Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) for anticancer agents

Background Cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite continuous advances in anticancer therapy, the clinical effectiveness of many anticancer agents is limited by poor aqueous solubility, low oral bioavailability, extensive first-pass metabolism, and drug resistance. Growing interest is therefore being directed toward lipid-based formulations such as self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS), which offer several advantages over conventional formulations. Objective This review provides a comprehensive overview of SEDDS, including their composition, rational formulation design (Quality by Design and in silico approaches), classification, preparation methods, marketed products, and key advantages and limitations. This review focuses on SEDDS in oncology, emphasizing recent preclinical studies, pharmacokinetic improvements, and strategies to overcome major limitations of anticancer agents. Conclusion SEDDS represent a promising platform for improving the delivery of poorly soluble anticancer drugs by enhancing their solubility, oral bioavailability, and pharmacokinetic performance. Recent advances in rational formulation design and functionalization further broaden their potential in cancer therapy; however, challenges related to drug loading, stability, scale-up, and regulatory requirements remain important barriers to clinical translation.