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Lipid-based amphotericin B formulations: from animals to man

Bekersky1, Fielding, Buell

  • 1Fujisawa Healthcare, Inc., Three Parkway North, Deerfield, IL 60015, USA.

Pharmaceutical Science & Technology Today
|June 15, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Amphotericin B remains a key antifungal drug, but lipid formulations significantly improve its safety and therapeutic index. This review compares these advanced delivery systems for better systemic antifungal treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Pharmacology
  • Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

  • Amphotericin B has been a primary systemic antifungal agent for over three decades.
  • Despite its efficacy, severe side effects limit its use.
  • Newer antifungal agents have not surpassed Amphotericin B's effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review modern lipid-based drug delivery systems for Amphotericin B.
  • To compare the efficacy and safety profiles of marketed liposomal formulations.
  • To highlight advancements in Amphotericin B's therapeutic index.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on Amphotericin B and its lipid formulations.
  • Analysis of structural differences between liposomal Amphotericin B products.
  • Comparison of clinical data regarding efficacy and side effects.

Main Results:

  • Lipid formulations enhance Amphotericin B's safety by reducing toxicity.
  • Three marketed liposomal Amphotericin B formulations exist, differing in structure and side-effect profiles.
  • These formulations allow for more aggressive treatment compared to conventional Amphotericin B.

Conclusions:

  • Lipid-based drug delivery has significantly improved Amphotericin B's safety profile.
  • Marketed liposomal formulations offer improved therapeutic indices.
  • Understanding formulation-specific differences is crucial for optimal systemic antifungal therapy.

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