Ophthalmic Start-Up Chief Executive Officers' Perceptions of Development Hurdles.

Purpose: To identify current challenges facing ophthalmic pharmaceutical start-ups in developing new products.

Methods: Surveys were distributed to the chief executive officer (CEO) or president of ophthalmic start-ups.

Results: The survey attracted 24 responses from 78 surveys distributed (31%).

Density Functional Theory Insights into the Role of the Methionine-Tyrosine-Tryptophan Adduct Radical in the KatG Catalase Reaction: O2 Release from the Oxyheme Intermediate.

Density functional theory was employed for a comprehensive study that provided electronic and structural insights into the KatG catalase reaction that involves oxyheme. The catalytic role of a unique amino acid cofactor Met-Tyr-Trp (MYW) in its radical form found in KatG was thereby elucidated. It was established that the MYW-radical is flexible such that a "hinge-like opening" rotation of the Trp-107 ring with respect to the Tyr-229 ring along their covalent C-C bond is an inherent feature of its catalytic properties.

Description of Ophthalmic Pharmaceutical and Device Start-Up Companies.

Aims: To describe the number, type and location of ophthalmic companies and their associated product areas and indications.

Methods: A retrospective, non-patient-based, observational review of ophthalmic pharmaceutical and device companies with a new product in development. Data was compiled by Internet searches.

Quantum mechanical investigation of aqueous desferrioxamine B metal complexes: trends in structure, binding, and infrared spectroscopy.

A systematic density functional theory study supported by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and infrared spectroscopic data was conducted to elucidate how structure and vibrational spectra of aqueous desferrioxamine B (DFOB) metal complexes vary with the metal ion identity. Structural parameters derived from EXAFS analyses and trends in metal binding constants are well reproduced and validated by the applied computational model. Vibrational mode analysis guides determination and recognition of crucial structure- and metal-sensitive infrared marker bands.

Photosensitization reactions in vitro and in vivo.

This review of Photochemistry and Photobiology summarizes articles published in 2010, and highlights progress in the area of photosensitization. The synthesis of conjugated photosensitizers is an area of interest where increasing water solubility has been a goal. Targeting infrared sensitizer absorption has been another goal, and relates to the practical need of deep tissue absorption of light.

A hand-held fiber-optic implement for the site-specific delivery of photosensitizer and singlet oxygen.

We have constructed a fiber optic device that internally flows triplet oxygen and externally produces singlet oxygen, causing a reaction at the (Z)-1,2-dialkoxyethene spacer group, freeing a pheophorbide sensitizer upon the fragmentation of a reactive dioxetane intermediate. The device can be operated and sensitizer photorelease observed using absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. We demonstrate the preference of sensitizer photorelease when the probe tip is in contact with octanol or lipophilic media.

Photosensitizer drug delivery via an optical fiber.

An optical fiber has been developed with a maneuverable mini-probe tip that sparges O(2) gas and photodetaches pheophorbide (sensitizer) molecules. Singlet oxygen is produced at the probe tip surface which reacts with an alkene spacer group releasing sensitizer upon fragmentation of a dioxetane intermediate. Optimal sensitizer photorelease occurred when the probe tip was loaded with 60 nmol sensitizer, where crowding of the pheophorbide molecules and self-quenching were kept to a minimum.

Meta-analysis of 24-h intraocular pressure fluctuation studies and the efficacy of glaucoma medicines.

Purpose: To compare the change in 24-h fluctuation of the intraocular pressure (IOP) from various medical therapies in patients with ocular hypertension, primary open-angle (POAG), or exfoliative glaucoma (XFG).

Methods: A meta-analysis of published studies that were controlled, prospective, and comparative trials. Based on study requirements for an objective fluctuation analysis, only studies from the authors' work met the criteria for this analysis and contained: > or = 4-week treatment period, > or = 20 patients per treatment arm, and > or = 6 time points measured with Goldmann applanation over 24 h, not spaced >5 h apart.

Ophthalmologist attitudes regarding fixed combination treatment for glaucoma in the European Union.

Purpose: To survey ophthalmologists in the European Union to determine their fixed combination (FC) preferences.

Methods: A multiple-choice survey was sent to randomly chosen ophthalmologists throughout the European Union and bordering countries by electronic mail delivery. Ophthalmologists were resent the survey on two more occasions if no response was obtained.

Potential benefit of intraocular pressure reduction in normal-tension glaucoma in South Korea.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential benefit of intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction in normal tension glaucoma (NTG) Asian adult patients in South Korea.

Methods: This was a retrospective, multicenter analysis of 166 NTG Asian adult patients in South Korea. The patient population consisted of Korean patients with NTG with at least 5 years of records available for evaluation.

Meta-analysis of 24-hour intraocular pressure studies evaluating the efficacy of glaucoma medicines.

Purpose: To evaluate efficacy and safety data of currently available ocular hypotensive medicines derived from 24-hour studies, of similar design, in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), exfoliative glaucoma, or ocular hypertension (OH).

Design: Meta-analysis of published articles evaluating patients with POAG, exfoliative glaucoma, or OH.

Methods: We included articles that were randomized, prospective, single- or double-masked, comparative studies of ocular hypotensive therapies over 24 hours.