Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US7998497?dq=7,177,838
Timestamp: 2014-03-12 01:54:51
Document Index: 409437899

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'application No. 2007234447', 'Application No. 2007234445', 'Application No. 571758', 'Application No. 2', 'Application No. 10', 'Application No. 10']

Patent US7998497 - Nasolacrimal drainage system implants for drug therapy - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsImplant devices, systems and methods for insertion into a punctum of a patient optionally comprises a drug core and a sheath body disposed over the drug core. The drug core includes a therapeutic agent deliverable into the eye, and the sheath defines at least one exposed surface of the drug core. The...http://www.google.com/patents/US7998497?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7998497 - Nasolacrimal drainage system implants for drug therapyAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS7998497 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 11/695,545Publication dateAug 16, 2011Filing dateApr 2, 2007Priority dateMar 31, 2006Also published asCA2648066A1, CA2648066C, CA2648421A1, EP2004172A2, EP2004172A4, EP2010096A2, EP2010096A4, US20070243230, US20070269487, US20090092654, US20110276131, US20130101658, WO2007115259A2, WO2007115259A3, WO2007115261A2, WO2007115261A3Publication number11695545, 695545, US 7998497 B2, US 7998497B2, US-B2-7998497, US7998497 B2, US7998497B2InventorsEugene de Juan, Jr., Stephen Boyd, Cary Reich, Alan Rapacki, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Mark DeemOriginal AssigneeQlt Inc.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (100), Non-Patent Citations (15), Referenced by (4), Classifications (12), Legal Events (5) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetNasolacrimal drainage system implants for drug therapyUS 7998497 B2Abstract Implant devices, systems and methods for insertion into a punctum of a patient optionally comprises a drug core and a sheath body disposed over the drug core. The drug core includes a therapeutic agent deliverable into the eye, and the sheath defines at least one exposed surface of the drug core. The exposed surface(s) of the drug core may contact a tear or tear film fluid and release the therapeutic agent at therapeutic levels over a sustained period when the implant is implanted for use. The implant may include a retention element to retain the drug core and sheath body near the punctum, optionally comprising a shape memory alloy that can resiliently expand. An occlusive element may be attached to the retention element to at least partially occlude tear flow through the canalicular lumen.
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/787,775 filed on Mar. 31, 2006, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/871,864, filed on Dec. 26, 2006, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present application is related to implants for use in or near the nasolacrimal drainage system, with embodiments providing canalicular implants, lacrimal sac implants, punctal plugs and punctal plugs with drug delivery capabilities.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides improved implant devices, systems and methods for insertion into a punctum of a patient. In many embodiments, the implant device can be reliably retained in the eye such that the therapeutic agent can be delivered for an extended period of time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1-1 and 1-2 show anatomical tissue structures of the eye suitable for use with implants, according to embodiments of the present invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIGS. 1-1 and 1-2 show anatomical tissue structures of an eye 2 suitable for treatment with implants, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Eye 2 includes a cornea 4 and an iris 6. A sclera 8 surrounds cornea 4 and iris 6 and appears white. A conjunctival layer 9 is substantially transparent and disposed over sclera 8. A crystalline lens 5 is located within the eye. A retina 7 is located near the back of eye 2 and is generally sensitive to light. Retina 7 includes a fovea 7F that provides high visual acuity and color vision. Cornea 4 and lens 5 refract light to form an image on fovea 7F and retina 7. The optical power of cornea 4 and lens 5 contribute to the formation of images on fovea 7F and retina 7. The relative locations of cornea 4, lens 5 and fovea 7F are also important to image quality. For example, if the axial length of eye 2 from cornea 4 to retina 7F is large, eye 2 can be myopic. Also, during accommodation, lens 5 moves toward cornea 4 to provide good near vision of objects proximal to the eye.
FIG. 2K shows a side view of a sustained release implant 259 with a drug core 269 comprising a convex exposed surface 269A, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Drug core 269 is partially covered with a sheath body 279 that extends at least partially over drug core 269 to define convex exposed surface 269A. Sheath body 279 comprises a shaft portion 279S. Convex exposed surface 269 provides an increased exposed surface area above the sheath body. A cross sectional area of convex exposed surface 269A is larger than a cross sectional area of shaft portion 279S of sheath body 279. In addition to the larger cross sectional area, convex exposed surface 269A has a larger surface area due to the convex shape that extends outward on the core. A retention structure 289 can be attached to sheath body 279. Retention structure 289 can comprise any of the retention structures as describe herein, for example a coil comprising a super elastic shape memory alloy such as Nitinol�. Retention structure 289 can be dip coated to make retention structure 289 biocompatible.
