| abstract |
A liposome composition for extended release of a therapeutic compound into the bloodstream. The liposomes are composed of vesicle-forming lipids and between 1-20 mole percent of a vesicle-forming lipid 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 in a method for extending to at least 24 hours the period in which an intravenously administered therapeutic compound is therapeutically active in the bloodstream, and novel liposomes compositions for practicing the method. |