Self-emulsifying therapeutic system: a potential approach for delivery of lipophilic drugs

self-emulsifying therapeutic system (sets) provide an effective and intelligent solution to the various issues related to the formulation of hydrophobic drugs with limited solubility in gastrointestinal fluid. although the potential utility of sets is well known, only in recent years has a mechanistic understanding of the impact of these systems on drug disposition emerged. these in situ emulsion-forming systems have a high stability when incorporated in various dosage forms. sets are being looked upon as systems which can overcome the problems associated with delivery of poorly water soluble drugs. an in-depth knowledge about lipids and surfactants that can contribute to these systems, criterion for their selection and the proportion in which they can be used, represent some crucial factors determining the in vivo performance of these systems. this article presents a comprehensive account of various types of self-emulsifying formulations with emphasis on their composition and examples of currently marketed preparations.