Clodronate liposomes are a mixture of chlorophosphate salts encapsulated within liposomes. These liposomes are ingested by macrophages in the body. Within the lysosomes of the macrophages, phosphatases gradually release the chlorophosphate salts from the lipid vesicles, leading to intracellular accumulation. Once a critical concentration is reached, this accumulation causes irreversible damage to the macrophages, triggering apoptosis.