PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS AND THEIR USE

摘要

Formulations are provided which contain at least one micelle forming monoacyl membrane lipid either alone or preferably in combination with one or more bilayer-forming diacyl membrane lipids. The compositions are characterised by the presence of an effective amount of the monoacyl component dissolved or dispersed in a hydrophilic medium in an amount effective to convert the composition into a liquid, gel or semi-solid which has the property of yielding dispersed lipid aggregates upon contact or further dilution with an aqueous medium. Particular liquid pharmaceutical compositions comprise: (a) a mixture of membrane lipids which comprises a micelle-forming lipid and preferably a bilayer-forming lipid; (b) at least one hydrophilic medium to mobilise the lipids; and optionally (c) a biologically active compound. Other compositions comprise water in an amount which is effective to hydrate the lipid mixture, and a biologically active compound. The compositions may provide an efficient, effective and non-toxic carrier for compounds that have poor bioavailability, e.g. CyA.