title: A novel, lipid-free nanodispersion formulation of propofol and its characterization.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Propofol is a widely used anesthetic agent with highly desirable fast "on" and "off" effects. It is currently formulated as lipid emulsions, which are known to support microbial growth. In this study, a novel, lipid-free nanodispersion formulation of propofol was characterized.
  
  
  METHODS
  The formulation was evaluated for its physical and chemical stability, in vitro compatibility with red blood cells, and its antimicrobial effectiveness. In vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the formulation were evaluated in rats.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our data suggest that this lipid-free formulation is physically and chemically stable. Compared to the commercial emulsion formulation Diprivan, it causes less hemolysis with red blood cells and has improved antimicrobial activity. In addition, the lipid-free formulation demonstrates similar pharmacological effects to Diprivan in rats.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This novel, lipid-free formulation exhibits improved in vitro properties without compromising in vivo effects, therefore representing a promising new alternative for propofol.
authors.affiliation: TransForm Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 29 Hartwell Avenue, Lexington, Massachusetts 02421, USA. chen@transformpharma.com
authors.forename: Hongming
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Zhong
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Orn
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Almarsson
authors.forename: Jean-Francois
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Marier
authors.forename: Dina
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Berkovitz
authors.forename: Colin R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Gardner
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D006461:Hemolysis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry; D015742:Propofol / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
chemical_list: D015742:Propofol