Abstract: The present invention provides novel pharmaceutical formulations of a substituted phenylacetic acid ester compound, which is useful as a short-acting sedative hypnotic agent for anesthesia and sedation. The pharmaceutical formulations are oil-in-water emulsions suitable for administration by injection. The invention further provides processes for the preparation of the formulation and the use of the formulation in medical treatment of a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drug delivery composition comprising a lipid vehicle containing a drug and Vitamin E to enhance the solubility of the active drug in the lipid vehicle. The composition is particularly useful for drugs which are poorly soluble. The composition may be in the form of a liposome or an oil-in-water emulsion. The Vitamin E may be mixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable oil such as a marine oil or a vegetable oil.

Abstract: A stable active substance emulsion of the oil-in-water type with a phospholipid as emulsifier is described, where the active substance dissolved in the lipid phase has one or more basic groups, is hydrophobic and oil-soluble, and has a pKa of at least 7.5, the aqueous phase is set at an acid pH, and the disperse phase gives a positive zeta potential of at least +15, but preferably +30, mV after dilution of the emulsion ready for administration to a fat content of 0.08% by weight.

Abstract: A process for preparing an oil-in-water emulsion of a drug which is poorly soluble in water wherein the drug (e.g. amphotericin B) is dissolved in a solution of high or low pH prior to the formation of the drug emulsion. The solution of high pH is preferably a 0.5M solution of sodium hydroxide and/or potassium hydroxide and the solution of low pH is preferably a 0.5M solution of hydrochloric acid. The process comprises the steps of (a) dissolving the drug in a solution of high or low pH, (b) adding the resulting solution to a pre-formed emulsion, (c) adding to the emulsion an amount of an acid, base or buffer appropriate to neutralise at least substantially the product of step (b), and (d) where an acid or base is added in step (c), optionally adding sufficient buffer to adjust the pH of the product of step (c) to a desired value. A drug emulsion made by the process is also provided, in which the drug is primarily associated with the oil droplets.