Use of PBO-PEO-PBO block copolymers in ophthalmic compositions
AssigneeAlcon Research, Ltd.
InventorsJames W. Davis, Howard Allen Ketelson
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AssigneeAlcon Research, Ltd.
InventorsJames W. Davis, Howard Allen Ketelson
Estimating the term…
The use of poly(oxybutylene)-poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxybutylene) block copolymers in pharmaceutical compositions useful, for modifying the surfaces of contact lenses and other medical devices is disclosed. The present invention is based in-part on a discovery that this class of compounds is particularly efficient in wetting hydrophobic surfaces, such as the surfaces of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and other types of ophthalmic lenses, but do not induce foaming when used in conjunction with a peroxide-based contact lens disinfection regimen. Such compounds may also be useful for cleaning purposes. The use of the compounds as surfactants in peroxide-based compositions for disinfecting contact lenses therefore represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
An ophthalmic composition for disinfecting contact lenses comprising an effective amount of at least one poly(oxybutylene)-poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxybutylene) block copolymer of the formula (BO)n(EO)m(BO)n, wherein m is an integer having an average value of 5 to 1000 and n is an integer having an average value of 2 to 4 having a molecular weight in the range of 500 to 12,000 Daltons and a concentration of peroxide of about 3% or more and an ophthalmically acceptable vehicle therefor, wherein the composition does not foam excessively upon neutralization with a metal catalyst.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.