Pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of inner ear disorders

Abstract

The present invention provides compostions containing (i) a pharmaceutically active agent selected from a group consisting of an arylcycloalkyamine or a derivative, analogue or pharmaceutically active salt thereof, and (ii) a biocompatible polymer or a combination of biocompatible polymers. These compositions or medicaments containing these compositions may be used for the prevention and/or treatment of inner ear diseases, e.g. tinnitus.

1 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A method of treating a middle or inner ear disease comprising intratympanically administering to a patient in need thereof a controlled release composition comprising a fluoroquinolone and a poloxamer, wherein the poloxamer has a concentration of about 20% (w/w) or lower. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the fluoroquinolone is suspended in the composition. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the composition is a suspension in which the fluoroquinolone is dispersed within the poloxamer. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the poloxamer is poloxamer  407 . 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the composition provides controlled release of the fluoroquinolone over an extended period of time of one or more days. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the composition further comprises a phosphate which buffers the pH of the composition to about 7.4. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the composition is contained in a syringe optionally connected to a needle. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein a single dose of the composition in the syringe is about 200 μL to about 500 μL. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the composition is administered by inserting it into the middle ear. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the composition is administered by infusion, injection, or by deposition by means of a surgical instrument. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the middle or inner ear disease is selected from the group consisting of tinnitus, hearing loss, inner ear inflammations or infections, auto-immune disorders, vertigo, and Meniere's Disease. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the tinnitus comprises cochlear tinnitus. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the middle or inner ear disease is excitotoxicity-induced ear cell degeneration or age-induced ear cell degeneration. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the treatment comprises reducing the perception of tinnitus or sound. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the middle ear disease is a viral or a bacterial infection disease.