Overview of solidification techniques for self-emulsifying drug delivery systems from industrial perspective

Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) are lipid formulations that improve solubility and oral bioavailability of the incorporated drug with poor biopharmaceutical properties. As liquids they are traditionally filled into soft or hard capsules. Transformation of SEDDS into solid dosage form has been extensively investigated in the recent years because solid dosage forms improve stability, handling and patient compliance. By using different solidification techniques selfemulsifying powders, granules, pellets and tablets can be produced. Appropriate excipients, solid carriers and processing parameters must be selected for each solidification technique to enable processability and preserve the self-emulsifying ability of the system upon its transformation into the solid formulation. In the present review various industrially applicable solidification techniques and excipients used for transforming liquid SEDDS into solid dosage forms with high production yield and good perspectives for being produced in large scales are discussed.