Abstract: A novel method and delivery system for therapeutic weak acid or base materials has been developed. The method and delivery system utilize a therapeutic material which is modified to make it more hydrophilic and encapsulated in a lipid vesicle, preferably a non-phospholipid lipid vesicle. The method and delivery system is particularly well suited to topical delivery of minoxidil.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a biologically active material to a cell is provided. The method involves encapsulating the material to be transmitted in a paucilamellar non-phospholipid carrier vesicle which does not lyse cells upon fusion with cells, delivering the carrier vesicle to a location proximate to the cell, allowing the non-phospholipid bilayer of the carrier vesicle to fuse with the membrane of the cell and allowing the encapsulated material to diffuse into the cell. The method can be used to transmit a variety of biologically active materials to cells either in vitro or in vivo. The method provides a means for transmitting a biologically active material directly to the cytoplasm of a cell. Upon fusion with a cell, material associated with the bilayers of the non-phospholipid vesicle becomes incorporated into the outer membrane of the cell. Accordingly, a method for transmitting bilayer-associated material to a cell is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are oil-filled paucilamellar lipid vesicles containing at least one non-phospholipid amphiphile as the primary lipid of the vesicle bilayers and avocado oil unsaponifiables. The vesicles are particularly useful for delivering dermatological, cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. A method of manufacture for these vesicles is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are hybrid paucilamellar lipid vesicles containing a phospho- or glycolipid and a nonionic, anionic, or zwitterionic surfactant in the lipid bilayers. The paucilamellar vesicles may have either an aqueous or oil-filled central cavity. A method of manufacture for these vesicles is also disclosed.

Abstract: A new method of inactivating enveloped viruses and preparations useful in accomplishing this inactivation are disclosed. The method is based on the discovery that paucilamellar lipid vesicles, preferably having non-phospholipids as their primary structural material, can fuse with enveloped virus and that the nucleic acid of the virus denatures shortly after the fusion. The method is useful for inactivating viruses such as orthomyxoviruses, paramyxoviruses, coronaviruses, and retroviruses.

Abstract: This invention concerns delivery vehicles entrapping active materials suspended in a water immiscible carrier. Methods of making these materials, preferably using a carboxymethylcellulose support martrix, are disclosed. The vehicles of the invention are especially well adapted to delivery of incompatible actives that can be entrapped separately and kept separately until release from the vehicle.

Abstract: An antacid product having extended duration of residence in the gastric and upper intestinal systems has been developed. This antacid product includes a blend of 10-70% by volume nonphospholipid lipid vesicles, with a particulate base. An antiflatulence agent may also be included. A method of providing extended duration amelioration of acid build up in the gastric and upper intestinal tract using this product is also disclosed.

Abstract: A new method of producing paucilamellar lipid vesicles has been developed. The vesicles are made of non-phospholipid surfactants. The paucilamellar lipid vesicles have 2-8 lipid bilayers surrounding a central cavity which may be filled with either an aqueous-based solution or an oil or wax.

Abstract: Disclosed are hybrid paucilamellar lipid vesicles containing a phospho- or glycolipid and a nonionic, anionic, or zwitterionic surfactant in the lipid bilayers. The paucilamellar vesicles may have either an aqueous or oil-filled central cavity. A method of manufacture for these vesicles is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of lipid vesicles having a moderately volatile material such as a perfluorocarbon or a silicone oil encapsulated therein. In another aspect, lipid vesicles having a gas-filled center or core are made. The lipid vesicles having gas-filled central core are made by dehydrating vesicles having the moderately volatile liquid encapsulated in the central core. This drives off the water first, allowing the moderately volatile liquid to stabilize the vesicle structure as it dries, finally forming a central void which can refract light. The preferred vesicles of the invention are paucilamellar vesicles.

Abstract: A new method of producing paucilamellar lipid vesicles has been developed. The vesicles are made of non-phospholipid surfactants. The paucilamellar lipid vesicles have 2-8 lipid bilayers surrounding a central cavity which may be filled with either an aqueous-based solution or an oil or wax.

Abstract: Disclosed are paucilamellar lipid vesicles reinforced with polyacrylamide, and methods of producing the same. The vesicles include about 2-10 lipid bilayers in the form of substantially spherical shells separated by a plurality of aqueous layers. Each of the bilayers have a layer of polyacrylamide lining its innermost side. The bilayers and the aqueous layers surround a large, substantially amorphous central cavity containing a water-immiscible oily phase or a polyacrylamide core.

Abstract: Encapsulated ionophore growth factors and methods of encapsulating these growth factors in lipid vesicles, particularly nonphospholipid paucilamellar lipid vesicles, have been discovered. These methods allow aqueous-based formulations of water-insoluble growth factors to be made.

Abstract: The present invention relates to encapsulated parasiticides, a method for their production, and methods of treatment to prevent or eradicate infestation using the encapsulated parasiticides. The formulations of the present invention are water or oil-based and have many advantages over conventional formulations in safety, cost, and utility.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for manufacture of multilamellar or paucilamellar lipid vesicles. The apparatus and method use shear mixing in a substantially cylindrical mixing chamber having at least one tangential input for rapid production of the lipid vesicles.

Abstract: A new method of coupling proteins and other targeting molecules to lipid vesicles has been developed. A bifunctional agent forms a covalent bond without damaging the lipid structure and permits retention of protein activity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making lipid vesicles of a steroid and surfactants which do not form vesicles in the absence of the steroid. The surfactants are polyoxyethylene derivatives of 16-20 carbon ethers and amines.

Abstract: A new method of producing paucilamellar lipid vesicles has been developed. The vesicles are made of non-phospholipid surfactants. The paucilamellar lipid vesicles have 2-8 lipid bilayers surrounding a central cavity which may be filled with either an aqueous-based solution or an oil or wax.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for manufacture of multilamellar or paucilamellar lipid vesicles. The apparatus and method use shear mixing in a substantially cylindrical mixing chamber having at least one tangential input for rapid production of the lipid vesicles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new method of producing high aqueous volume multilamellar lipid vesicles. The method uses less expensive materials than those commonly used, is faster than classical methods, and produces vesicles with a much higher encapsulated mass and captured volume than was previously available.