LIPOSOMAL DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR TAXOL

Encapsulation of taxol (paclitaxel) by liposomes provides an environme nt that enhances the solubility of taxol and avoids side effects cause d by Cremophor EL, the emulsifier currently used. In this study, a sui table formula and production method for the liposomal delivery system were investigated. A combination of bath-type sonication and passage t hrough ultrafiltration membranes was found to be the best way to produ ce liposomes particles of uniform size in the range of 100-200 nm. Pho sphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol in a 7 : 3 lipid molar ratio together with 40%, cholesterol, 25% a-tocopherol and 3% taxol (in mol /mol lipids), further resulted in liposomes with homogeneous and stabl e particle sizes. This taxol delivery method was found to have superio r therapeutic effects in tests conducted on mice with transplanted Liv er tumors in comparison with taxol delivered in ethanol/Cremophor EL f ormula.