FIG. 10B shows a punctal plug 1020 comprising an internal cavity 1022 with a cylindrical shape, according to embodiments of the present invention. Cavity 1022 is sized to receive drug core insert 1010 with a friction fit. Punctal plug 1020 can comprise many commercially available punctual plugs, for example the Medtronic Tear Pool Punctal Plug, the �Parasol Punctal Occluder System� available from Odyssey of Memphis, Tenn., and/or the Eagle Vision Plug available from Eagle Vision of Memphis, Tenn. In some embodiments, the punctual plug comprises a custom punctual plug, for example sized custom plugs that are selected in response to patient measurements. In many embodiments, the punctual plug has a length of about 2 mm and a width of about 1 mm.
The sheath body comprises appropriate shapes and materials to control migration of the therapeutic agent from the drug core. The sheath body houses the core and can fit snugly against the core. The sheath body is made from a material that is substantially impermeable to the therapeutic agent so that the rate of migration of the therapeutic agent may be largely controlled by the exposed surface area of the drug core that is not covered by the sheath body. In many embodiments, migration of the therapeutic agent through the sheath body can be about one tenth of the migration of the therapeutic agent through the exposed surface of the drug core, or less, often being one hundredth or less. In other words, the migration of the therapeutic agent through the sheath body is at least about an order of magnitude less that the migration of the therapeutic agent through the exposed surface of the drug core. Suitable sheath body materials include polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate� (hereinafter �PET�). The sheath body has a thickness, as defined from the sheath surface adjacent the core to the opposing sheath surface away from the core, from about 0.00025″ to about 0.0015″. The total diameter of the sheath that extends across the core ranges from about 0.2 mm to about 1.2 mm. The core may be formed by dip coating the core in the sheath material. Alternatively or in combination, the sheath body can comprise a tube and the core introduced into the sheath, for example as a liquid or solid that can be slid, injected and/or extruded into the sheath body tube. The sheath body can also be dip coated around the core, for example dip coated around a pre-formed core.
The retention structure comprises an appropriate material that is sized and shaped so that the implant can be easily positioned in the desired tissue location, for example the canaliculus. The retention structure is mechanically deployable and typically expands to a desired cross sectional shape, for example with the retention structure comprising a super elastic shape memory alloy such as Nitinol�. Other materials in addition to Nitinol� can be used, for example resilient metals or polymers, plastically deformable metals or polymers, shape memory polymers, and the like, to provide the desired expansion. In some embodiments shapeable polymers and coated fibers available from Biogeneral, Inc. of San Diego, Calif. may be used. Many metals such as stainless steels and non-shape memory alloys can be used and provide the desired expansion. This expansion capability permits the implant to fit in hollow tissue structures of varying sizes, for example canaliculae ranging from 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm (i.e. one size fits all). Although a single retention structure can be made to fit canaliculae from 0.3 to 1.2 mm across, a plurality of alternatively selectable retention structures can be used to fit this range if desired, for example a first retention structure for canaliculae from 0.3 to about 0.9 mm and a second retention structure for canaliculae from about 0.9 to 1.2 mm. The retention structure has a length appropriate to the anatomical structure to which the retention structure attaches, for example a length of about 3 mm for a retention structure positioned near the punctum of the canaliculus. For different anatomical structures, the length can be appropriate to provide adequate retention force, e.g. 1 mm to 15 mm lengths as appropriate.
A �therapeutic agent� can comprise a drug may be any of the following or their equivalents, derivatives or analogs, including, anti-glaucoma medications, (e.g. adrenergic agonists, adrenergic antagonists (beta blockers), carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs, systemic and topical), parasympathomimetics, prostaglandins and hypotensive lipids, and combinations thereof), antimicrobial agent (e.g., antibiotic, antiviral, antiparacytic, antifungal, etc.), a corticosteroid or other anti-inflammatory (e.g., an NSAID), a decongestant (e.g., vasoconstrictor), an agent that prevents of modifies an allergic response (e.g., an antihistamine, cytokine inhibitor, leucotriene inhibitor, IgE inhibitor, immunomodulator), a mast cell stabilizer, cycloplegic or the like. Examples of conditions that may be treated with the therapeutic agent(s) include but are not limited to glaucoma, pre and post surgical treatments, dry eye and allergies. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent may be a lubricant or a surfactant, for example a lubricant to treat dry eye.
