Hypotensive lipid-containing biodegradable intraocular implants and related implants

Abstract

Biocompatible intraocular implants include a prostamide component and a biodegradable polymer that is effective in facilitating release of the prostamide component into an eye for an extended period of time. The prostamide component may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. The implants may be placed in an eye to treat or reduce a at least one symptom of an ocular condition, such as glaucoma.

1 .- 48 . (canceled) 
     
     
         49 . A method of treating elevated intraocular pressure, the method comprising placing a biodegradable intraocular implant into an anterior chamber of an eye of a patient in need thereof, the implant comprising bimatoprost or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a biodegradable polymer matrix that releases an amount of the bimatoprost or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof from the implant effective to reduce at least one symptom of glaucoma, wherein the amount of the bimatoprost or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is released into the eye for a period of time greater than about one week to about 6 months after the implant is placed into the anterior chamber of the eye. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein the symptom is increased intraocular pressure in the eye. 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein the biodegradable polymer matrix comprises a polylactic acid polymer. 
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 51 , wherein the biodegradable polymer matrix further comprises a polylactic acid polyglycolic acid copolymer. 
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 52 , wherein the method is effective in maintaining the intraocular pressure in the eye at a reduced level. 
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the implant is injected into the anterior chamber of the eye of the patient with a needle. 
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the implant is injected into the anterior chamber of the eye of the patient with a needle. 
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein the amount of the bimatoprost or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is released into the eye for a period of time greater than one week to about 3 months after the implant is placed into the anterior chamber of the eye. 
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein the amount of the bimatoprost or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is released into the eye for a period of time greater than one week to about 2 months after the implant is placed into the anterior chamber of the eye. 
     
     
         58 . A method of treating elevated intraocular pressure in a patient in need thereof, the method comprising placing a biodegradable intraocular implant into an anterior chamber of an eye of the patient; wherein the implant comprises an effective amount of bimatoprost or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a biodegradable polymer matrix; wherein the bimatoprost or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is released into the eye of the patient for a period of time greater than one week to about 6 months. 
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 58 , wherein the biodegradable polymer matrix comprises a polylactic acid polymer. 
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 59 , wherein the biodegradable polymer matrix further comprises a polylactic acid polyglycolic acid copolymer. 
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 58 , comprising injecting the biodegradable intraocular implant into the anterior chamber of the eye of the patient with a needle. 
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 58 , wherein the bimatoprost or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is released into the eye of the patient for a period of time greater than one week to about 3 months. 
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 58 , wherein the bimatoprost or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is released into the eye of the patient for a period of time greater than one week to about 2 months.