Targeted follicular delivery of macromolecules via liposomes

The hair follicle, hair shaft and sebaceous gland collectively form what is recognized as the pilosebaceous unit. This complex, 3-D structure within the skin, possesses a unique biochemistry, metabolism and immunology. Recent studies have focused on the hair follicle as a potential pathway for both localized and systemic drug delivery. Targeted drug delivery may enhance current therapeutic approaches to treating diseases of follicular origin. In a growing number of topical studies, liposomes have been shown to target drug delivery to the pilosebaceous unit. Presented here is a summary of some of our recent work with a particular focus on studies which have demonstrated targeted follicular delivery via liposomes. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.