SEDDS

SEDDS stands for Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System. It is a formulation technology designed to improve the oral absorption of poorly soluble drugs. SEDDS formulations consist of a mixture of oils, surfactants, and sometimes co-solvents or co-surfactants, into which the drug is dissolved. When administered orally and exposed to the aqueous environment of the gastrointestinal tract, these systems spontaneously form fine oil-in-water emulsions or microemulsions.

The mechanism behind SEDDS involves the ability of the surfactants and co-solvents to reduce the interfacial tension between the oil phase containing the drug and the aqueous intestinal fluid. This reduction in tension facilitates the formation of a large surface area of lipid droplets, which can then encapsulate the drug. The emulsification process helps to maintain the drug in a solubilized state, preventing its precipitation and increasing its contact with the intestinal absorptive surfaces.

SEDDS can significantly enhance the bioavailability of lipophilic drugs that have poor aqueous solubility and permeability. The increased surface area and intimate contact with the gut wall, along with the potential for lymphatic transport of the drug, contribute to improved absorption. This technology is particularly beneficial for drug candidates that exhibit low oral bioavailability due to poor dissolution rates. Development of SEDDS involves careful selection of excipients to ensure drug solubility, thermodynamic stability, and the formation of desirable droplet sizes upon dispersion.