Self-Micellizing Technology Improves the Properties of Ezetimibe and Increases Its Effect on Hyperlipidemic Rats

The aim of this work was to develop ezetimibe self-micellizing solid dispersions using Kolliphor^® RH40 (MS-K) as a surfactant incorporating ezetimibe (EZ) into the croscarmellose hydrophilic carrier. Different ezetimibe:Kolliphor^® ratios were studied to select micellar systems that improve the dissolution properties of ezetimibe. The different formulations were characterized by means of solid state analysis by SEM, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dissolution studies. These physicochemical studies showed a decrease from the crystalline structure of ezetimibe (EZ) to its amorphous state in the micellar systems (MS-K). A rapid dissolution profile was observed in these micellar systems compared to the drug raw material and physical mixture. Efficacy studies were conducted using a high-fat diet that induced hyperlipidemic rats. The micellar system selected (MS-K 1:0.75) revealed a significant improvement in serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and triglycerides (TG) compared to ezetimibe raw material. The histopathological examination of liver tissue also showed that this micellar system exhibited more beneficial effects on liver steatosis compared to ezetimibe raw material (EZ-RM) and the high-fat diet group (HFD). This study suggests that EZ micellar systems using Kolliphor^® RH40 could enhance the antihyperlipidemic effect of ezetimibe and reduce liver steatosis.