PREPARATION AND PHARMACOKINETICS OF METHOTREXATE DELIVERY SYSTEM USING LONG-CIRCULATING LIPOSOMES

Long-circulating liposomes have prompted interests in using them as a drug delivery system. This improvements in delivery has been thought to be the results from sustained action of liposomes in plasma without RES uptake. Although methotrexate(MTX) has been one of the most widely used antineoplastc drug, its use was limited by prompt RES uptake. The purpose of this study was to prepare long-circulating liposomes for MTX using highly water-soluble polymer (PEG-PE). In vitro, release of MTX from liposomes in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), rat liver homogenate, and rat plasma was investigated. The pharmacokinetics and organ distribution of fee drug, conventional and long-circulating liposomes were also compared with one another after intravenous administration to rats.