Methods, polymer-containing formulations, and polymer compositions for treating retinal detachment and other ocular disorders

Abstract

Provided are methods, polymer-containing formulations, and polymer compositions for treating retinal detachment and other ocular disorders, where the methods employ polymer compositions or polymer-containing formulations that can form a hydrogel in the eye of a subject. In certain embodiments, the hydrogel is formed by reaction of (a) a nucleo-functional polymer is a biocompatible polyalkylene polymer substituted by (i) a plurality of -OH groups, (ii) a plurality of thio-functional groups -R1-SH wherein R1 is an ester-containing linker, and (iii) optionally one or more -OC(O)-(C1-C6 alkyl) groups, such as a thiolated poly(vinyl alcohol) polymer and (ii) an electro-functional polymer that is a biocompatible polymer containing at least one thiol-reactive group, such as a poly(ethylene glycol) polymer containing alpha-beta unsaturated ester groups. In certain embodiments, the hydrogel is formed by curing a biocompatible polymer described herein, such as a thermosensitive polymer, nucleo-functional polymer, electro-functional polymer, or pH-sensitive polymer.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to earlier filed applications [0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application no. 62 / 616,610, filed January 12, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application no. 62 / 616,614, filed January 12, 2018, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this article. technical field [0003] Methods and polymer-containing formulations or polymer compositions for treating retinal detachment and other ocular disorders are provided, wherein the methods employ a polymer composition that can form a hydrogel in the eye of a subject. Ophthalmic formulations comprising a polymer composition capable of forming a hydrogel in the eye of a subject are also provided. Background technique [0004] Retinal disorders such as retinal detachment, retinal tear and macular hole are important causes of vision loss in subjects. Retinal detachment is characterized by the separation of the sensory layer of the retina from its underlying retina...

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Problems solved by technology

For silicone oil, although used when localization is not possible or when air travel is required, it is still a poor tamponade and requires a second removal procedure

[0010] Many different tampons have been studied; however, they are generally limited here as tampons due to, for example, toxicity, emulsification, insufficient degradation rates, and / or being pro-inflammatory

Certain hydrogels have also been suggested in the past; however, those tested suffered from various limitations, including a lack of sufficient biocompatibility in the eye and the inability to inject the hydrogel through a small needle so that the polymer would not shear or loss of viscosity

[0011] A notable limitation of certain hydrogels is their strong promotion of inflammatory responses, including proliferation of fibrous membranes, recruitment of phagocytes that degrade the gel, and / or toxicity to photoreceptors, such as through reduced ERG amplitudes measured

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