Exemplary therapeutic agents include, but are not limited to, thrombin inhibitors; antithrombogenic agents; thrombolytic agents; fibrinolytic agents; vasospasm inhibitors; vasodilators; antihypertensive agents; antimicrobial agents, such as antibiotics (such as tetracycline, chlortetracycline, bacitracin, neomycin, polymyxin, gramicidin, cephalexin, oxytetracycline, chloramphenicol, rifampicin, ciprofloxacin, tobramycin, gentamycin, erythromycin, penicillin, sulfonamides, sulfadiazine, sulfacetamide, sulfamethizole, sulfisoxazole, nitrofurazone, sodium propionate), antifungals (such as amphotericin B and miconazole), and antivirals (such as idoxuridine trifluorothymidine, acyclovir, gancyclovir, interferon); inhibitors of surface glycoprotein receptors; antiplatelet agents; antimitotics; microtubule inhibitors; anti-secretory agents; active inhibitors; remodeling inhibitors; antisense nucleotides; anti-metabolites; antiproliferatives (including antiangiogenesis agents); anticancer chemotherapeutic agents; anti-inflammatories (such as hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone acetate, dexamethasone 21-phosphate, fluocinolone, medrysone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone 21-phosphate, prednisolone acetate, fluoromethalone, betamethasone, triamcinolone, triamcinolone acetonide); non steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) (such as salicylate, indomethacin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, flurbiprofen, piroxicam indomethacin, ibuprofen, naxopren, piroxicam and nabumetone). Such anti inflammatory steroids contemplated for use in the methodology of the present invention, include triamcinolone acetonide (generic name) and corticosteroids that include, for example, triamcinolone, dexamethasone, fluocinolone, cortisone, prednisolone, flumetholone, and derivatives thereof); antiallergenics (such as sodium chromoglycate, antazoline, methapyriline, chlorpheniramine, cetrizine, pyrilamine, prophenpyridamine); anti proliferative agents (such as 1,3-cis retinoic acid, 5-fluorouracil, taxol, rapamycin, mitomycin C and cisplatin); decongestants (such as phenylephrine, naphazoline, tetrahydrazoline); miotics and anti-cholinesterase (such as pilocarpine, salicylate, carbachol, acetylcholine chloride, physostigmine, eserine, diisopropyl fluorophosphate, phospholine iodine, demecarium bromide); antineoplastics (such as carmustine, cisplatin, fluorouracil3; immunological drugs (such as vaccines and immune stimulants); hormonal agents (such as estrogens, �estradiol, progestational, progesterone, insulin, calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, peptide and vasopressin hypothalamus releasing factor); immunosuppressive agents, growth hormone antagonists, growth factors (such as epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, platelet derived growth factor, transforming growth factor beta, somatotrapin, fibronectin); inhibitors of angiogenesis (such as angiostatin, anecortave acetate, thrombospondin, anti-VEGF antibody); dopamine agonists; radiotherapeutic agents; peptides; proteins; enzymes; extracellular matrix; components; ACE inhibitors; free radical scavengers; chelators; antioxidants; anti polymerases; photodynamic therapy agents; gene therapy agents; and other therapeutic agents such as prostaglandins, antiprostaglandins, prostaglandin precursors, including antiglaucoma drugs including beta-blockers such as Timolol, betaxolol, levobunolol, atenolol, and prostaglandin analogues such as Bimatoprost, travoprost, Latanoprost etc; carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as acetazolamide, dorzolamide, brinzolamide, methazolamide, dichlorphenamide, diamox; and neuroprotectants such as lubezole, nimodipine and related compounds; and parasympathomimetrics such as pilocarpine, carbachol, physostigmine and the like.
For example, in the case of Latanoprost (Xalatan), a prostaglandin F2α analogue, this glaucoma medication has concentrations that are about 1/10th that of Timolol. Therefore, the amount of drug on the implantable device, depending on the bioavailability, would be significantly less�approximately 20-135 μg and typically 50-100 μg�for Latanoprost and other prostaglandin analogues. This also translates to a device that can either be smaller than one required for a beta blocker delivery or can house more drug for a longer release period.
