Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System

Poor aqueous solubility and gastrointestinal lability of drugs meant for oral administration are consistent challenges for formulation scientists and regulatory authorities. In view of this, several endeavors have been made in the past, including development of nanosuspension, complexes, solid dispersions, and nanocrystals, to improve oral bioavailability of these drugs. Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) have been extensively explored to improve the dissolution rate limited bioavailability of drugs. The ease of manufacture, use of inexpensive excipients, thermodynamic stability, and permeation of drugs in the nano range through the lymphatic route has made them unique nanocarriers for oral delivery of poorly soluble drugs. The current chapter discusses composition, preparation techniques, characterization, and applications of SNEDDS.