Inventors:
Martha O'Donnell - Davis CA, US
James Brandt - Sacramento CA, US
Assignee:
The Regents of the University of California, a California Corporation
International Classification:
A61K031/192
Abstract:
Elevated intra-ocular pressure is reduced by administration directly to the eye of compounds that activate the Cl and K channels of the trabecular meshwork and/or Schlemm's canal endothelial cells of the mammalian eyes. Intra-ocular pressure may further be reduced by the co-administration of compounds that inhibit function of a Na—K—2Cl co-transporter mechanism of the trabecular meshwork and/or Schlemm's canal endothelial cells. These compounds are useful in treatment of diseases of the eye associated with elevated intra-ocular pressure, such as ocular hypertension and glaucoma. A screening method is provided to discover additional compounds with utility for lowering intra-ocular pressure by substantially activating the Cl and K channels.