Harnessing Nanoemulsion Technology for Enhanced Delivery of Canagliflozin in Type 2 Diabetes Therapy

Abstract

Introduction: Canagliflozin, a selective sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor indicated for the management
of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is limited by poor aqueous solubility and suboptimal bioavailability, which
impede its therapeutic potential. This study aimed to develop and comprehensively characterize a nanoemulsionbased
delivery system to enhance the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of Canagliflozin. Preformulation
analyses confirmed the drug’s high solubility in methanol and DMSO, contrasted by poor water solubility and
unsatisfactory micromeritic properties, indicating the necessity for formulation intervention. Materials and
Methods: Nanoemulsions were prepared using appropriate oil, surfactant, and cosurfactant systems, and subjected
to sonication and high-pressure homogenization techniques to optimize droplet size and dispersion uniformity.
Results and Discussion: Among the various formulations, F5 emerged as the most promising, exhibiting a droplet
size of 68.1 nm and superior homogeneity. Differential scanning calorimetry of F5 revealed a marked reduction in
the drug’s melting point, suggesting enhanced dispersion and possible conversion to an amorphous state. Fouriertransform
infrared spectroscopy indicated no significant chemical degradation, though minor spectral shifts
suggested non-covalent interactions between the drug and excipients. Collectively, the results support the successful
development of a stable nanoemulsion formulation capable of enhancing Canagliflozin’s physicochemical and
biopharmaceutical properties. Conclusion: This work underscores the potential of nanoemulsion technology as a
strategic platform for improving the delivery of poorly soluble antidiabetic agents, thereby contributing to more
effective and reliable therapeutic outcomes in the management of T2DM.