Interest of multifunctional lipid excipients:: Case of Gelucire® 44/14

This paper focuses on the interest of a multifunctional lipid excipient from the lauroyl macrogolglycerides, i.e., Gelucire(R) 44/14. This compound, characterized by a drop point of 44 degrees C and a HLB ( Hydrophilic Lipophilic Balance) of 14, is made of a specific mixture, leading to particular properties. Gelucire(R) 44/14 forms a fine emulsion in contact with aqueous fluids, inducing a pseudo-solubilization of poorly water-soluble active substances and thus increasing their bioavailability. It could be used either as a binder for immediate release pellets by melt granulation or as a self-emulsifying drug delivery system by capsule molding or as a powder obtained by cryogenic grinding. These different methods and their interests are then discussed.