LIPOSOMES IN HUMAN THERAPY: A REVOLUTION IN DRUG DELIVERY

Abstract

Current developments in pharmaceutical science are focused on improving drug delivery systems to enhance the efficacy and safety of pharmacotherapy. One of the most promising areas is the use of liposomes nanostructured vesicles consisting of phospholipid bilayers capable of encapsulating both hydrophilic and lipophilic drug substances. Liposomes possess high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity and the potential for surface modification to enable targeted drug delivery. This paper provides an overview of current understanding of the structure of liposomes, the mechanisms of their interaction with cells, the advantages and limitations of liposomal drug formulations, as well as the main areas of their application in clinical practice. Particular attention is paid to the use of liposomes in oncology, antimicrobial therapy and vaccine development. It is demonstrated that liposomal delivery systems enable an increase in the bioavailability of medicinal substances, a reduction in their systemic toxicity and the provision of controlled release of active compounds.

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