Method of preparing liposomes and products produced thereby

A method for preparing a stable liposome precursor in the form of a thin film of liposomal components of predetermined amount coated on a water-soluble particulate carrier material which is suitable for intravenous use, which liposome precursor may be hydrated to form a liposome product of controlled and acceptable mean size, which comprises forming a solution, in an organic solvent, of at least one liposome-forming lipid selected from the group consisting of a phospholipid, a natural lecithin and a synthetic lecithin in an amount of from about 1 to about 25% by weight of the organic solution, optionally, at least one biologically active compound which is medicament, protein, enzyme, hormone or diagnostic agent, and, optionally, at least one adjuvant which imparts advantageous properties to the final liposome preparation, and coating a particulate water-soluble carrier material which is suitable for intravenous use and is substantially insoluble in said organic solvent, with the so-formed organic solution to form a thin film of liposomal components of predetermined desired amount on said carrier material which thin film contains a ratio of lipid:optional biologically active compound (where present) of within the range of from about 0.5:1 to about 1000:1, which so-coated particulate water-soluble carrier material may be exposed to a hydration medium to form a final hydrated liposome product of controlled and desired mean size.