Abstract: A composition having equal to or greater than about 97 percent by weight phosphatidylcholine and about equal to or less than about 3 percent by weight to about 0.5% sphingomylin and equal to or less than about 0.5% lysophosphatidylcholine (undetectable by UV at 205 nm) has been found to result in liposomes having improved stability. Methods for preparing the composition are disclosed whereby the phospholipids are extracted and then purified using silica chromatography.

Abstract: High ratio active agent:lipid complexes, their preparation and use are disclosed. Particular reference is made to cephalosporin:lipid complex and iodinated contrast agent:lipid complex. Use of high ratio cephalosporin:lipid complex in bacterial prophylaxis, and particularly bacteremia prophylaxis, including a method of preventing bacterial infection in an animal over an extended period comprising the step of administering to said animal a high ratio cephalosporin:lipid complex is further disclosed as is the use of high ratio iodinated contrast agent:lipid complex in X-ray applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to benzoporphyrin containing vesicles which are suitable for pharmaceutical application. In particular, the present invention relates to a liposomal preparation of benzoporphyrin (BPD) incorporated into vesicles comprising a liposome forming lipid such as EPC or DMPC at a drug to lipid ratio of greater than 100 .mu.g/umole lipid which will allow adequate drug dosing with relatively low lipid concentration. In an additional aspect of the present invention, sized liposomes are described which are storage stable. Certain sized BPD-containing vesicles (no greater than about 120 nm in diameter) permit sterilization by terminal filtration. Further, a lyophilized preparation of the BPD-lipid mixture can be obtained from aqueous buffer under conditions which do not result in vesicle fusion/aggregation or BPD precipitation.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical dosage form comprising gelatin encapsulating a pharmaceutical composition wherein said composition is at least about 6% (weight %) ethanol and lipid wherein said lipid comprises at least about 60% (weight %) and a method of protecting gelatin from deterioration is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention encompasses new and substantially improved methods and compositions for delivery of therapeutic agents to specifically chosen body sites. Conjugation of fibronectin to bioactive agents or to lipids or to liposomes which entrap the bioactive agents permits immobilization of the bioactive agent when administered at collagen-, heparin-, hyaluronic acid-, fibrin/fibrinogen-, or ganglioside-rich sites. Covalent conjugation is achieved by two methods: (1) the enzymatically catalyzed cross-linkage of fibronectin to an amine containing compound, and (2) by a modified NHS method which permits formation of peptide bonds between fibronectin and lipid compounds.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for the preparation of alpha-tocopherol vesicles, the bilayers of which comprise a salt form of an organic acid derivative of alpha-tocopherol such as the Tris salt form of alpha-tocopherol hemisuccinate. The method is rapid and efficient and does not require the use of organic solvents. The alpha-tocopherol vesicles may be used to entrap compounds which are insoluble in aqueous solutions. Such preparations are especially useful for entrapping bioactive agents of limited solubility, thus enabling administration in vivo.