Liposomal carriers: Development, evaluation, applications with its regulatory aspects

Liposomes are the initially introduced nano targeted drug delivery systems that have been successfully transferred and commercialized due to its high therapeutic index by its clinical applications. Liposomes are colloidal spheres that contain cholesterol, non-toxic surfactants, sphingolipids, glycolipids, long-chain fatty acids, and even membrane proteins and medicinal compounds. These are the most often employed drug delivery vehicles due to their size and amphiphilic characteristics. Drugs that are therapeutically active can be delivered easily using liposomes, including tiny compounds and macromolecules like proteins, peptides, and genes. These range from 25-1000 nm. It used for the administration of various types of drugs and the active substance to treat various diseases by targeting the site. It involves the mechanism of targeting the site without affecting the other cells that is majorly useful in the treatment of cancer. The major advantages of the liposome application are the protection of active compounds from degradation; the increase in circulation time and the possibility to achieve partial or total selectivity.   The regulatory aspects are developed over time are described, followed by the lipid family, vesicular drug carrier systems. This review discusses briefly about liposomes and its advantages, disadvantages, types, methods of preparation with its evaluation and the regulatory aspects of the new drug and generic drugs.