Enhancing the Solubility of Canagliflozin Using Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SMEDDS): A Novel Approach for Improved Bioavailability
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Abstract
The objective of this study was to create self-emulsifying microemulsion preconcentrates that could enhance the solubility and oral bioavailability of canagliflozin, a drug used to treat Type II diabetes mellitus. Canagliflozin belongs to BCS class IV due to its poor solubility and permeability. The oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants were selected for the pre-concentrates based on solubility studies and the range of concentrations that could impact the development of microemulsions was determined. The prepared formulations are then evaluated for the in vitro behaviour to determine the drug's dissolution rate, and found that the formulation containing peceol, Tween 80, and Transcutol was effective. 15 formulations of microemulsions were prepared using these lipid excipients with varying agitation times and water quantities. Basing on the results, F7 and F13 are found to be the best formulations. F7 had a drug release rate of 99.29% in 30 minutes while F13 had a release rate of 98.2% in 40 minutes, indicating the immediate release property of Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SMEDDS). The particle sizes of the optimized formulations F7 and F13 were 348.4 and 384 nm, respectively, which is imperative of increased solubility and bioavailability.