Encapsulated Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System of Simvastatin: A Novel Approach for Enhanced Dissolution

Background: The solid form of a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) enhances formulation stability and dissolution. This study aimed to develop an encapsulated self-emulsifying drug delivery system of simvastatin utilizing Tween 80/ethanol mixture as the surfactant/co-surfactant system. Methods: Two separate 10 mL Tween 80/ethanol mixes (ratios 5:5 and 1:9) were used in formulating Liquid SEDDSs containing 0.1 g simvastatin. Compatibility studies using FTIR spectroscopy and particle size analysis using zeta sizer were carried out. The liquid SEDDSs were adsorbed on microcrystalline cellulose and later encapsulated. In vitro dissolution of the capsules in comparison with a marketed product was carried out. Results: The observed peaks in the fingerprint region in the spectrum of simvastatin were superimposed in the spectrum of the SEDDS. There was no significant difference in the particle size of simvastatin and the SEDDS. The marketed product released less than 5% of the drug after 120 minutes, whereas the formulated SEDDSs showed a drug release of 32–40% (an increase of over 600%). Conclusion: The solid SEDDS formulation of simvastatin improves drug delivery compared to the conventional formulation. Additionally, a 5:5 Tween 80/ethanol ratio is superior to a 1:9 ratio for SEDDS formulation