In many embodiments, the concentrations of Latanoprost are about 1/100th, or 1 percent, that of Timolol, and in specific embodiments the concentrations of Latanoprost may be about 1/50th, or 2 percent, that of Timolol. For example, commercially available solution preparations of Latanoprost are available at concentrations 0.005%, often delivered with one drop per day. In many embodiments, the therapeutically effective concentration of drug released from the device per day can be about 1/100th of Timolol, about 30 to 150 ng per day, for example about 80 ng, assuming tear washout and bioavailability similar to Timolol. For example, the amount of drug on the implantable device, can be significantly less�approximately 1% to 2% of Timolol, for example 2.7 to 13.5 μg, and can also be about 3 to 20 μg, for Latanoprost and other prostaglandin analogues. Although the sustained release amount of Latanoprost released each day can vary, a sustained release of 80 ng per day corresponds to about 3.2% of the 2.5 μg of Latanoprost applied with a single drop of a 0.005% solution
For example, in the case of Bimatoprost (Lumigan), a synthetic prostamide prostaglandin analogue, this glaucoma medication may have concentrations that are �th or less than that of Timolol. Therefore, the amount of drug loaded on the extended release device for a 3 to 6 month extended release, depending on the bioavailability, can be significantly less, approximately 5-30 μg and typically 10-20 μg�for Bimatoprost and analogues and derivatives thereof. In many embodiments, the implant can house more drug for a longer sustained release period, for example 20-40 μg for a sustained release period of 6 to 12 months with Bimatoprost and its derivatives. This decrease in drug concentration can also translate to a device that can be smaller than one required for a beta blocker delivery.
For example, in the case of Travoprost (Travatan), a prostaglandin F2α analogue, this glaucoma medication may have concentrations that are 2% or less than that of Timolol. For example, commercially available solution concentrations are 0.004%, often delivered once per day. In many embodiments, the therapeutically effective concentration of drug released from the device per day can be about 65 ng, assuming tear washout and bioavailability similar to Timolol. Therefore, the amount of drug on the implantable device, depending on the bioavailability, would be significantly less. This also translates to a device that can either be smaller than one required for a beta blocker delivery or can house more drug for a longer release period. For example, the amount of drug on the implantable device, can be significantly less�approximately 1/100 of Timolol, for example 2.7 to 13.5 μg, and typically about 3 to 20 μg, for Travoprost, Latanoprost and other prostaglandin F2α analogues. Although the sustained release amount of Latanoprost released each day can vary, a sustained release of 65 ng per day corresponds to about 3.2% of the 2.0 μg of Travoprost applied with a single drop of a 0.004% solution.
In addition, drug impregnated meshes may be used such as those disclosed in US Patent Publication No. 2002/0055701 or layering of biostable polymers as described in US Patent Publication No. 2005/0129731. Certain polymer processes may be used to incorporate drug into the devices of the present invention such as, so-called �self-delivering drugs� or PolymerDrugs (Polymerix Corporation, Piscataway, N.J.) are designed to degrade only into therapeutically useful compounds and physiologically inert linker molecules, further detailed in US Patent Publication No. 2005/0048121 (East), hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Such delivery polymers may be employed in the devices of the present invention to provide a release rate that is equal to the rate of polymer erosion and degradation and is constant throughout the course of therapy. Such delivery polymers may be used as device coatings or in the form of microspheres for a drug depot injectable (such as a reservoir of the present invention). A further polymer described in US Patent Publication No. 2004/0170685 (Carpenter), and technologies available from Medivas (San Diego, Calif.).
