Definition

A formulation of the tartrate salt form of vinorelbine, a semisynthetic vinca alkaloid, encapsulated within liposomes, with potential antineoplastic activity. Upon intravenous administration, vinorelbine binds to tubulin within tumor cells and prevents the formation of the mitotic spindle, resulting in cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis and an inhibition of tumor cell growth. Compared to the administration of vinorelbine alone, the liposomal formulation improves drug penetration into tumors and decreases drug clearance, thereby increasing vinorelbine’s efficacy while lowering the toxicity profile.