| abstract |
A liposome composition for extended release of a therapeutic compound into the b loodstream. The liposomes are composed of vesicle-forming lipids and between l-20 mole percent of a vesicle-forming lip id derivatized with hydrophilic polymer, have sizes in a selected size range between 0.1 and 0.4 microns, and contain the therapeutic compound in liposome-entrapped form. The dosage form of the composition contains at least about three times the dose of the compound required for intravenous injection in free form. Also disclosed is a method for extending to at least 24 hours the period in which an intravenously administered therapeutic compound is therapeutically active in the blood-stream, and novel liposomes for practicing the method. |