In many embodiments, the drug insert comprises of a thin-walled polyimide tube sheath with a drug core comprising Latanoprost dispersed in Nusil 6385 (MAF 970), a medical grade solid silicone that serves as the matrix for drug delivery. The distal end of the drug insert is sealed with a cured film of solid Loctite 4305 medical grade adhesive. The drug insert may be placed within the bore of the punctum plug, the Loctite 4305 adhesive does not come into contact with either tissue or the tear film. The inner diameter of the drug insert can be 0.32 mm; and the length can be 0.95 mm. Three Latanoprost concentrations in the finished drug product can be tested clinically: Drug cores can comprise 3.5, 7 or 14 μg Latanoprost, with percent by weight concentrations of 5, 10 and 20% respectively. Assuming an overall elution rate of approximately 100 ng/day, the drug core comprising 14 μg of Latanoprost is adapted to deliver drug for approximately at least 100 days, for example 120 days. The overall weight of the drug core, including Latanoprost, can be �70 μg. The weight of the drug insert including the polyimide sleeve can be approximately 100 μg.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS3865108Jul 9, 1973Feb 11, 1975Ortho Pharma CorpExpandable drug delivery deviceUS3949750Oct 7, 1974Apr 13, 1976Freeman Jerre MPunctum plug and method for treating keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) and other ophthalmic aliments using sameUS4014335Mar 25, 1976Mar 29, 1977Alza CorporationOcular drug delivery deviceUS4281654Apr 7, 1980Aug 4, 1981Alza CorporationDrug delivery system for controlled ocular therapyUS4304765Oct 14, 1980Dec 8, 1981Alza CorporationOcular insert housing steroid in two different therapeutic formsUS4660546Nov 7, 1984Apr 28, 1987Robert S. HerrickMethod for treating for deficiency of tearsUS4747404Nov 10, 1986May 31, 1988Kresge Eye Institute Of Wayne State UniversityFoldable intraocular lens inserterUS4886488Aug 4, 1988Dec 12, 1989White Thomas CGlaucoma drainage the lacrimal system and methodUS4915684Jun 21, 1988Apr 10, 1990Mackeen Donald LMethod and apparatus for modulating the flow of lacrimal fluid through a punctum and associated canaliculusUS4959048Jan 17, 1989Sep 25, 1990Helix Medical, Inc.Lacrimal duct occluderUS5041081May 18, 1990Aug 20, 1991Odrich Ronald BOcular implant for controlling glaucomaUS5049142Aug 2, 1988Sep 17, 1991Herrick Robert SIntracanalicular implant for horizontal canalicular blockade treatment of the eyeUS5053030Nov 13, 1986Oct 1, 1991Herrick Robert SIntracanalicular implant for horizontal canalicular blockade treatment of the eyeUS5128058May 30, 1990Jul 7, 1992Hoya CorporationContact lens cleaner containing a microcapsular polishing agentUS5133159Dec 18, 1990Jul 28, 1992Nestle S.A.Method for polishing silicone productsUS5163959Jan 31, 1992Nov 17, 1992Herrick Robert SMethod for treating an eye with a canalicular implant having a collapsible flared sectionUS5171270Mar 29, 1990Dec 15, 1992Herrick Robert SCanalicular implant having a collapsible flared section and methodUS5283063Jan 31, 1992Feb 1, 1994Eagle VisionPunctum plug method and apparatusUS5318513Sep 24, 1992Jun 7, 1994Leib Martin LCanalicular balloon fixation stentUS5334137Feb 21, 1992Aug 2, 1994Eagle Vision, Inc.Lacrimal fluid control deviceUS5395618May 17, 1994Mar 7, 1995Escalon Ophthalmics, Inc.Ocular insert with anchoring protrusionsUS5417651Jul 1, 1993May 23, 1995Guena; NicolasPunctum plug and monocanalicular probe for lacrimal pathologyUS5423777Oct 27, 1993Jun 13, 1995Tajiri; AkiraPunctum plugUS5466233Apr 25, 1994Nov 14, 1995Escalon Ophthalmics, Inc.Tack for intraocular drug delivery and method for inserting and removing sameUS5556633Apr 28, 1993Sep 17, 1996Haddad; Heskel M.Drug delivery ophthalmic insert and method for preparing sameUS5707643Jun 7, 1996Jan 13, 