Liposome Co. reaches milestone

The Liposome Co. and Schering AGhave reached a milestone in their development of TLC I-16, a liposomalnonionic contrast agent for CT scans of the liver. The firms haveagreed on the formulation of the prototype product and will nowproceed from research to a product development program.

The companies will jointly conduct preclinical testing of TLCI-16, with the Liposome Co. responsible for formulation developmentand Schering conducting preclinical studies in animals. Scheringwill provide developmental funding.

TLC I-16 is an imaging agent that is encapsulated within liposomes,using a proprietary process. The product is being developed foruse with CT scans of patients with advanced colon, lung or breastcancer in whom there is suspicion that cancer has metastasizedto the liver.

On regulatory approval of TLC I-16, the Liposome Co. will manufacturethe agent and Schering will market it globally.