Oral solid self-emulsifying formulations: a patent review.

Self-emulsifying compositions are lipidic drug delivery systems that provide a number of delivery advantages. A variety of excipients are available for designing of these drug delivery systems. These systems can be classified as Type I, II, III, and IV, and alternatively as solid, semi-solid, and liquid. Till date many patents have been published on self-emulsifying compositions, and a few commercial products have also been launched. The purpose of this review is to have insights into the patent literature capturing the developments in the area of oral solid self-emulsifying formulations. Though the main emphasis is on developments in solid self-emulsifying formulations, an overview of different manufacturing techniques has also been provided. These formulations can be grouped as conventional, granules, pellets, tablets, supersaturable, controlled release, eutectic-based, and positively charged. The components of self-emulsifying formulations described in this review are not limited only to oils, surfactants, and cosurfactants but also include binders, polymers, diluents, alkalinizing agents, stabilizing agents, preservatives, and viscosity adjusting agents. The inventions highlighted in this article provide useful guidelines for enhancement of oral bioavailability of drugs through this drug delivery platform.