Abstract
Background: Repaglinide is an antidiabetic agent classified as a meglitinide. It exhibits poor solubility and high permeability, categorizing it as a Class II drug according to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS). Its poor water solubility contributes to its limited oral bioavailability. Methods: In this study, the dissolution rate of repaglinide was improved through the nanomicelles (NMs) formation and converting these NMs into a sublingual film (SLF) for its rapid disintegration, and ease of administration. The thin film hydration method was employed for the preparation of repaglinide micellar dispersions using Soluplus® and poloxamer 338. Furthermore, repaglinide NM-loaded SLF were developed via the solvent casting technique. The Box-Behnken design was used to study the effect of different formulation parameters on film disintegration time and percentage elongation (E%). Results: The optimized formulation exhibited a desirability value of 0.73, with a disintegration time of 23 seconds and a percentage elongation of 17%. Drug release was significantly enhanced, achieving 100% release within 10 minutes, whereas the conventional film demonstrated only 31% release over the same period. Conclusion: The developed NM‑loaded SLF represents a promising approach for enhancing the release of repaglinide, potentially improving its oral delivery and therapeutic performance.