Pharmacological and Nanotechnological Insights into SGLT-2 Inhibitors for Type 2 Diabetes Management

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors signify a novel approach in the management of diabetes, focusing on the SGLT-2 proteins within the kidneys that are responsible for the reabsorption of glucose. The main issues associated with SGLT-2 inhibitors have been inadequate solubility and limited oral bioavailability. This review elucidates the mechanism of action of SGLT-2 inhibitors. It examines preclinical investigations of these inhibitors, both alone and in combination, conducted in rat or mouse models over the past several decades. This review discusses the need to advance nanoformulations to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of SGLT-2 inhibitors. This review presents a thorough examination of nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems specifically for SGLT-2 inhibitors, emphasizing the latest developments in polymeric nanoparticles, self-microemulsifying and self-nanoemulsifying systems, nanosuspensions, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers. This review also provides a comprehensive update on the patent literature on SGLT-2 inhibitors over the past two years.