Design of a Gelatin Microparticle-Containing Self-Microemulsifying Formulation for Enhanced Oral Bioavailability of Dutasteride

The study developed a gelatin microparticle-containing self-microemulsifying formulation (SMF) to enhance the oral bioavailability of dutasteride, a poorly water-soluble drug. The formulation used spray-dried gelatin microparticles to maintain consistent particle size and drug content, improving dissolution profiles with over 90% drug release within 30 minutes. Gelatin inhibited dutasteride recrystallization, maintaining drug supersaturation. A pharmacokinetic study in rats indicated that this formulation could improve oral absorption compared to traditional methods. The addition of Soluplus further enhanced dissolution and bioavailability, with the G13 formulation achieving over 95% dissolution at 120 minutes.