Liposomal Toxicity – a‘SEEM TO BE’ Concern for Formulation Technologists

Abstract

Liposomal drug delivery (LDD) has become a promising strategy & is continuing to be a big success for the Pharmaceutical Industry. Toxicity associated with LDD did not pin point intricately making it impossible to construe. Although the induction of Liposomal toxicity is mysterious & there has been a limited exploration, there was some evidence from animal studies which include haemolysis platelet aggregation, emboli, seizures & ‘proton sponge effect’. The mechanism responsible for induction of immune responses is revealed by protein kinase-C mediated down regulation of TNF-α, NO, PGE-2. Reports at the molecular level has been proved that Liposomal efficiency/ toxicity profile was influenced by factors like molecular weight, ionic strength particle size & the amount of drug load into the liposome i.e., anticancer drug loaded excessively into liposo me has lead to cardio toxicity, skin toxicity. Increased concentration of drug hampered the efficiency due to crystalline formation & altered rate kinetics of drug release. The present objective of the study is to signify the causes of toxicity & attempts to wipe out the harmful effects associated with LDD. The task of minimizing the toxic effects of LDD is challenging aspect for the pharmaceutical technologist & makes this novel drug therapy safe, effective & unblemished.