Semifluorinated alkane compositions

Abstract

The invention provides novel compositions comprising semifluorinated alkanes and at least one compound sensitive or prone to oxidation. The compositions can be used as medicines that are topically administered to an eye or ophthalmic tissue. The invention further provides kits comprising such compositions.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A method for the treatment of an inflammatory condition of the ophthalmic tissue or symptoms or conditions associated therewith, comprising administering a composition consisting of one or more linear or branched semifluorinated alkanes having one non-fluorinated hydrocarbon segment and one fluorinated hydrocarbon segment, wherein at least one semifluorinated alkane is F(CF 2 ) 6 (CH 2 ) 8 H. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein the composition consists of F(CF 2 ) 6 (CH 2 ) 8 H and a second branched semifluorinated alkane having one fluorinated hydrocarbon segment and one non-fluorinated alkane segment. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein the composition consists of F(CF 2 ) 6 (CH 2 ) 8 H. 
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein the composition is topically administered to a patient in need thereof. 
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein the method comprises administering the composition to the cornea or conjunctiva, or the upper or lower eye lid margins, meibomian gland ducts, or eyelashes. 
     
     
         23 . A method for the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) or symptoms or conditions associated therewith, comprising administering a composition consisting of one or more linear or branched semifluorinated alkanes having one non-fluorinated hydrocarbon segment and one fluorinated hydrocarbon segment, wherein at least one semifluorinated alkane is F(CF 2 ) 6 (CH 2 ) 8 H. 
     
     
         24 . The method according to  claim 23 , wherein the composition consists of F(CF 2 ) 6 (CH 2 ) 8 H and a second branched semifluorinated alkane having one fluorinated hydrocarbon segment and one non-fluorinated alkane segment. 
     
     
         25 . The method according to  claim 23 , wherein the composition consists of F(CF 2 ) 6 (CH 2 ) 8 H. 
     
     
         26 . The method according to  claim 23 , wherein the composition is topically administered to a patient in need thereof. 
     
     
         27 . The method according to  claim 23 , wherein the method comprises administering the composition to the cornea or conjunctiva, or the upper or lower eye lid margins, meibomian gland ducts, or eyelashes. 
     
     
         28 . The method according to  claim 23 , wherein the symptom associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca is selected from one or more of dry, scratchy, gritty, or sandy feeling in the eye; foreign body sensation; pain or soreness; stinging or burning; itching; increased blinking; eye fatigue; photophobia; blurry vision; redness; mucus discharge; contact lens intolerance; and excessive reflex tearing. 
     
     
         29 . The method according to  claim 23 , wherein the condition associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca is selected from the group consisting of aqueous-deficient dry eye disease, evaporative dry eye disease, Sjögren syndrome, lacrimal gland insufficiency, meibomian gland disease and meibomian gland dysfunction. 
     
     
         30 . The method according to  claim 29 , wherein the condition associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca is meibomian gland dysfunction based on abnormalities of the meibomian glands characterized by gland duct obstructions and/or changes to the secretions of the glands. 
     
     
         31 . The method according to  claim 29 , wherein the condition associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca is meibomian gland dysfunction characterized by a symptom selected from one or more of itchiness, redness, swelling, pain or soreness, discharge accumulation or crusting at the lid margins.