Garg et al., IJPSR, 2011; Vol. 2(3): 620-636 ISSN: 0975-8232 Available online on www.ijpsr.com 620 IJPSR (2011), Vol. 2, Issue 3 (Research Article) Received on 18 October, 2010; received in revised form 21 November, 2011; accepted 14 January, 2011 DOUBLE LIPOSOMES MEDIATED DUAL THERAPY OF AIDS RELATED OPPORTUNISTIC FUNGAL INFECTIONS AND AIDS Babu Ram Garg* 1 , Arun Kumar 2 , Minakshi Garg 3 , Jayamanti Pandit 4 and Narendra K. Jain 5 Himachal Institute of Pharmacy 1 , Poanta Sahib, Distt. Sirmour (H. P.), India BPS Mahila Vishwavidyalaya Khanpur Kalan, Sonipat, Haryana, India Pharmaceutics Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Hari Singh Gour University, Sagar, (M. P.), India Pharmaceutics Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Hari Singh Gour University, Sagar, (M. P.), India Pharmaceutics Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Hari Singh Gour University, Sagar, (M. P.), India ABSTRACT To deliver zidovudine (AZT) to asialoglycoprotein receptors, drug- containing galactosylated liposomes were prepared. Simultaneously, miconazole nitrate (MCZ) was entrapped in the outer liposomal bilayer of double liposomes for the treatment of opportunistic fungal infections. Galactosylated liposomes were entrapped in double liposomes. The galactose binding Ricinus communis lectin was used for the determination of in vitro ligand binding capacity. Percent cumulative drug release from double liposomes with inner uncoated liposomes (DLMA) and inner galactosylated liposomes (Gal-DLMA) were compared. Cellular drug uptake studies were performed. In vivo antifungal activity, plasma distribution and hepatic localization study were performed in albino rats. Percent cumulative drug release of AZT from inner liposomes was significantly higher with DLMA as compared to Gal-DLMA. MCZ uptake was 4.7 times greater after encapsulation in liposomes irrespective of inner liposome coating and maximum AZT uptake (7.9 fold enhancement) was observed from double bilayer galactosylated liposomes as compared to free drug. MCZ encapsulated in double liposomes was able to reduce CFU (colony forming units) values to a significant extent in various tissues. Gal-DLMA remains in the body for longer period of time. In case of Gal-DLMA administration significant amount of AZT was recovered from parenchymal cells of liver as compared to non-parenchymal cells. Galactosylated lipid substances allowed liver specific uptake of AZT at enhanced parenchymal: non-parenchymal selectivity ratios and at the same time could deliver MCZ for treatment of fungal infections. Galactosylated liposomes further entrapped in liposomes hold much promise in dual drug delivery. Keywords: Double liposomes, Hepatocyte, Candidiasis, Zidovudine, Miconazole Correspondence to Author: Babu Ram Garg Principal, Himachal Institute of Pharmacy, Poanta Sahib, Distt. Sirmour (H. P.), India E- mail: brgarg2005@yahoo.co.in