Development of a solidified self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SMEDDS) for atorvastatin calcium with improved dissolution and bioavailability

To improve the dissolution and oral bioavailability (BA) of atorvastatin calcium (ATV), we previously introduced an optimized self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) using Capmul® MCM (oil), Tween® 20 (surfactant), and tetraglycol (cosurfactant). In this study, various solid carriers were employed to develop a solidified SMEDDS (S-SMEDDS): mannitol (M) and lactose (L) as water-soluble carriers, and Sylysia® 350 (S) and Aerosil® 200 (A) as water-insoluble carriers. Maximum solidifying capacities (SCmax) of water-insoluble carriers were significantly greater than those of water-soluble carriers were. 

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