Abstract: Dehydrated liposomes are prepared by drying liposome preparations under reduced pressure in the presence of one or more protective sugars, e.g., the disaccharides trehalose and sucrose. Preferably, the protective sugars are present at both the inside and outside surfaces of the liposome membranes. Freezing of the liposome preparation prior to dehydration is optional. Alternatively, the protective sugar can be omitted if: (1) the liposomes are of the type which have multiple lipid layers; (2) the dehydration is done without prior freezing; and (3) the dehydration is performed to an end point which results in sufficient water being left in the preparation (e.g., at least 12 moles water/mole lipid) so that the integrity of a substantial portion of the multiple lipid layers is retained upon rehydration.

Abstract: Lipid matrix carriers are described which provide for the sustained release of bioactive agents in vivo or in vitro. The properties of the lipid matrix carriers of the present invention include high entrapment efficiencies; release of entrapped compounds in their active form; biodegradability and avoidance of vascular occlusion in vivo; and avoidance of sequestration of the bioactive agent in the liver and spleen.

Abstract: A process for the preparation in a monophasic solvent system of a new type of lipid vesicles, called monophasic lipid vesicles (MPVs). MPVs can be made to encapsulate one or more bioactive agents. MPVs are stable during storage and can be used in vivo in the treatment of disease.

Abstract: A mattress for small children has a removable foam insert which fits in an aperture cut in the head portion of a foam mattress body. The insert has a plurality of perforations extending from its top face to its bottom face which reduce the risk of suffocation, the perforations being grouped towards the head of the mattress for optimum positioning beneath the child's head. To ensure that a replacement insert, when the former insert is soiled and requires washing, is fitted in the correct orientation, each insert has a key portion projecting from one edge for interlocking with a correspondingly shaped recess in a side wall of the aperture.

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.