Abstract
PurposeThe aim of the present study was to formulate and optimize lipid blend-based olmesartan medoxomil (OLM) loaded nanoparticulate scaffolds (NLCs) for enhanced oral bioavailability.MethodThe OLM-NLCs were formulated using dependent variables in different concentrations of solid lipid, liquid lipid, surfactant, and co-surfactant by using melt emulsification combined with ultrasonication technique. The formulations were experimentally optimized using a three-factor, three-level statistical design approach. The formulated OLM-NLCs were evaluated for various pharmaceutical quality evaluation parameters and further optimized formulation (OLM-NLCopt) was assessed for release kinetics, thermal behavior, and in vivo absorption assessment.ResultThe optimized formulation (OLM-NLCopt) showed particle size (138.7nm), PDI (0.18), and entrapment efficiency (83.65%). The comparative in vitro release study revealed OLM-NLCopt showed significantly higher (p<0.05) drug release compare to OLM-susp. The in vivo study showed the OLM-NLCopt indicated nearly 3-fold improvement in oral bioavailability vis-a-vis OLM-susp in mice model.ConclusionThe results of the release study and pharmacokinetic study suggest the potential of OLM-NLCs for improved oral delivery.