Global Journal of Pharmacology 9 (2): 166-173, 2015 ISSN 1992-0075 © IDOSI Publications, 2015 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.gjp.2015.9.2.93140 Corresponding Author: Sonia Tyagi, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Plot No. 2, Sector 17-A, Yamuna Expressway, Greater Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India. Tel: +91 8882285549. 166 Advancement and Patents on Liposomal Drug Delivery Sonia Tyagi, Pramod Kumar Sharma and Rishabha Malviya Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India Abstract: Liposomes derived from Greek: 'Lipos' means fat and 'Soma' means body. Liposomes increase efficacy and therapeutic index of drug, stability via encapsulation. They are biocompatible and completely biodegradable in nature. On structure parameters, liposomes are classified into large unilamellar, medium lamellar, giant unilamellar, oligolamellar etc. On preparation parameters, liposomes are classified into Single or oligolamellar vesicle made by reverse phase evaporation method, Multilamellar vesicle made by reverse phase evaporation method, Stable plurilamellar vesicle. On Composition and application, liposomes are classified into conventional liposome, fusogenic liposome, cationic liposome, long circulatory liposome etc. Liposomes are prepared bypassive loading technique and active loading techniques. Various marketed formulations are available in market of liposomes for different diseases. Key words: Liposomes Method Of Preparation Therapeutic Application Marketed Formulation Patents INTRODUCTION biodegradable, non-toxic, flexible and non Liposome is derived from Greek: 'Lipos' means fat and administrations. 'Soma' means body [1]. They consist of microscopic Liposomes reduce toxicity because of its capsulation spherical one or more lipid bilayer surrounding aqueous character (Amphotericin B, Taxol). volume enclosed by lipid volume, where the polar head Liposomes help to reduce exposure of sensitive groups are oriented in the pathway of the interior and tissues to toxic drugs. exterior aqueous phases. Particle sizes of liposomes are Site avoidance effect. ranging from 30 nm to several micrometers [2]. Liposomes Flexibility to couple with site-specific ligands to consist by natural or synthetic phospholipids. Liposomes achieve active targeting. have been known for their considerable potential such as biocompatibility, non-immunogenicity and biodegradable Disadvantages of Liposomes: There are some properties as drug carriers. Due to their inherent structural disadvantages of liposomes; specifities and properties, Liposomes are capable of encapsulating hydrophilic drugs inside their aqueous Production cost is high. phase and hydrophobic drugs inside their phospholipids Leakage and fusion of encapsulated drug /molecules. bilayers [3, 4]. Sometimes phospholipids undergo oxidation and Advantages of Liposome: There are various advantages of Short half-life. liposomes; Problem to targeting to various tissues due to their Liposomes have efficacy and therapeutic index of Low solubility, less stability [5]. drug (Actinomycin-D). Liposomes increase stability via encapsulation. Classification of Liposome: Liposomes can be classified Liposomes are biocompatible, completely on the bases of following parameters; immunogenic for systemic and non-systemic hydrolysis like reaction. large size.