Claims for Patent: 4,599,353

Summary for Patent: 4,599,353

Title:	Use of eicosanoids and their derivatives for treatment of ocular hypertension and glaucoma
Abstract:	Ocular hypertension and glaucoma can be effectively controlled in primates through topical application of an effective amount of an eicosanoid or an eicosanoid derivative to the surface of an afflicted eye. Eicosanoids, particularly the prostaglandins PGE2 and PGF2α, and derivatives thereof, have been found effective in quantities less than about 1000 μg per eye. Ophthalmic compositions containing C1 to C5 alkyl esters of PGF2α are presently preferred for use in treating ocular hypertension and glaucoma in primates, including man.
Inventor(s):	Laszlo Z. Bito
Assignee:	Columbia University in the City of New York
Application Number:	US06/374,165
Patent Litigation and PTAB cases:	See patent lawsuits and PTAB cases for patent 4,599,353
Patent Claims:	1. A method for treating hypertension or glaucoma in a primate subject's eye comprising periodically contacting the surface of the eye with an amount of an eicosanoid or an eicosanoid derivative effective to reduce intraocular pressure in the eye without any substantial initial increase in said pressure and to maintain reduced intraocular pressure. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the surface of the eye is contacted daily. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the eicosanoid or eicosanoid derivative is a prostaglandin or a prostaglandin derivative. 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the prostaglandin or prostaglandin derivative is PGE2 or a PGE2 derivative. 5. The method of claim 3 wherein the prostaglandin or prostaglandin derivative is PGF2α or a PGF2α derivative. 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the PGF2α derivative is a C1 to C5 alkyl ester of PGF2α. 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the PGF2α derivative is PGF2α methyl ester, PGF2α ethyl ester, PGF2α isopropyl ester, or PGF2α isobutyl ester. 8. The method of claim 5 wherein the PGF2α or PGF2α derivative is lipid soluble. 9. The method of claim 5 wherein the PGF2α or PGF2α derivative is in the form of a physiologically acceptable salt of PGF2α. 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the PGF2α salt is PGF2α tromethamine. 11. The method of claim 3 wherein the amount of prostaglandin or prostaglandin derivative is in the range from about 0.01 μg to about 1,000 μg. 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the amount of prostaglandin or prostaglandin derivative is in the range from about 0.1 μg to about 500 μg. 13. A composition for topical treatment of glaucoma in the eye of a primate subject comprising an effective amount of PGF2α methyl ester, PGF2α ethyl ester, PGF2α isopropyl ester, or PGF2α isobutyl ester dissolved in an ophthalmically compatible carrier. 14. A composition for the topical treatment of glaucoma in a primate subject's eye comprising an effective amount of a lower alkyl ester of PGF2α dissolved in an ophthalmically compatible carrier. 15. A method for topically treating glaucoma in a primate subject's eye comprising contacting daily the surface of the eye with about 50 μl of a composition of claim 14 which is a lower alkyl ester of PGF2α. 16. A composition of claim 14, wherein the lower alkyl ester is C1 to C5. 17. A composition of claim 14, wherein the carrier is sterile anhydrous peanut oil. 18. A composition of claim 14, wherein the carrier is sterile mineral oil. 19. A composition of claim 14, wherein the effective amount is from about 0.01% to about 1.0% by weight.