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Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Formulation and Characterization of Bioactive Agent Containing Nanodisks
Published on: March 17, 2023
Amphotericin B formulations and drug targeting.
J J Torrado1, R Espada, M P Ballesteros
1Dpto Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, Facultad de Farmacia, Complutense University of Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal, 28040 Madrid, Spain. torrado1@farm.ucm.es
New Amphotericin B formulations improve treatment of fungal infections by altering drug delivery. These advanced formulations enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity, offering better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Antimicrobial Therapy
Background:
- Amphotericin B (AMB) is a vital antibiotic for systemic fungal infections, despite its toxicity.
- AMB's solubility and aggregation state significantly influence its pharmacokinetic profile and therapeutic activity.
- Existing AMB formulations present challenges due to toxicity and variable efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and activity of various Amphotericin B formulations.
- To evaluate the drug targeting potential of novel AMB delivery systems.
- To review recent advancements in AMB formulations for improved therapeutic ratios.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of published data on Amphotericin B formulations.
- Review of pharmacokinetic studies for different AMB delivery systems (liposomes, nanospheres, microspheres).
- Assessment of clinical efficacy and toxicity profiles of marketed AMB formulations.
Main Results:
- Novel formulations (liposomal, nanospheres, microspheres) alter AMB distribution, increasing liver/spleen concentrations and decreasing kidney/lung concentrations.
- These advanced drug delivery systems can reduce AMB toxicity while potentially enhancing drug accessibility to specific tissues like bone marrow.
- Newer AMB formulations like AmBisome, Abelcet, and Amphotec demonstrate an improved efficacy/toxicity ratio.
Conclusions:
- Formulation significantly impacts Amphotericin B's pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties.
- Advanced drug delivery systems offer promising strategies for targeted delivery and reduced toxicity of Amphotericin B.
- Recent Amphotericin B formulations provide enhanced therapeutic options for systemic fungal infections.
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