paclitaxel albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation

A Cremophor ELP-free, albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation of the natural taxane paclitaxel with antineoplastic activity. Paclitaxel binds to and stabilizes microtubules, preventing their depolymerization and so inhibiting cellular motility, mitosis, and replication. This formulation solubilizes paclitaxel without the use of Cremophor ELP and permits the administration of larger doses of this agent, which would be toxic in a Cremophor ELP-containing formulation due to Cremophor ELP’s toxicity profile. Cremophor ELP is a nonionic solubilizer made by reacting castor oil with ethylene oxide in a molar ratio of 1:35, followed by a purification step.