Abstract: Systems consistent with the present invention provide a method for identifying and recruiting donors whose demographic characteristics, genomic and proteomic profile, and medical histories make them attractive candidates for clinical trials, drug target identification, and pharmacogenomic studies.

Abstract: This invention provides a multilamellar liposome containing an arachidonic acid metabolite, two or more lipid-containing bilayers and two or more aqueous compartments containing a release-inhibiting buffer. Preferred arachidonic acid metabolites are the prostaglandins, particularly PGE.sub.1. The liposomal formulations can be used to treat animals, particularly humans, for diseases, disorders or conditions which can be ameliorated by prostaglandins, e.g., disorders characterized by cellular activation and adhesion, inflammation and/or toxemia.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of administering an arachidonic acid metabolite, such as prostaglandin E1, to an animal. The metabolite is given to the animal, typically a human, in association with a unilamellar liposome comprising a lipid and a release-inhibiting aqueous buffer. This method can be used to treat animals afflicted with disorders characterized by cell activation and adhesion, inflammation or toxemia.

Abstract: A new and substantially improved type of lipid vesicle, called stable plurilamellar vesicles (SPLVs), are described, as well as the process for making the same and X-ray diffraction methods for identifying the same. SPLVs are characterized by lipid bilayers enclosing aqueous compartments containing one or more entrapped solutes, the concentration of such solutes in each aqueous compartment being substantially equal to the emunization of solutes used to prepare the SPLVs. The bilayers of SPLVs are substantially non-compressed. SPLVs are stable during storage and can be used in vivo for the sustained release of compounds and in the treatment of disease.

Abstract: A pharmacological agent-lipid solution preparation comprising a lipophilic pharmacological agent, a desalted charged lipid and an aqueous-miscible lipid solvent such that upon introduction into an aqueous medium a suspension of lipid aggregates associated with the pharmacological agent are formed, and methods of manufacture and use.

Abstract: Preparations of drugs in admixture with certain ligands are described which, when administered to animals or humans, are less toxic than conventional drug preparations. Although the toxicity of the drug-ligand preparations described is greatly reduced, the drug retains pharmacological activity.

Abstract: A new and substantially improved type of lipid vesicle, called stable plurilamellar vesicles (SPLVs), are described, as well as the process for making the same and X-ray diffraction methods for identifying the same. SPLVs are characterized by lipid bilayers enclosing aqueous compartments containing one or more entrapped solutes, the concentration of such solutes in each aqueous compartment being substantially equal to the concentration of solutes used to prepare the SPLVs. The bilayers of SPLVs are substantially non-compressed. SPLVs are stable during storage and can be used in vivo for the sustained release of compounds and in the treatment of disease.

Abstract: Preparations of drugs in admixture with certain ligands are described which, when administered to animals or humans, are less toxic than conventional drug preparations. Although the toxicity of the drug-ligand preparations described is greatly reduced, the drug retains pharmacological activity.

Abstract: An immunoassay utilizing a novel liposome composition in which there is incorporated a stabilizing or destabilizing component and an antigen. The presence of cognate antibodies in test samples is detected by the alteration of the supramolecular structure of the liposomes resulting in changes in stabilization. Destabilization can be detected, and in certain cases, caused by, the addition of magnesium or calcium ions. Increased stabilization can be detected by the polymerization of bilayer components in response to ultraviolet light. Antibody-antigen interactions at the liposome surface mediate the stabilization/destabilization response.

Abstract: An assay for detecting SLE antibodies utilizing a novel liposome composition in which there is entrapped a divalent cation responsive indicator. The presence of such antibodies is detected by their stabilization of the supermolecular structure of the liposomes. Such stabilization can be detected, and in certain cases, caused by, the addition of magnesium or calcium ions.

Abstract: A new and substantially improved type of lipid vesicle, called stable plurilamellar vesicles (SPLVs), are described, as well as the process for making the same. SPLVs are stable during storage and can be used in vivo for the sustained release of compounds and in the treatment of disease.