Utilization of a highly fluorinated oligomeric alkane in ophthalmology

• US 7,026,359 B1
• Filed: 04/27/2000
• Issued: 04/11/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/12/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated (Bausch Health Cos., Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated (Bausch Health Cos., Inc.)
• Inventors: Hoerauf, Hans, Gross, Udo, Kemnitz, Erhard, Menz, Dirk-Henning, Kobuch, Karin
• Primary Examiner(s): FAY, ZOHREH A
• Application Number:
  US10/018,398
• Time in Patent Office: 2,175 Days
• Field of Search: 514/743, 514/745, 514/749, 514/912, 514/746, 424/78.04
• US Class Current: 514/743
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/025 carbocyclic
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 9/0048 Eye, e.g. artificial tears
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 27/02 Ophthalmic agents
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 27/04 Artificial tears; Irrigation solutions

Abstract

The invention relates to the utilization of a highly fluorinated oligomeric alkane as a therapeutic agent in ophthalmology, the alkane having the general formula [—R_F(CH₂)_nCR₁—CR₂—]_x, wherein R_F is a linear or branched perfluorinated alkyl chain C₂F₅ to C₁₂F₂₃, R₁ and R₂ are independently selected from the group consisting of H, CH₃, C₂H₅ and C₃H₇, n is selected from the numbers 0, 1 and 2, and x is a number between 2 and 6, with a molar mass of at least 750. According to the invention, a pharmacological agent is provided that is used in ophthalmology and that causes little or no damage to the retina even when used over a long period.

Claims

1. A method of treating an eye comprising the step of applying at least one highly fluorinated oligomeric compound of the general formula

wherein

R_F is a linear or branched perfluorinated alkyl chain C₂F₅ to C₁₂F₂₅,

R for each position is independently selected from the group H, CH₃, C₂H₅ and C₃H₇,

n is selected from the integers 0, 1 and 2, and

x is an integer from 2 to 6,

having a molecular weight of at least 750

to an eye as an ophthalmologic treating agent, wherein the application to the eye is as one of:

a) a vitreous body substitute,

b) a liquid implant,

c) a tear substitute,

d) a carrier of a pharmacological agent mixed with the highly fluorinated oligomeric compound before applying to the eye, and

e) a retina tamponade.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein a plurality of different ones of said highly fluorinated oligomeric compounds are mixed together before applying to the eye.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said highly fluorinated oligomeric compound is a component of a pharmacological preparation that is applied to the eye.