Compositions and methods for prevention and treatment of corneal haze and scarring

Abstract

This application discloses ophthalmic formulations and methods for treating and preventing corneal haze and scarring with an hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) agent.

1 .- 33 . (canceled) 
     
     
         34 . A hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR)-binding composition comprising at least one purified hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) agent for use in a method of treating corneal haze or scarring, wherein the HGF agent comprises a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 70% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 or a fragment thereof, whereby the fragment is capable of reducing corneal haze or scarring. 
     
     
         35 . The hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR)-binding composition comprising at least one purified hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) agent for use according to  claim 34 , wherein the composition comprising at least one purified HGF agent further comprises a corneal stroma permeating excipient. 
     
     
         36 . The hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR)-binding composition comprising at least one purified hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) agent for use according to  claim 34 , wherein the purified HGF agent is present in a concentration of 0.001% to 1% w/v, preferably 0.005% to 0.05% w/v, more preferably about 0.01% w/v. 
     
     
         37 . The hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR)-binding composition comprising at least one purified hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) agent for use according to  claim 34 , wherein the compositions is administered daily for 5 days after an injury to the cornea;
 or   wherein the composition is administered daily for 3 days after an injury to the cornea;   or   wherein the composition is administered daily for 1 day after an injury to the cornea.   
     
     
         38 . The hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR)-binding composition comprising at least one purified hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) agent for use according to  claim 34 , wherein the method comprises administering said composition to a subject,
 wherein the administering comprises topical administration or subconjunctival administration;   or   wherein the administering comprises contacting the composition with corneal stroma of the subject.   
     
     
         39 . The hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR)-binding composition comprising at least one purified hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) agent for use according to  claim 34 , wherein the composition is formulated as an eye drop. 
     
     
         40 . The hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR)-binding composition comprising at least one purified hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) agent for use according to  claim 34 , wherein the purified HGF agent comprises a polypeptide
 or   wherein the composition is administered daily for 3 days after an injury to the cornea;   or   wherein the composition is administered daily for 1 day after an injury to the cornea.   comprising an amino acid sequence of residues 32-494 of SEQ ID NO:1; or
 comprising an amino acid sequence of residues 126-207 of SEQ ID NO:1; or 
 comprising an amino acid sequence of residues 208-289 of SEQ ID NO:1; or 
 comprising an amino acid sequence of residues 302-384 of SEQ ID NO:1; or 
 comprising an amino acid sequence of residues 388-470 of SEQ ID NO:1. 
   
     
     
         41 . The hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR)-binding composition comprising at least one purified hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) agent for use according to  claim 34 , wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. 
     
     
         42 . The hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR)-binding composition comprising at least one purified hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) agent for use according to  claim 34 , wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. 
     
     
         43 . The hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR)-binding composition comprising at least one purified hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) agent for use according to  claim 34 , wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 99% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1.