1998Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.Biodegradable scleral plugUS5723005Jun 7, 1995Mar 3, 1998Herrick Family Limited PartnershipPunctum plug having a collapsible flared section and methodUS5741292Apr 28, 1997Apr 21, 1998Eagle VisionPunctum dilating and plug inserting instrument with push-button plug releaseUS5766243Jul 31, 1996Jun 16, 1998Oasis Medical, Inc.Abrasive polished canalicular implantUS5773019Sep 27, 1995Jun 30, 1998The University Of Kentucky Research FoundationImplantable controlled release device to deliver drugs directly to an internal portion of the bodyUS5824073Sep 20, 1996Oct 20, 1998Peyman; Gholam A.Macular indentor for use in the treatment of subretinal neovascular membranesUS5826584Oct 4, 1995Oct 27, 1998Schmitt; Edward E.Devices for occluding channels in living mammalsUS5830171Aug 12, 1997Nov 3, 1998Odyssey Medical, Inc.Punctal occluderUS5840054Jun 21, 1995Nov 24, 1998Koken Co., Ltd.Method for obstructing lacrimal canaliculi with infusable solution or dispersionUS5947974Dec 9, 1997Sep 7, 1999AllerganFolding device and method for an intraocular lensUS5961370May 8, 1997Oct 5, 1999Chiron Vision CorporationIntraocular lens tumbling process using coated beadsUS5962383Sep 3, 1998Oct 5, 1999Kyzen CorporationCleaning compositions and methods for cleaning resin and polymeric materials used in manufactureUS5993407Oct 25, 1996Nov 30, 1999Moazed; Kambiz ThomasTransnasal lacrimal insertUS6010391Oct 31, 1997Jan 4, 2000Alcon Laboratories, Inc.Cryogenic polishing method for soft acrylic articlesUS6016806Mar 27, 1997Jan 25, 2000Eaglevision, IncPunctum plugUS6027470Jun 10, 1998Feb 22, 2000Eagle Vision, Inc.Punctum plug and method for inserting the same into the punctual openingUS6041785Nov 6, 1998Mar 28, 2000Eaglevision, Inc.Punctum plugUS6082362May 5, 1999Jul 4, 2000Eagle Vision, Inc.Punctum plugUS6095901Dec 9, 1998Aug 1, 2000Alcon Laboratories, Inc.Polishing method for soft acrylic articlesUS6149684Oct 16, 1997Nov 21, 2000Herrick; Robert S.Punctum plug having a thin elongated lip and a distal starting tip and method of usingUS6196993Apr 19, 1999Mar 6, 2001Eyelab Group, LlcOphthalmic insert and method for sustained release of medication to the eyeUS6234175Jul 27, 1999May 22, 2001Medennium, Inc.Smart ocular plug design and method of insertion for punctal and intracanalicular implantsUS6238363Feb 24, 1999May 29, 2001Mlc Limited CompanyApparatus for intubation of lacrimal drainage pathwayUS6254562Feb 4, 1997Jul 3, 2001Alain FouereMeatus plug for lachrymal canal capable of being screwedUS6264971Nov 4, 1999Jul 24, 2001Btg International LimitedOcular insertUS6290684Mar 2, 1998Sep 18, 2001Herrick Family Limited PartnershipPunctum plug having a collapsible expanded section and distal tip extending substantially perpendicular thereto and method of inserting sameUS6306114Jun 16, 1998Oct 23, 2001Eagle Vision, Inc.Valved canalicular plug for lacrimal duct occlusionUS6331313Oct 22, 1999Dec 18, 2001Oculex Pharmaceticals, Inc.Controlled-release biocompatible ocular drug delivery implant devices and methodsUS6344047Feb 2, 2000Feb 5, 2002Eagle VisionInstrument for inserting a punctum plug and method for manufacturing the instrumentUS6371122Jun 20, 2000Apr 16, 2002Robert M. MandelkornGauge/dilator apparatusUS6375972Apr 26, 2000Apr 23, 2002Control Delivery Systems, Inc.Sustained release drug delivery devices, methods of use, and methods of manufacturing thereofUS6383192Apr 21, 2000May 7, 2002Mlc Limited CompanyApparatus for intubation of lacrimal ductUS6428502May 8, 2000Aug 6, 2002Alcon Manufacturing, Ltd.Punctal cannulaUS6455062Aug 21, 2001Sep 24, 2002Allergan, Inc.Implant device with a retinoid for improved biocompatibilityUS6605108Apr 13, 2001Aug 12, 2003Eagle Vision, Inc.Monocanalicular stentUS6629533Jun 30, 2000Oct 7, 2003Eagle Vision, Inc.Punctum plug with at least one anchoring armUS6645963Mar 12, 2001Nov 11, 