Abstract: A liposome composition comprising small, surface-bound effector molecules is disclosed. The liposomes have a surface layer of hydrophilic polymer chains, for enhanced circulation time in the bloodstream. The effector molecules are attached to the distal ends of the polymer chains. In one embodiment, the effector is polymyxin B, for treatment of septic shock.

Abstract: A liposome composition comprising small, surface-bound effector molecules is disclosed. The liposomes have a surface layer of hydrophilic polymer chains, for enhanced circulation time in the bloodstream. The effector molecules are attached to the distal ends of the polymer chains. In one embodiment, the effector is polymyxin B, for treatment of septic shock.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of a sphingoid-polyalkylamine conjugate as a capturing agent of biologically active molecules, such as antigens. In a particular embodiment, the spinogid-polyalkylamines are used for the preparation of pharmaceutical composition for modulating the immune response of a subject. Other aspects of the invention concern methods for modulating the immune response of a subject by the use of the conjugate, complexes comprising, the sphingoid-polyalkylamine conjugate in combination with a biologically active molecule capable of modulating an immune response of a subject, compositions comprising the conjugate as well as kits making use of said conjugate. A preferred conjugate according to the invention is N palmitoyl D-erythro sphingosyl 1 carbamoyl spermine.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of a sphingoid-polyalkylamine conjugate comprising a sphingoid backbone carrying, via a carbamoyl bond, at least one polyalkylamine chains as a capturing agent of nucleic acid molecules. The present invention also provides the use of the sphingoid polyalkylamine conjugate for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the delivery of a nucleic acid molecule into a target cell. In a further aspect the invention provides a method for transfecting a nucleic acid into a target cell, the method comprises contacting said target cell with the sphingoid-polyalkylamine conjugate associated with a nucleic acid molecule, thereby transfecting said target cell with said nucleic acid molecule. Other aspects of the invention concern pharmaceutical compositions comprising said conjugate, therapeutic methods as well as kits, making use of the said conjugate. A preferred conjugate according to the invention is N-palmitoyl D-erythrosphingosyl-1-carbamoyl spermine.

Abstract: The present invention concerns novel platinum complexes in which at least one of the amine ligand is a non-planar heterocyclic aliphatic amine. The platinum complexes may be in a trans or cis configuration and were found to posses therapeutic activites. Thus, the present concerns novel platinum complexes, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them and other uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a stable lipid assembly comprising a biologically active lipid having a hydrophobic region and a polar headgroup, wherein the atomic mass ratio between the headgroup and hydrophobic region is less than 0.3, and a lipopolymer having a hydrophobic lipid region and a polymer headgroup, wherein the atomic mass ratio between the headgroup and hydrophobic region is at least 1.5 and optionally a lipid matrix composed of liposome forming lipids. Specific lipid assemblies according to the invention comprise the biologically active lipid, ceramide, a lipid derivatized with polyethylene glycol (lipopolymer) and optionally in combination with a phospholipid (e.g. Egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC) and hydrogenated soybean phosphatidylcholine (HSPC)). The lipid assemblies of the invention exhibited a therapeutic effect in vitro in tumor cells as well as in vivo in animal models and they deliver the biologically active lipid to the disease site.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel tool for designing a release profile of an active agent from a liposome in to which it is loaded. According to the invention, a method is provided for preparing a liposomal formulation for delivery of an active agent to a target, the release of said active agent from the liposome being designed to have a release profile in which the release is sustained for a time period to achieve an optimal effect of the active agent at said target, the method comprising preparing a liposomal formulation, wherein the liposome is loaded with said active agent and with a selected counter ion, the counter ion and the active agent interacting together to aggregate and/or to form a precipitate within the liposome, the counter ion being selected such that the release of the active agent from the liposome has said release profile.

Abstract: A liposome composition having a compound entrapped in a supersaturated solution and method for preparing such a composition are described.

Abstract: A method of inserting a lipid-linked moiety into a lipid assembly, such as a planar lipid monolayer or bilayer, a spherical lipid vesicle, a micelle, or an emulsion envelope monolayer is described. In the method, the lipid assembly and the lipid-linked moiety are contacted in the presence of microwave irradiation to permit the lipid-linked moiety to become associated with the lipid assembly. In one embodiment, the lipid assembly is a liposome and the lipid-linked moiety is a lipid-polymer. Compositions comprised of a lipid layer and of a lipid-linked moiety, prepared in accord with the method, are also described.

