Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of dual-targeting daunorubicin liposomes in mice

To circumvent the problem of transporting anticancer drugs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to target brain tumors, we have previously developed dual-targeting daunorubicin liposomes modified with 4-aminophenyl-α-D-manno-pyranoside and transferrin molecules. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and distribution of daunorubicin after intravenous administration of dual-targeting daunorubicin liposomes.

We evaluated pharmacological parameters in normal KunMing mice. Drug concentrations in plasma, heart, spleen, lung, kidney and brain were measured using HPLC-UV.

The plasma drug concentration-time profile of the daunorubicin dual-targeting liposomes decreased more slowly than free daunorubicin in the initial phase and maintained higher drug levels in the terminal phase, resulting in longer blood exposure to daunorubicin liposomes compared with the free drug. Daunorubicin levels were lower in heart tissue and significantly higher in brain tissue after administration of the dual-targeting liposomes compared with the free drug. Daunorubicin was detected at varying levels in the liver, spleen, lung and kidney tissues.

Our results indicate that dual-targeting daunorubicin liposomes improve the daunorubicin blood circulation time and show an enhanced drug transport potential across the BBB.