Abstract
Phospholipids are noticed not only as components of biomembranes, but also as materials for clinical applications. Liposomes have been used as carrier vehicles of drugs, such as antifungal and anticancer drugs, and are expected for a new drug delivery system. Many clinical trials of these drugs encapsulated in liposomes have been progressed in the world wide area. Liposomes encapsulating hemoglobin have been investigated as an artificial blood. Specific drugs for infant respiratory distress syndrome using dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), which is known as a main component of lung surfactant, have been developed, and some of these drugs have already come on market. Alkyl lysophosphatidylcholine derivatives have an unique antineoplastic function. In this review, we described recent progress and a prospect for the medical applications using phospholipids.
