US5824072A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Biocompatible ocular implants
Assignee: Allergan Inc
•
Filing: 1996-08-14
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Granted: 1998-10-20
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Expires: 2016-08-14
Abstract
Abstract Implants comprising active agents are employed for introduction into a suprachoroidal space or an avascular region of an eye for therapeutic purposes. The administration of drugs is controlled and maintained for long periods of time, while ensuring the substantial absence of significant levels outside the site of administration.
Inventors
- 👤 Vernon G. Wong
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 23:25
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F9/00; A61F9/0008; A61F9/0017; A61K; A61K9/00; A61K9/0012; A61K9/0048; A61K9/0051; A61L; A61L2400/00; A61L2400/18; Y; Y02; Y02A; Y02A50/00; Y02A50/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
A method for treating an eye condition which comprises: providing an implant comprising a physiologically active therapeutic agent encapsulated in a pharmacologically acceptable biocompatible polymer; producing by surgical means an avascular region external to the vitreous and proximal to the site of said eye condition; and introducing said implant into the avascular region produced by said surgical means, thereby permitting diffusion of said therapeutic agent from said implant into the vitreous, and in proximity to said eye condition; wherein said agent is maintained at an effective dosage for said eye condition at the site of said eye condition for an extended period of time.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
104 words
A method for treating an eye condition which comprises: providing an implant comprising a physiologically active therapeutic agent encapsulated in a pharmacologically acceptable biocompatible polymer; producing by surgical means an avascular region external to the vitreous and proximal to the site of said eye condition; and introducing said implant into the avascular region produced by said surgical means, thereby permitting diffusion of said therapeutic agent from said implant into the vitreous, and in proximity to said eye condition; wherein said agent is maintained at an effective dosage for said eye condition at the site of said eye condition for an extended period of time.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said avascular region comprises a suprachoroidal space, where the sclera is cut to expose the suprachoroid.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said surgical means comprises laser ablation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said surgical means comprises photocoagulation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said surgical means comprises cryotherapy.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said surgical means comprises heat coagulation.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said surgical means comprises cauterization.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
109 words
A method for treating an eye condition which comprises: providing an implant comprising a non-biodegradable outer surface and a refillable reservoir, said reservoir comprising a physiologically active therapeutic agent; producing by surgical means an avascular region external to the vitreous and proximal to the site of said eye condition; and introducing said implant into the surgically-induced avascular region produced by said surgical means, thereby permitting diffusion of said therapeutic agent form said implant into the vitreous, and in proximity to said eye condition; wherein said agent is maintained at an effective dosage for said eye condition at the site of said eye condition for an extended period of time.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
109 words
A method for treating an eye condition which comprises: providing an implant comprising a non-biodegradable outer surface and a refillable reservoir, said reservoir comprising a physiologically active therapeutic agent; producing by surgical means an avascular region external to the vitreous and proximal to the site of said eye condition; and introducing said implant into the surgically-induced avascular region produced by said surgical means, thereby permitting diffusion of said therapeutic agent form said implant into the vitreous, and in proximity to said eye condition; wherein said agent is maintained at an effective dosage for said eye condition at the site of said eye condition for an extended period of time.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 8, wherein said surgically-induced avascular region comprises a suprachoroidal space, where the sclera is cut to expose the suprachoroid.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 8, wherein said surgical means comprises laser ablation.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 8, wherein said surgical means comprises photocoagulation.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 8, wherein said surgical means comprises cryotherapy.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 8, wherein said surgical means comprises heat coagulation.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 8, wherein said surgical means comprises cauterization.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 8, further comprising the additional step of refilling said implant at least once.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 15, wherein said implant further comprises a self-sealing layer and said refilling step comprises the injection of said therapeutic agent through said self-sealing layer.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 15, wherein said implant further comprises an inlet and said refilling step comprises the injection of said therapeutic agent through said inlet.
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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) | 2001-10-19 | 2002-04-20 | 2002-10-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-10-19 | 2006-04-20 | 2006-10-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-10-19 | 2010-04-20 | 2010-10-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |