Design and Evaluation of a Self-nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System-based Meloxicam Gel for Enhanced Topical Delivery

Background:: Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems have emerged as a promis-ing approach to modify the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs. Meloxicam, an NSAID with limited water solubility, displays inadequate oral bioavailability and gastric side effects. Hence, the objective of the present investigation is to design, optimize, and evaluate SNEDDS-loaded meloxicam gel for enhanced topical delivery. Methods:: The various excipients, like oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant, were screened for solubility, and ternary phase diagrams were fabricated to select the optimum ratio of surfactant to co-surfactant (Smix). Later, liquid SNEDDS formulations were prepared using selected excipi-ents and characterised for various parameters. The selected SNEDDS formulation was evaluated for zeta potential and droplet size, and further incorporated into gels, which were optimised by using a 22 full factorial design. Results:: The optimised SNEDDS formulation (F10) exhibited a mean droplet size of 160.20±2.65 nm with low PDI (0.353) and -30 mV±1.24 zeta potential. Formulation F10 was sta-ble, clear, and showed high transmittance. Discussion:: Incorporation into gel provided desirable viscosity and drug content. Factorial design analysis revealed a significant effect of the independent variable on the viscosity of the gel. SNEDDS-loaded G3 formulation was optimized based on desirability value, which displayed a sustained and enhanced release profile, with approximately 93% cumulative drug release within 60 minutes. Conclusion:: An optimized SNEDDS-loaded meloxicam gel formulation was successfully devel-oped using factorial design, which could enhance the topical bioavailability, offering a promising alternative for topical delivery.