Treatment for dry eye conditions

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for treating dry eye condition in an individual comprising administrating to said individual an amount of A 3 adenosine receptor (A 3 AR) agonist, the amount being effective to ameliorate symptoms of dry eye in the individual. In accordance with one embodiment, the dry eye condition is manifested by one or more opthalmologic clinical symptoms selected from foreign body sensation, burning, itching, irritation, redness, eye pain, blurred vision, degraded vision and excessive tearing. A preferred A 3 RAg in accordance with the invention is N 6 -(3-iodobenzyl)-adenosine-5′-N-methyluronamide (IB-MECA).

1 .- 10 . (canceled) 
   
   
       11 . A method for treating a dry eye condition in an individual, comprising administering to the individual in need thereof, an amount of an A 3 AR agonist effective to ameliorate symptoms of dry eye in the individual, wherein the A 3 AR agonist binds to and activates the A 3 AR. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the dry eye condition is a dry eye syndrome. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the dry eye condition is secondary Sjögren's syndrome. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the A 3 AR agonist is orally administered. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the A 3 AR agonist is orally administered twice a day.