Abstract: The extent of binding of a moiety, such as a biomolecule, to a surface, where the local environment at the surface has a pH or surface potential which is altered upon binding of the moiety, is determined by stably incorporating at the surface a probe which contains a pH- or potential-sensitive fluorophore.

Abstract: Compositions of HBsAg particles having biologically active molecules contained in the particles, and methods of their use, e.g. in stimulating enhanced immune responses, are described. Antigenic peptides contained in HBsAg particles were found to produce a CTL response where none was elicited by the peptide alone. Encapsulation of immunostimulating molecules, such as cytokines, greatly enhanced the CTL response evoked by the HBsAg particles themselves.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for an efficient entrapment of active biological material in liposomes. The method is based on the steps of drying a suspension of liposome-forming lipids and then hydrating the dry composition obtained with an aqueous solution containing a biologically active material to be entrapped in high yield in the liposomes thus formed. The invention also concerns liposomal formulations produced by the method of the invention and their uses.

Abstract: Long-term local anesthesia is provided by administering to a subject in need thereof a liposomal anesthetic formulation prepared by the dehydration-rehydration method. In this method, lyophilized liposomes encapsulating the local anesthetic are rehydrated by agitating them in an aqueous medium. Preferably this method includes the further step of washing the rehydrated liposomes in hyperosmotic saline solution.

Abstract: The invention provides liposomal vehicles for encapsulating relatively high levels of immunogenic protein substances including immunogens directed against hormones and hormone receptors, such as gastrin and gonadotropin releasing hormone and their receptors. The liposome encapsulating large amounts of immunogens can be injected parenterally to induce effective immune responses without exhibiting significant adverse tissue reactogenicity. Methods for production of the liposomal vaccines and methods of their administration for treatment of diseases and conditions associated with the cognate hormones are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of conducting phospholipase-catalyzed transesterification or hydrolysis of phospholipids present in aqueous liposomal suspensions, in the absence of detergents and organic solvents, are described. The method, which employs a water/solid particle interface, gives high conversions, particularly when the solid particle is silica gel having a small particle size and is present at a level at least four times the weight of the reacting lipid. The reaction is useful for the preparation of a variety of differently substituted phospholipids, as well as diacyl glycerols and ceramides.

Abstract: A liposome composition having a protonatable therapeutic agent entrapped in the form of a salt with an glucuronate anion is disclosed. Methods for preparing the composition using an ammonium ion transmembrane gradient having glucuronate as the counterion are also disclsoed. In one embodiment where the protonatable agent is doxorubicin, the method of the invention has comparable loading efficiency, faster release rate, without compromising the therapeutic efficacy compared to loading with an ammonium ion gradient having sulfate as the counterion.

Abstract: The present invention concerns novel platinum complexes in which at least one of the amine ligand is a non-planar heterocyclic aliphatic amine. The platinum complexes may be in a trans or cis configuration and were found to posses therapeutic activites. Thus, the present concerns novel platinum complexes, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them and other uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides liposomal vehicles for encapsulating relatively high levels of water-soluble substances including immunogens directed against gastrin and gonadotropin releasing hormone. The liposome encapsulating large amounts of immunogens can be injected parentally to induce effective immune responses without exhibiting significant adverse tissue reactogenicity.

Abstract: A liposome composition comprising small, surface-bound effector molecules is disclosed. The liposomes have a surface layer of hydrophilic polymer chains, for enhanced circulation time in the bloodstream. The effector molecules are attached to the distal ends of the polymer chains. In one embodiment, the effector is polymyxin B, for treatment of septic shock.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition comprised of tempamine for treatment of conditions caused by oxidative stress or cellular oxidative damage is described. In one embodiment, the tempamine is administered in a vehicle suitable to extend its blood circulation lifetime. For example, tempamine is loaded into the liposomes that provide an extended blood circulation lifetime for effective therapy against inflammation or cell proliferation.