2003Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.Prolonged-action eye dropUS6706275Sep 8, 2000Mar 16, 2004Matthew W. CampScleral plug systemUS6729939Dec 17, 2001May 4, 2004Bausch & Lomb IncorporatedPolishing method for intraocular lensUS6756049Dec 17, 2001Jun 29, 2004Bausch & Lomb IncorporatedSustained release drug delivery devicesUS6780164Mar 21, 2003Aug 24, 2004Glaukos CorporationL-shaped implant with bi-directional flowUS6840931Oct 25, 2002Jan 11, 2005Alza CorporationOsmotic delivery system flow modulator apparatus and methodUS6846318May 20, 2003Jan 25, 2005Matthew W. CampScleral plug systemUS6866563Jun 27, 2002Mar 15, 2005Bausch & Lomb IncorporatedApparatus and method for target polishing intraocular lensesUS6964781Dec 27, 2001Nov 15, 2005Bausch & Lomb IncorporatedSustained release drug delivery devices with prefabricated permeable plugsUS6982090May 10, 2001Jan 3, 2006Gillespie Donald EMore easily visualized punctum plug configurationsUS6991808Jan 23, 2002Jan 31, 2006Bausch & Lomb Inc.Process for the production of sustained release drug delivery devicesUS6994684Jun 16, 2003Feb 7, 2006Alphamed Inc.Punctum plugs having fluid collecting recesses and methods of punctal occlusionUS7017580May 22, 2003Mar 28, 2006Clarity CorporationPunctum plug system including a punctum plug and passive insertion tool thereforUS7117870Jul 26, 2004Oct 10, 2006Clarity CorporationLacrimal insert having reservoir with controlled release of medication and method of manufacturing the sameUS7135009Apr 8, 2002Nov 14, 2006Glaukos CorporationGlaucoma stent and methods thereof for glaucoma treatmentUS7204253Oct 14, 2004Apr 17, 2007Clarity CorporationPunctum plugUS7204995Jan 31, 2003Apr 17, 2007El-Sherif Dalia MTreatment and control of dry eye by use of biodegradable polymer capsulesUS20020032400May 22, 2001Mar 14, 2002Moazed Kambiz ThomasTransnasal lacrimal insertUS20020055701Jan 31, 2001May 9, 2002Fischell Robert E.Surgically implanted devices having reduced scar tissue formationUS20020198453Jun 5, 2002Dec 26, 2002Herrick Family Limited PartnershipImplant capable of forming a differential image in an eye and methods of inserting and locating sameUS20030130612Feb 25, 2003Jul 10, 2003Moazed Kambiz ThomasTransnasal lacrimal insertUS20040102729Aug 5, 2003May 27, 2004David HaffnerDevices and methods for glaucoma treatmentUS20040121014Nov 14, 2003Jun 24, 2004Control Delivery Systems, Inc.Method for treating and/or preventing retinal diseases with sustained release corticosteroidsUS20040127843Nov 12, 2003Jul 1, 2004Hosheng TuGlaucoma implant with therapeutic agentsUS20040141151Jan 9, 2004Jul 22, 2004Gillespie Donald E.More easily visualized punctum plug configurationsUS20040147870Oct 28, 2003Jul 29, 2004Burns Thomas W.Glaucoma treatment kitUS20040170685Feb 26, 2004Sep 2, 2004Medivas, LlcBioactive stents and methods for use thereofUS20040175410Jan 22, 2004Sep 9, 2004Control Delivery Systems, Inc.Sustained release device and method for ocular delivery of carbonic anhydrase inhibitorsUS20040176341Nov 13, 2003Sep 9, 2004Kang-Jye ChouInjectable sustained release delivery devicesUS20040249333Jul 12, 2004Dec 9, 2004Bergheim Olav B.Glaucoma implant with bi-directional flowUS20040254516Jun 16, 2003Dec 16, 2004Murray George W.Punctum plugs having fluid collecting recesses and methods of punctal occlusionUS20040265356Jun 30, 2003Dec 30, 2004Bausch & Lomb IncorporatedDrug delivery deviceUS20050048121Jun 4, 2004Mar 3, 2005Polymerix CorporationHigh molecular wegiht polymers, devices and method for making and using sameUS20050095269Nov 4, 2003May 5, 2005Ainpour Parviz R.Gel plug for blockage of the canaliculusUS20050129731Nov 3, 2004Jun 16, 2005Roland HorresBiocompatible, biostable coating of medical surfacesUS20050197614Mar 4, 2005Sep 8, 2005Wilson PritchardOcclusive biomedical devices, punctum plugs, and methods of use thereofUS20050220882Mar 3, 2005Oct 6, 2005Wilson