Hydrophobic photosensitizer formulations for photodynamic therapy

摘要

Pharmaceutical liposomal formulations for photodynamic therapy are presented, which are stable in storage as liquid formulations, comprise a hydrophobic photosensitizer and one or more synthetic phospholipids. The liposomal formulations provide therapeutically effective amounts of the photosensitizer for intravenous administration. The formed liposomes contain the hydrophobic photosensitizer within the lipid bilayer membrane. In the present formulation the size of the liposomal vehicles and their content of a therapeutically effective amount of the photosensitizing agent remain unchanged over storage times of a year or more, thus making the liquid formulations commercially viable. Being stable in the liquid state also makes them easy to store, and easier to use for doctors and patients. They can be prepared in a 'factory setting' delivered to practitioners in a liquid state and be available for use in PDT related treatments as called for by the practitioners' patient needs.