Abstract: An anti-fungal complex formed of a polyene anti-fungal agent, such as amphotericin B, and cyclodextrin, preferably .gamma.-cyclodextrin, is provided. The complex which includes amphoterin B has improved water solutility and stability over prior art amphotericin B anti-fungal agents. A method for forming the complex is also provided wherein anti-fungal agent, such as amphoterin B, is dissolved in an aqueous solution of cyclodextrin of pH ranging from about 9 to about 12 and the resulting solution is maintained at a pH ranging from about 6 to about 8 to form the subject complex. The solution can be lyophilized as desired to achieve higher solubility.

Abstract: A steroid cream formulation which has enhanced physical and chemical stability is formed of (11.beta.,17.alpha.)-17-(ethylthio)-9.alpha.-fluoro-11.beta.-hydroxy-17-(m ethylthio)androsta-1,4-dien-3-one (tipredane), and a vehicle containing as major ingredients propylene glycol and water together with a sodium citrate or potassium citrate buffer to impart an acid value to the cream formulation of greater than 3, a high melting point wax, such as white wax, to impart proper consistency without adversely affecting stability of the tipredane, benzyl alcohol as a preservative, together with one or more emulsifiers, which include glyceryl stearate, one or more emollients which include isopropyl isostearate or isopropyl palmitate, lubricants and other conventional cream formulation ingredients.

Abstract: A controlled release pharmaceutical formulation is provided which releases a pharmaceutical of a basic character at a controlled rate regardless of the pH of the environment, which formulation includes a basic pharmaceutical, up to about 45% by weight of a pH dependent polymer which is a salt of alginic acid, such as sodium alginate, up to about 35% by weight of a pH-independent hydrocarbon gelling agent having a viscosity of up to about 100,000 centipoises in 2% solution at 20.degree. C., binder and excipients.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing stable liposome precursors in the form of a water-soluble carrier material coated with a predetermined amount of a thin film of liposome components, which method includes the steps of dissolving at least one liposome-forming amphipathic lipid, optionally, at least one biologically active compound, and, optionally, at least one adjuvant in a suitable organic solvent and employing the resulting organic solution to coat a suitable water-soluble carrier material to form thin film of predetermined amount of liposome components thereon. Upon exposing the coated carrier material to water, the thin films of liposome components hydrate and the carrier material dissolves to give liposome preparations.

Abstract: New X-ray contrast agents are provided which are alkylammonium complexes of diatrizoic acid having the structure ##STR1## X-ray contrast medium containing the above X-ray contrast agent and a carrier therefor such as a liposome carrier, and a method for the X-ray visualization of body cavities and organs are also provided.