Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) for oral delivery of protein drugs: III. In vivo oral absorption study

To use self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) to deliver hydrophilic proteins orally. β-Lactamase (BLM), a 29 kDa protein was used as a model protein, and formulated into the oil phase of a SNEDDS through solid dispersion technique. The oral absorption of BLM in rats when delivered by such a SNEDDS was investigated. Oral delivery of 4500 mU/kg of BLM in SNEDDS nanoemulsion resulted in the relative bioavailability of 6.34%, Cmax of 1.9 mU/ml and mean residence time of 12.12 h which was 1.5-, 2.7- and 1.3-fold higher than that by free solution, respectively. Delivery of BLM in the aqueous phase of the nanoemulsion resulted in a PK profile similar to that by the free solution. BLM when loaded in oil phase of SNEDDS, can significantly enhance the oral bioavailability of BLM. SNEDDS has a great potential for oral protein delivery.