active principles contained in said extract, for inhibiting angiogenesis.

Abstract: The invention provides novel anthracene compounds useful in the treatment of allergic, inflammatory, and tumor conditions and therapeutic compositions containing such compounds or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The compounds of the invention are novel 1,8-dichloro-anthracene derivatives or analogs thereof. According to the practice of the invention, there are provided 9-substituted 1,8-dichloro-anthracene compounds of the Formula III: wherein R represents a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 1-6 carbons and may be substituted with one or more of the groups R1, wherein R1 represents the groups selected from COOH or an ester alky thereof having 1 to 4 carbons, —OH, halogen, NO2, CH3O, CH3CH2O, phenyl and CH3CH2CH2O.

Abstract: Phospholipid-HETE derivatives, compositions and methods of use are disclosed. The compounds are particularly useful for treating dry eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of FGF-5 polypeptides to delay, prevent or rescue retinal neurons, including photoreceptors, other retinal cells or supportive cells (e.g. Müller cells or RPE cells) from injury and degradation. Conditions comprehended by treatment of the present FGF-5 polypeptides (including variants), antibodies, compositions and articles of manufacture include: retinal detachment, age-related and other maculopathies, photic retinopathies, surgery-induced retinopathies (either mechanically or light-induced), toxic retinopathies including those resulting from foreign bodies in the eye, diabetic retinopathies, retinopathy of prematurity, viral retinopathies such as CMV or HIV retinopathy related to AIDS, uveitis, ischemic retinopathies due to venous or arterial occlusion or other vascular disorder, retinopathies due to trauma or penetrating lesions of the eye, peripheral vitreoretinopathy, and inherited retinal degenerations. Exemplary retinal degenerations include e.g.

Abstract: Methods of treating diseases of ocular tissues expressing the nuclear receptor PPAR&ggr;, by inhibiting the inflammatory response, the neovascularization and angiogenesis, and programmed cell death (apoptosis) in these target tissues, comprising administering to a human or animal in need of treatment an effective amount of a compound that modifies the activity of PPAR&ggr;, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the preparation of aqueous formulations containing azithromycin for ophthalmic use, as well any formulations obtained by this process and their topical use in the ocular bacterial infections, more preferably in the treatment of conjunctivitis, keratitis and blepharitis.

Abstract: A calcium-based ophthalmic composition for treating dry eye including a hydrophobic carrier, such as petrolatum, and a calcium salt. Also a method for treating dry eye comprising the step of administering the composition according to the present invention.

Abstract: An ophthalmic composition that provides sustained release of a water soluble medicament is formed comprising a crosslinked carboxy-containing polymer, a medicament, a sugar and water. The composition has a pH of at least 6.7 but a viscosity of from about 1000 to 5000 cps.

Abstract: Balanced pH, hyperosmotic, hypoosmotic, or isoosmotic gels are ideal vehicles for drug delivery. They are especially suited for topical body cavity or injection application of drugs or diagnostic agents; for drug or diagnostic agent delivery to the eye of a mammal; as protective corneal shields; or as ablatable corneal masks useful in laser reprofiling of the cornea. The compositions without the addition of a drug or diagnostic agent are useful as medical devices, for instance, in separating surgically or otherwise injured tissue as a means of preventing adhesions.

Abstract: A topical drug application for the alleviation of kerato-conjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome) is comprised of a solution of 17-.beta.-estradiol suspended or dissolved in a vehicle, and the method of preparation and application of the same. In the preferred embodiments, 17-.beta.-estradiol is in a lipid vehicle or 17-.beta.-estradiol 3-phosphate disodium dissolved in an aqueous vehicle having a pH of between about 6 to about 8. This invention may also be useful in treating other conditions where KCS may occur, such as post-operative corneal transplant patients and patients who cannot receive replacement estrogen therapy.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I are selective cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors (namely of type IV). They and pharmaceutical compositions in which they are active ingredients are useful as bronchial therapeutics, for elimination of erectile dysfunction and for treatment of disorders, particularly those of inflammatory nature. The compounds are distinguished by low toxicity, good enteral absorption (high bioavailability), a great therapeutic breadth and the absence of significant side effects.

Abstract: There is provided an inhibitor of angiogenesis induced by growth of the vascular endothelial cells that comprises Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI) as an active ingredient. The TFPI-containing preparation of the present invention can effectively inhibit angiogenesis induced by growth of the vascular endothelial cells, and thus, is quite efficacious for preventing and treating the conditions of diseases associated with angiogenesis such as malignant tumors.

Abstract: Topical application of fructose-1,6-diphosphate, its derivatives and/or precursors are used for treating or preventing epidermal or mucosal aging and inflammation. In preferred embodiments, the fructose diphosphate (or its derivative) is applied in admixture with a dermally, ophthalmically, orally, or nasally acceptable carrier. Topical application lessens symptoms of urticaria, atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis among other inflammatory conditions and inhibit microscarring of the dermis.

Abstract: Tissue-destructive conditions related to excess proteinase activity in a biological system are treated or prevented by administering to the system a composition which combines a tetracycline and a bisphosphonate in synergistic proteinase inhibiting amounts.

Abstract: A method to reduce the likelihood of conjunctivitis in farm animals, especially cattle, includes the step of injecting an implant containing an antibiotic effective against the microbes associated with conjunctivitis subcutaneously into the animal in close proximity to the eye. Preferably the implant includes a matrix to allow time release of the antibiotic and the implant is placed in the animal near the first part of July. Also preferably the antibiotic is tetracycline.