[Trends in the development of research in the field of liposomes (review of patent literature)].

The review embraces major trends and tendencies in liposome studies and is based on the statistical and qualitative analysis of patent information issued in the period 1970-1988. Special attention is devoted to the analysis of patents in liposome production techniques, their lipid composition, and application in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries and also for the diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Liposomal preparations are shown to be superior to common drugs as concerns, in particular, liposomes containing medicinal agents for prolonged use (including hormones, antibiotics, cytostatics, and immunostimulants) and liposomes used in dermatological practice. Liposome-based assessment of application prospects is given.