The Future of Capsules – Even better with IOI

31. January 2022

With sales of around $27 billion in 2019, capsules are the second most popular dosage form after tablets. Experts predict annual growth of 9%, which means that the capsule could already reach a market volume of $54 billion by 2027. Its popularity is easy to explain, as it offers numerous advantages. In combination with the product portfolio of the Pharma business unit of IOI Oleo GmbH, further benefits can be generated.

Capsules are en vogue, and rightly so. Above all, consumers appreciate the fact that they are easier to take and unpleasant sensory properties of active ingredients and excipients are not perceived. But it is above all for the formulator and during production that the full potential of capsules is revealed.

Capsules can be dosed effortlessly and precisely, are inexpensive to produce, durable and space-saving. They also enable gentle processing of sensitive ingredients. A fundamental distinction must be made between different capsule types:

Hard Capsules

Hard capsules are preferred for solid fillings such as powders and granules. They consist of two prefabricated halves that are pushed over each other; fine grooves prevent the filling from escaping and ensure a tight seal.

Soft Capsules

Soft capsules consist of 2 halves that are tightly connected by a weld seam. They are particularly suitable for oils, emulsions and preparations from a liquid to pasty consistency.

Chewable capsules

This dosage form was specially developed for chewing and therefore allows larger sizes. Even products that pose a sensory challenge, such as fish oil, can be given a pleasing taste through flavouring.

Focus on really needed ingredients in capsules

Following the general trend towards low-complexity formulation development, the biggest advantage for formulators and producers of capsules in the pharmaceutical industry is to focus on the excipients really needed for efficient delivery of the active ingredient(s).

IOI Oleo GmbH’s pharma portfolio offers a range of functional de novo synthesized lipids that can be used in all capsule types.

  • Poorly soluble active ingredients of BCS classification II + IV can be successfully administered with the help of our products, as it is possible to use them in special active ingredient release systems such as SEDDS

  • Drug absorption or penetration can be improved through targeted control of polarity and surface-active properties, thus increasing bioavailability

  • Broad range of properties and textures

  • Dietary benefits due to special metabolism of medium-chain lipids

  • Products are of plant origin

  • The following active ingredients are delivered in capsules with our excipient: Hormones, Cannabinoids, Protease Inhibitors, Alpha Blockers, Androgen Blockers, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors, Vitamins & Vitamin Derivatives

The following table provides an overview of which products are suitable for which applications:

Brand Name
Compendial title Ph.Eur.
Melting point [°C]
Consistency @ RT
Monoester Content [%]
Hydroxyl Value [mg KOH/ g]
Function
HARD Fat
~ 39
Soft- creamy paste
< 1%< 50Carrier
Glycerol Monocaprylate, type II
27 – 33solid> 80 %450 – 550
Carrier, Solubilizer & Bioavailibility booster*
Glycerol Monocaprylocaprate, type I
~ 25Liquid via pasty to solid45.0 – 75.0315 – 380
Carrier, Solubilizer & Bioavailibility booster*
IMWITOR® 988
Glycerol Monocaprylate, Type I
~ 23
Clear, oily liquid
45.0 – 75.0315 – 380
Carrier, Solubilizer & Bioavailibility booster*
Triglycerides, Medium-Chain
< 0
Liquid, ~ 30 mPa*s
< 1< 10
Carrier, Lubricant
Triglycerides, Medium-Chain
< 0
Liquid, ~ 28 mPa*s
< 1< 10
Carrier, Lubricant

*Bioavailability booster: Absorption of poorly absorbable APIs is improved in the human body. Leads to either greater effect of API or less API needs to be introduced.

The formulation-specific suitability of individual raw materials depends, among other things, on the expected polarity of the ingredients. For example, low polarity products would be suitable for use in CBD products (see our article – “The Green Rush”). Our products cover a wide range in polarity and can be brought into relation as follows:

All these products are fully miscible with each other, so that melting point, bioavailability, solubility, polarity or texture can be specifically adjusted.

IOI Oleo GmbH is a leading global expert and innovator in value-added ester-based lipid solutions for health management and personal well-being. We are happy to support and advise you on the optimal use of our products to make your formulation more efficient.

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Robert Radsziwill

Robert is the Business Development Manager for Functional Excipients in the Pharma Division of IOI Oleo GmbH. Prior to this role he held technical and commercial roles focusing raw materials used in the pharmaceutical and medical device industry for 13 years. In each position he leveraged his diploma degree in Business Chemistry earned at Westfälische Wilhelms-University to drive interdisciplinary projects and work as interface between commercial and technical decision makers. Understanding technical, commercial and regulatory drivers from ideation to successful project-completion is key for him. In his free time he enjoys guitar heavy music as well as cooking for and with family and friends.