A Review on Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SNEDDS)

Abstract

The formulation of Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SNEDDS) has emerged as a promising approach to enhance the solubility, dissolution rate, and oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. This review focuses on the formulation and evaluation of SNEDDS containing Sitagliptin and Metformin Hydrochloride, two antidiabetic agents that act synergistically to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. While Metformin exhibits low permeability and Sitagliptin has limited solubility, their combined delivery through SNEDDS offers an innovative platform for improved therapeutic performance. The review discusses the principles of nanoemulsion formation, selection of suitable oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants based on solubility and emulsification efficiency, and optimization using pseudo-ternary phase diagrams. Key formulation and evaluation parameters—such as globule size, zeta potential, and emulsification time, drug loading capacity, thermodynamic stability, and in vitro drug release—are critically analyzed. The potential of SNEDDS to overcome the pharmacokinetic limitations of conventional dosage forms, reduce dose frequency, and improve patient compliance is emphasized. Overall, the combination SNEDDS of Sitagliptin and Metformin Hydrochloride represents a novel strategy to achieve enhanced bioavailability, controlled release, and effective management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Keywords: SNEDDS, Sitagliptin; Metformin Hydrochloride; Type 2 diabetes mellitus; Self-nanoemulsifying system.