Abstract: The present invention involves the synthesis and use of new platinum compounds. These new platinum compounds are easy to encapsulate in liposomes at high efficiencies. They are further characterized as platinum (II) four coordinate complex having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are carboxylato monoanions bearing a hydrophobic radical function or a single carboxylato dianion bearing a hydrophobic radical function and R.sub.3 is a vicinal diaminoalkane or vicinal diaminocycloalkane. The complex is substantially soluble in methanol or chloroform and substantially insoluble in water. Said complex may be incorporated into phospholipid liposomes. Such platinum complexes encapsulated in phospholipid liposomes are useful for chemotherapy of platinum complex-sensitive tumors.

Abstract: The present invention involves a liposomal agent for treating disseminated fungal infection in an animal. This liposomal agent comprises a variety of polymer antifungal compounds, particularly hamycin. These antifungal compounds are encapsulated within a liposome decreasing toxicity. This liposome is preferably a stable multilamellar vesicle. The method of administration is preferably parenteral, but may be oral or topical.

Abstract: The present invention involves a liposomal agent for treating disseminated fungal infection in an animal. This liposomal agent comprises the polyene antifungal compound mepartricin. The mepatricin is encapsulated within a liposome. The liposome in which the mepartricin is incorporated is preferably a stable multilamellar vesicle. The liposome broadly comprises one or more lipids one or more of phosphomonoglyceride, phosphatidic acid and sphingolipid. The lipids are preferably one or more of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, sphingomyelin or phosphatidic acid. The lipids are most preferably one or more of dimyristoylphosphatidylchlorine, dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol. The liposome of the present invention may comprise a sterol most preferably cholesterol. An important aspect of the present invention involves a method for treating disseminated fungal infection in an animal.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treatment of disseminated fungal infection in a mammal comprising the administration of a fungicidally effective amount of Amphotericin B encapsulated in a substantially sterol-free liposome to the infected mammal. Also provided is an agent for treatment of disseminated fungal infection in a mammal comprising Amphotericin B encapsulated in a liposome which consists essentially of lipids other than sterols.

Abstract: The present invention involves a process for producing fine powder suitable for the preparation of antifungal polyene microlide-containing liposomes upon suspension in an aqueous solution. This process comprises the following steps. Quantities of polyene macrolide and phospholipids are dissolved respectively in a first solvent and a second solvent to form a first solution and a second solution. The first solution and the second solution are mixed in a desired ratio to form a mixture. The first solvent and the second solvent are then removed from the mixture, for example by evaporation, to form a residue. The residue is then dissolved in a third solvent comprising tertiary butanol and methylene chloride to form a third solution. The third solvent is then removed from the third solution to form a remnant. The remnant is then dissolved in a solvent consisting essentially of tertiary butanol to form a fourth solution. The fourth solution is then filtered through a filter having orifices of between about 0.

Abstract: Disclosed are liposomal antitumor compositions having improved pharmacological characteristics. Liposomes described herein are formed through the incorporation of a particular class of anthracyclines, the 4-demethoxy-3'-desamino-2'-iodo analogs, shown to have extremely high incorporatio efficiencies of greater than 95%. These liposomes demonstrate an improved antitumor efficacy, with much reduced toxicity, against accepted tumor models, and further exhibit excellent stability upon storage, for example, in the form of a dried powder.

Abstract: The present invention involves a liposomal agent for treating disseminated fungal infection in an animal. This liposomal agent comprises the polyene antifungal compound nystatin. The nystatin is encapsulated within a liposome. The liposome in which the nystatin is incorporated is preferably a stable multilamellar vesicle. The liposome broadly comprises one or more lipids one or more of phosphomonoglyceride, phosphatidic acid and sphingolipid. The lipids are preferably one or more of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, sphingomyelin or phosphatidic acid. The lipids are most preferably one or more of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine, dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol. The liposome of the present invention may comprise a sterol most preferably cholesterol. An important aspect of the present invention involves a method for treating disseminated fungal infection in an animal.

Abstract: Method for treatment of disseminated fungal infection in a mammal comprising the administration of a fungicidally effective amount of Amphotericin B encapsulated in a substantially sterol-free liposome to the infected mammal. Also provided is an agent for treatment of disseminated fungal infection in a mammal comprising liposome-encapsulated Amphotericin B, said liposome being comprised of lipids other than sterols.