[The use of liposomes as intravitreal drug delivery system]

J Fr Ophtalmol. 2003 Nov;26(9):981-5.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Liposomes are vesicular lipidic systems allowing encapsulation of drugs. This article reviews the relevant issues in liposome structure (composition and size), and their influence on intravitreal pharmacokinetics. Liposome-mediated drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye via intravitreal administration has been addressed by several authors and remains experimental. Liposomes have been used for intravitreal delivery of antibiotics, antivirals, antifungal drugs, antimetabolites, and cyclosporin. Encapsulation of these drugs within liposomes markedly increased their intravitreal half-life, and reduced their retinal toxicity. Liposomes have also shown an attractive potential for retinal gene transfer by intravitreal delivery of plasmids or oligonucleotides.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Biological Availability
  • Blood-Retinal Barrier
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Gene Transfer Techniques
  • Half-Life
  • Humans
  • Liposomes / administration & dosage*
  • Liposomes / chemistry
  • Metabolic Clearance Rate
  • Vitreous Body / drug effects*
  • Vitreous Body / metabolism

Substances

  • Liposomes