Liposome compositions and methods for the treatment of atherosclerosis

• US 20020110588A1
• Filed: 11/05/2001
• Published: 08/15/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/04/1994
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Pfizer Inc.
• Original Assignee: University of British Columbia
• Inventors: Hope, Michael J., Rodrigueza, Wendi
• Granted Patent: US 7,101,570 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 424/450
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/685 one of the hydroxy compounds having nitrogen atoms, e.g. phosphatidylserine, lecithin
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 9/127 Liposomes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/2984 Microcapsule with fluid core [includes liposome]

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating atherosclerosis. The compositions comprise unilamellar liposomes having an average diameter of 100-150 nanometers. Methods for treating atherosclerosis employing the compositions of the present invention are also provided.

Claims

1. A pharmaceutical composition consisting essentially of:

unilamellar liposomes having an average diameter of about 100-150 nanometers, which liposomes are not bound to a drug; and

a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

2. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the liposomes are bound to apoproteins.

3. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the liposomes have an average diameter of about 125 nanometers.

4. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the liposomes comprise at least one phospholipid.

5. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 4, wherein the phospholipid is phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, distearoylphosphatidylcholine, or distearoylphosphatidylglycerol.

6. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 4, wherein the liposome comprises phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol.

7. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the liposome is liquid-crystalline at 37°

C.

8. A method for treating atherosclerosis in an animal comprising administering a liposome composition to the animal, which liposome composition consists essentially of unilamellar liposomes having an average diameter of about 100-150 nanometers.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the unilamellar liposomes have an average diameter of 125 nanometers.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the liposomes comprise at least one phospholipid.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the phospholipid is phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, distearoylphosphatidylcholine, or distearoylphosphatidylglycerol.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the liposome comprises phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the liposome is liquid-crystalline at 37°

C.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein the liposome composition is administered parenterally.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the liposome composition is administered intravenously.

16. The method of claim 8, further comprising repeating the administration of the liposome composition.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the liposome composition is administered every 7-14 days.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the liposome composition is administered intravenously.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the liposome composition is administered at least twice.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein the liposomes comprise phosphatidylcholine.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the liposomes comprise phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol.

18. A method for treating atherosclerosis in an animal comprising administering a liposome composition to the animal, which liposome composition consists essentially of unilamellar liposomes having an average diameter of about 125 nanometers.