US3991759A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and therapeutic system for treating aqueous deficient dry eye
Assignee: Alza Corp
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Filing: 1975-10-28
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Granted: 1976-11-16
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Expires: 1995-10-28
Abstract
Abstract Method for treating aqueous deficient dry eye by instilling a biologically compatible solute, such as sodium chloride, into the tear film continuously at a controlled rate that is sufficient to osmotically induce a continuous flow of water from the interstitial fluid to the tear film and thereby correct the aqueous deficiency. The method may be carried out by placing a therapeutic system, in the form of an ocular insert, into the cul-de-sac, the insert comprising the solute confined within a polymer matrix that releases the solute continuously at 3 to 20 micromoles of solute species per hour.
Inventors
- 👤 John Urquhart
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 23:02
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61K; A61K9/00; A61K9/0012; A61K9/0048; A61K9/0051; A61F; A61F9/00; A61F9/0008; A61F9/0017
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
61 words
Method for treating an aqueous deficient dry eye comprising instilling a biologically compatible solute in the tear film of said eye continuously for a prolonged time period at a controlled rate that is sufficient to osmotically induce continuous emdogenous aqueous flow to the tear film during said period at a rate that increases aqueous tear production to a therapeutically effective level.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
61 words
Method for treating an aqueous deficient dry eye comprising instilling a biologically compatible solute in the tear film of said eye continuously for a prolonged time period at a controlled rate that is sufficient to osmotically induce continuous emdogenous aqueous flow to the tear film during said period at a rate that increases aqueous tear production to a therapeutically effective level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said controlled rate is substantially constant.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said controlled rate is in the range of about 3 to about 20 micromoles of solute species per hour.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said time period is in the range of about 1 hr to about 4 days.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the solute has a tear film solubility of at least 1% by weight and is not rapidly absorbed by or transported through eye tissue and/or tissue surrounding the eye.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the osmotic reflection coefficient of the solute is above about 0.7.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the solute is an inorganic salt of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of a fatty acid, or a sugar.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the molecular weight of the solute is less than about 500.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said solute is sodium chloride.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 9 wherein said controlled rate is 100 to 600 mcg/hr.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the solute is sodium chloride, the prolonged period of time is about 1 hr to about 4 days, and the controlled rate is 100 to 600 mcg/hr.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 11 wherein the controlled rate is substantially constant.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
89 words
A therapeutic system in the form of an ocular insert for treating an aqueous deficient dry eye comprising a biologically compatible solute confined within a polymer body that is sized and shaped for insertion and retention in the cul-de-sac of the eye, said system when inserted in the eye, comprising a means for releasing the solute continuously for a prolonged time period at a controlled rate that is sufficient to induce continuous endogenous agueous flow to the tear film during said period at a rate that is therapeutically effective.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
89 words
A therapeutic system in the form of an ocular insert for treating an aqueous deficient dry eye comprising a biologically compatible solute confined within a polymer body that is sized and shaped for insertion and retention in the cul-de-sac of the eye, said system when inserted in the eye, comprising a means for releasing the solute continuously for a prolonged time period at a controlled rate that is sufficient to induce continuous endogenous agueous flow to the tear film during said period at a rate that is therapeutically effective.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
The insert of claim 13 wherein the total amount of solute in the insert is sufficient to release said solute at said controlled rate for about 1 hr to about 4 days.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The insert of claim 14 wherein the total amount of solute in the insert is 2 to 75 mg.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
The insert of claim 13 wherein said controlled rate is in the range of about 3 to about 20 micromoles of solute species per hour.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
35 words
The insert of claim 13 wherein the solute has a tear film solubility of at least 1% by weight and is not rapidly absorbed by or transported through eye tissue and/or tissue surrounding the eye.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The insert of claim 17 wherein the osmotic reflection coefficient of the solute is above about 0.7.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
43 words
The insert of claim 13 wherein the solute has a molecular weight less than 500 and is an inorganic salt of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of a fatty acid, or a sugar.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
10 words
The insert of claim 13 wherein the solute is NaCl.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
14 words
The insert of claim 20 wherein said controlled rate is 100 to 600 mcg/hr.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-11-16 | 1980-05-17 | 1980-11-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-11-16 | 1984-05-17 | 1984-11-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-11-16 | 1988-05-17 | 1988-11-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |