Ophthalmic compositions and methods for treating ophthalmic conditions

Abstract

Compositions, and methods of using such compositions, useful for placement, for example injection, into the interior of human or animal eyes are provided. Such compositions include a therapeutic component, such as one or more corticosteroids, a biocompatible polymeric component, and a solvent component.

1 .- 32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . A method of treating a condition of the eye, the method comprising placing into the interior of the eye of a human or animal an ophthalmic composition in fluid form, the composition comprising: a corticosteroid component present in a therapeutically effective amount; a biocompatible polymeric component in an amount effective to delay release of the corticosteroid component into the interior of the eye after the composition is intraocularly placed in the eye; and an ophthalmically compatible solvent component in an amount effective to solubilize the polymeric component, the composition adapted to form a delayed release solid, semi-solid or moldable drug-releasing element after contact with fluid in the interior of the eye and effective to delay the release of the corticosteriod component in the eye relative to intraocular placement of a substantially identical composition without the polymeric component wherein said polymeric component is selected from the group consisting of polylactides, polyglycolides, polycaprolactones, polyanhydrides, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyesteramides, polyorthoesters, polydioxanones, polyacetals, polyketals, polycarbonates, polyorthoesters, polyphosphazenes, polyhydroxybutyrates, polyhydroxyvalerates, polyalkylene oxalates, polyalkylene succinates, poly(malic acid), poly(amino acids), poly(methyl vinyl ether), poly(maleic anhydride), polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid/glycolic acid, chitin, chitosan, copolymers thereof, combinations thereof and mixtures thereof, and wherein the corticosteroid component is selected from the group consisting of triamcinolone acetonide, triamcinolone hexacatonide, and triamcinolone, salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.