Development, Optimization, Characterization and Impact of In vitro Lipolysis on Drug Release of Telmisartan Loaded SMEDDS

Objective: The objective of the current research is systematic optimization and development of microemulsion preconcentrates to get better solubility that results in improvement of oral bioavailability profile of Telmisartan utilizing D-optimal mixture design. Methods: Solubility studies in a variety of lipidic ingredients and optimization of formulations were carried out for the development of liquid SMEDDS. D-optimal mixture design was utilized for assessing the interaction performance of desired responses (such as % cumulative drug release and globule size) and optimized using desirability approach. The optimized batch was evaluated for its % cumulative drug release and globule size performance for determining the dissolution rate and oral bioavailability of drug. Results: The optimized batch (F-8), which contained 10% oil (Capmul MCM EP), 45% surfactant (Labrasol) and 45% co-surfactant (Transcutol HP) resulted in desired qualities of measured responses with 84.6nm globule size and 98.5% drug release within 15 minutes. Optimized SMEDDS showed brilliant goodness of fit between drug release. Stability studies indicated stability of the optimized SMEDDS batch over 3-month storage at 40°C/75% RH and improved dissolution rate in contrast to pure API. The optimized SMEDDS showed no impact of in vitro lipolysis on drug release. Conclusion: Developed and optimized SMEDDS showed improved in vitro dissolution rate and dissolution profile in contrast to pure drug. These investigations further confirm dose reduction in SMEDDS by gaining an equivalent therapeutic profile with non-SMEDDS formulation. This research work successfully shows the potential usage of SMEDDS for delivery of BCS-II class drugs.