SELF MICROEMULSIFYING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS (SMEDDS): KEY APPROACH FOR IMPROVING ORAL DELIVERY OF POORLY WATER SOLUBLE DRUGS

DINAKARAN M.; GRACE RATHNAM

doi:10.22159/ijcpr.2025v17i4.7034

Authors

DINAKARAN M. Department of Pharmaceutics, C. L. Baid Metha College of Pharmacy, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Thoraipakkam, Chennai-600097, India
GRACE RATHNAM Department of Pharmaceutics, C. L. Baid Metha College of Pharmacy, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Thoraipakkam, Chennai-600097, India https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3266-7816

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22159/ijcpr.2025v17i4.7034

Keywords:

Self-micro emulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS), Oral bioavailability, Lipid phase, Surfactant, Co-surfactant

Abstract

Nearly 50% of newly developed drug candidates that progress to the formulation stage exhibit poor water solubility. Oral administration remains the most common route for the long-term treatment of many diseases. However, in numerous cases, the orally delivered drugs encounter obstacles due to their high lipophilicity. These poorly soluble in water face challenges such as reduced oral bioavailability, significant variability between and within subjects, and a lack of dose proportionality. The primary goal of this review is to compile and present detailed information on the design and assessment of self microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS). This compilation aims to assist in improving the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs administered orally. SMEDDS are isotropic mixtures of oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants. Upon mild agitation and dilution with water-such as gastrointestinal fluids-they form clear oil-in-water microemulsions. SMEDDS has become a key strategy for enhancing the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. Despite its benefits, SMEDDS faces several challenges, such as drug precipitation in the body, handling difficulties, limited uptake through the lymphatic system, the absence of reliable in vitro predictive tests, and the risk of oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. These drawbacks can hinder its broader application. Converting SMEDDS into solid forms can also resolve issues related to the instability and handling of liquid formulations. This review thoroughly examines the challenges of SMEDDS and explores practical strategies to address them.

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