PritchardMaterials for medical implants and occlusive devicesUS20050232972Apr 15, 2004Oct 20, 2005Steven OdrichDrug delivery via punctal plugUS20060020248 *Jul 26, 2004Jan 26, 2006Prescott Anthony DLacrimal insert having reservoir with controlled release of medication and method of manufacturing the same* Cited by examinerNon-Patent CitationsReference1"Australia application No. 2007234447 Examiner report mail Oct. 6, 2009", 3.2"Australian Application No. 2007234445, Examiner Report Mailed Oct. 12, 2009", 2.3"International Application Serial No. PCT/US07/65792, International Search Report mailed on Nov. 20, 2008", 2 pgs.4"International Application Serial No. PCT/US07/65792, Written Opinion mailed on Nov. 20, 2008", 5 pgs.5"International Application Serial No. PCT/US2007/065789, International Search Report mailed on Aug. 13, 2008", 3 pgs.6"International Application Serial No. PCT/US2007/065789, Written Opinion mailed on Aug. 13, 2008", 5 pgs.7"U.S. Appl. No. 11/695,537 Notice mailed Nov. 28, 2008 Regarding a Noncompliant or Nonresponsive Amendment filed on Nov. 3, 2008", 3 pgs.8"U.S. Appl. No. 11/695,537, Non-Final Office Action mailed Sep. 18, 2009", 12 pgs.9"U.S. Appl. No. 11/695,537, Response filed Dec. 17, 2008 to Office Communication mailed Nov. 28, 2008", 8 pgs.10"U.S. Appl. No. 11/695,537, Response filed Nov. 3, 2008 to Restriction Requirement mailed Oct. 3, 2008", 15 pgs.11"U.S. Appl. No. 11/695,537, Restriction Requirement mailed Oct. 3, 2008", 10 pgs.12Examination Report as issued for New Zealand Patent Application No. 571758, dated May 24, 2010.13Office Action as issued for Canadian Patent Application No. 2,648,066, dated Nov. 1, 2010.14Office Action as issued for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2008-7026758, dated Oct. 25, 2010.15Office Action as issued for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2008-7026781, dated Aug. 26, 2010.Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS8409606 *Feb 12, 2010Apr 2, 2013Incept, LlcDrug delivery through hydrogel plugsUS8591484Sep 14, 2011Nov 26, 2013AlphaMed, Inc.Lacrimal punctum measurement and occlusionUS20100209478 *Feb 12, 2010Aug 19, 2010Sawhney Amarpreet SDrug delivery through hydrogel plugsUS20110276131 *Jul 18, 2011Nov 10, 2011Qlt Inc.Nasolacrimal drainage system implants for drug therapy* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification424/423International ClassificationA61F2/02Cooperative ClassificationA61K31/215, A61F9/00772, A61F9/0017, A61F2250/0067, A61F9/00781, A61K9/00European ClassificationA61F9/007T, A61K31/215, A61F9/00B2, A61F9/007VLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionApr 23, 2013ASAssignmentEffective date: 20130413Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:QLT INC.;REEL/FRAME:030266/0677Owner name: MATI THERAPEUTICS INC., TEXASApr 26, 2011ASAssignmentFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:3088922, INC.;REEL/FRAME:026182/0770Effective date: 20110215Owner name: QLT INC., CANADAFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:QLT PLUG DELIVERY, INC.;REEL/FRAME:026182/0792Owner name: 3088922, INC., DELAWAREEffective date: 20101215Feb 25, 2008ASAssignmentOwner name: QLT PLUG DELIVERY, INC., DELAWAREFree format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:FORSIGHT NEWCO II, INC.;REEL/FRAME:020553/0219Effective date: 20071018Feb 13, 2008ASAssignmentOwner name: FORSIGHT NEWCO II, INC., DELAWAREFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:FORSIGHT LABS, LLC;REEL/FRAME:020505/0745Effective date: 20071018Jul 10, 2007ASAssignmentOwner name: FORSIGHT LABS, LLC, CALIFORNIAFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:DE JUAN, EUGENE;BOYD, STEPHEN;REICH, CARY;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:019536/0742Effective date: 20070619RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services©2012 Google