1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (16:0-18:1 EPC) is an acyl cationic lipid. O-alkyl phosphatidylcholines constitute the first chemically stable tri-esters of biological lipid structures and the first cationic derivatives of phospholipids consisting entirely of biological metabolites linked with ester bonds. The lipid has low toxicity and is biodegradable.