Ophthalmic compositions and methods for treating ophthalmic conditions

Abstract

Compositions, and methods of using such compositions, useful for placement, for example injection, into the interior of human or animal eyes are provided. Such compositions include a therapeutic component, such as one or more corticosteroids, a biocompatible polymeric component, and a solvent component.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 60 / 587,092, filed Jul. 12, 2004, the content of which in its entirety is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]The present invention relates to ophthalmic compositions that are delivered to the interior of an eye of a human or animal. More particularly, the invention relates to ophthalmically acceptable compositions including one or more therapeutic agents. Such compositions are advantageously intraocularly placed into the interior of an eye and form solid or semi-solid drug delivery elements in situ that are effective in providing extended or delayed release of the therapeutic agent or agents into the eye.[0003]Steroids, for example corticosteroids, among other agents, are utilized to treat a wide variety of ophthalmic diseases that affect the posterior segment of an eye. Examples of some diseases treated with corticosteroids include: central retinal vein occlu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides new compositions and methods for treating ophthalmic conditions of humans or animals. The compositions are suitable for intraocular administration and can provide therapeutic effects to the eye. The compositions comprise a therapeutic component, a biocompatible polymeric component, and a solvent component. The solvent component is effective in maintaining the polymeric component in a fluid state. The composition can be used to enhance or improve vision by treating ophthalmic conditions. The method involves placing the composition into the interior of the eye and allowing it to form a solid or semi-solid drug delivery element that releases the therapeutic component for extended periods of time. The composition can be administered through various methods such as intravitreal injection, subconjunctival injection, and the like. The invention provides a way to effectively treat ophthalmic conditions while minimizing the risk of complications.

Problems solved by technology

However, systemic administration of steroids is often associated with side effects that are often too substantial for ophthalmic use.

As such, permeation of compounds into the RPE is quite limited.

Thus, regardless of the administration route, penetration of a therapeutic agent through the outer blood-retinal barrier is limited.

To overcome these limitations extremely high and potentially toxic doses of drugs are frequently used.

Unfortunately, side effects from the existing triamcinolone acetonide formulation often include endophthalmitis as well as retinal toxicity from the benzyl alcohol preservative.