Abstract: Liposome preparations which comprise a lipid, or lipid like compound and a 5&bgr; steroid, DHEA or an organic acid derivative of the 5&bgr; steroid or DHEA are described. The lipsome may also include an entraped aqueous portion which comprises dissolved therein the expression product of the ob gene. Methods for treating conditions including obesity,hypercorticoidism and diabetes using the liposome preparations are also claimed.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions including at least one 5.beta. steroid and an amorphous cyclodextrin. Also disclosed are methods for treating a condition such as obesity, diabetes syndrome, diabetes-associated hypercorticoidism, combinations thereof, and anemic disorders by administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a composition including an obesity-, diabetes-, or anemia antagonistic amount of at least one 5.beta. steroid and an amorphous cyclodextrin. Furthermore, disclosed are methods for treating a subject for a condition that responds to treatment with DHEA by administering to the subject at least one 5.beta. steroid and DHEA in an amount that minimizes the contribution of the DHEA to the production of testosterone and estradiol while maximizing an amount of .alpha.ET and .beta.ET circulating in the subject's blood from an initial dose administered to the subject.