Enhanced ocular neuroprotection and neurostimulation

Abstract

An ocular method comprising non-systemic localized ocular administration of a pharmaceutically acceptable formulation and effective concentration of at least one neurostimulatory and/or neuroprotective macrolide or other agent for a duration sufficient to enhance viability, confer protection, reduce degeneration of retinal neural cells. The method is used in a patent having or at risk for developing glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, or another ocular neuroassociated disease.

1 . An ocular method comprising locally administering to an eye of an individual a biocompatible formulation of at least one neurostimulatory or neuroprotective macrolide or macrolide analog, optionally further including at least one neurotrophin or neuropoietic factor, under conditions to result in enhanced ocular neuroprotection or neurostimulation.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the macrolide is tacrolimus.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the macrolide is sirolimus.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the macrolide is everolimus.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the macrolide is pimocrolous.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the macrolide is at least one of erythromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, lincomycin, dirithromycin, josamycin, spiramycin, diacetyl-midecamycin, troleandomycin, tylosin, roxithromycin, ABT-773, telithromycin, macrolides derived from leucomycins, lincosamides, or derivatives thereof.  
     
     
         7 . An ocular method comprising locally administering to an eye of an individual a biocompatible formulation of at least one neurostimulatory and/or neuroprotective macrolide or macrolide analog, optionally further including at least one neurotrophin or neuropoietic factor, under conditions to result in enhanced viability and/or activity of retinal sensory or ganglion cells over viability and/or activity of the cells in the absence of the macrolide or macrolide analog.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  administered to a patient having or at risk for developing glaucoma.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7  administered to a patient having or at risk for developing retinitis pigmentosa.