A process for formulating certain epothilone analogs for parenteral
administration is disclosed wherein the analog is dissolved in a mixture
of at least 50% by volume tertiary-butanol in water, the mixture is
lyophilized, the resulting lyophilized product is packaged in one vial
with a sufficient amount of solvent comprising anhydrous ethanol and a
suitable nonionic surfactant in a second vial. All steps are carried out
with protection from light. In use, the contents of the second or diluent
vial are added to the lyophilized product and mixed to constitute the
epothilone analog and the resulting solution is diluted with a suitable
diluent to produce a solution for intravenous injection containing the
epothilone analog in a concentration of from about 0.1 mg/mL to about 0.9
mg/mL. A preferred surfactant is polyethoxylated castor oil and a
preferred diluent is Lactated Ringer's Injection.