Appeal No. 95-2655
Application 07/912,029
OPINION
The physiological visco-elastic formulation of appealed
claim 1 contains 0.1 to about 5% hyaluronate salt in a
balanced salt solution containing 2.6 to 3.9 millimoles (mM)
of calcium ions and 1.2 to 1.8 mM of magnesium ions, with the
formulation being free of phosphates.
The Abstract discloses a formulation of 1 to 2%
hyaluronate and/or hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) in a
balanced salt solution containing calcium and magnesium ions.
The formulation is free of phosphates and useful for
preventing corneal damage in eye operations. Similarly to
appellants’ formulation, the Abstract teaches that the
preferred buffer is one whose composition resembles that of
the aqueous humor. The Abstract discloses one specific
example to a balanced salt solution containing magnesium ions
and calcium ions with HPMC.
Appellants cite Gasser in the brief (page 6) as prior art
that shows the composition of the human aqueous humor is well
known . Gasser also discloses the relatively similar BSS and5
5"Effects of Intraocular Irrigating Solutions on the
Corneal Endothelium After in Vivo Anterior Chamber
5
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