EP0892636B1 — Ophthalmic solutions viscosified with tamarind seed polysaccharide

USPTO Abstract

PCT No. PCT/IT97/00026 Sec. 371 Date Aug. 5, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Aug. 5, 1998 PCT Filed Feb. 4, 1997 PCT Pub. No. WO97/28787 PCT Pub. Date Aug. 14, 1997The polysaccharide fraction of tamarind gum, a product of natural origin obtained from the seeds of Tamarindus indica, is used for the production of a thickened ophthalmic solution having a pseudoplastic rheological behaviour and mucoadhesive properties. Said solution is useful as artificial tear and as vehicle for sustained release ophthalmic drugs. The concentrations of tamarind seed polysaccharide preferably employed in ophthalmic preparations for use as artificial tears, i.e. as products for replacing and stabilising the natural tear fluid, particularly indicated for the treatment of dry eye syndrome, are comprised between 0.7 and 1.5% by weight. The concentrations of tamarind seed polysaccharide preferably employed in the production of vehicles (i.e. delivery systems) for ophthalmic drugs, having the function of prolonging the permanence time of said medicaments at their site of action, are comprised between 1 and 4% by weight.