Liposome-bound cortisol: a new approach to cutaneous therapy.

Preparation and applicability of liposome-bound cortisol as a drug delivery system for cutaneous administration of glucocorticoids have been investigated. With the liposomal drug a very much improved concentration-time profile was obtained in the different layers of human skin when compared with conventional cortisol in the ointment. The pronounced carrier ability of liposomes for cortisol in the skin holds promise for an increase in its therapeutic efficiency, while at the same time reducing unwanted systemic side effects of the topical glucocorticoid therapy.