Softgel capsule manufacturing technologies
Overcome drug product development challenges with propriety softgel products
Whether your product has solubility issues—as do 70% of drugs in development—or your brand is looking to expand shelf space, softgels may be the best finished dosage solution. With fierce competition among CDMOs in the United States, Europe, and Asia, choosing the right partner to develop your prescription therapeutics (Rx) or consumer healthcare product can be a difficult decision.
We bring decades of experience from development through commercialization and have dedicated encapsulation facilities in High Point, NC, and Tilburg, the Netherlands, have the capacity to produce 10 billion to 12 billion softgels annually. Our scientists are skilled in developing softgel formulations in early development to overcome bioavailability challenges and speeding new molecules to clinic. We also develop softgel formulations for late-stage lifecycle management, helping our clients retain market share and maximize product lifetime value.
No. 1
The No. 1 preferred provider of CDMO services for small molecule drug product manufacturing,1 offering a consultative experience to bring your small molecule to market in the form of a softgel
78 new OTC softgel projects
Over the last five years, Patheon pharma service has started 78 new over-the-counter (OTC) softgel projects.
20 tech transfers
In 2022, Patheon pharma services successfully completed 20 small molecule tech transfers (all therapeutic areas)
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Softgel advantages
- Improve solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble actives
- Improve containment of highly potent API (cat 3a, 3b, and hormones)
- Precise control of drug release rate, content uniformity, and site of absorption
- Anti-counterfeiting technologies
- Rapidly scalable across development to commercial
- Ideal for light-sensitive and oxygen-sensitive APIs
- Develop product proof of concept to confirm market interest
- Provide line extension for product lifecycle management
- Unique product differentiation and branding with proprietary technologies
- Solutions for tablet to softgel switches
- Enhance bioavailability to obtain quicker onset of action
- Formulation options geared toward patient preferences
Discover the benefits of softgels and our diverse technologies that can meet the needs of your molecules and markets.
Soft lozenge technology
Our new proprietary soft lozenge technology is uniquely designed to improve patient compliance by providing a soft and soothing sensory mouthfeel, enabling a more comfortable and patient-friendly delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Soft lozenges are compatible with many different APIs and are suitable for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products alike.
- Dissolution times can vary from 10-30 minutes
- Less stick, less hard, dissolves in mouth over time
- Superior API taste-masking and shell flavors
- Sugar-free option for specific patient populations
- Suitable for children, seniors, and patients with dysphagia
Our proprietary softgel technologies offer different shapes and sizes for customization
Chewels
ChewelsTM chewable gels are approved for pharmaceutical use and are ideal for pediatric and geriatric populations. They are also well suited for people who find swallowing difficult and are looking for a convenient dosage form for administration.
- Convenient to take without water
- More accurate dosing—less mess
- Lifecyle management solution
- Great for pediatric and geriatric markets
Our proprietary softgel technologies offer different shapes and sizes for customization
EnteriCare
EnteriCareTM technology incorporates the enteric properties directly into the gelatin shell, replacing extra steps such as coating during the manufacturing process. This creates more consistent enteric behavior. EnteriCare products can be developed as transparent softgels, which creates a more appealing aesthetic quality compared to traditionally coated capsules.
- Enteric properties
- Reduced risk of acid reflux
- No coating
- Targeted delivery
- Proven in existing prescription and nutritional products
Our proprietary softgel technologies offer different shapes and sizes for customization
Liquisoft
With a soft-chewable shell, LiquisoftTM softgels are particularly suitable for liquid fills that require a fast onset of action and/or buccal absorption. Liquisoft softgels come in a variety of flavors that mask bad tastes and odors, adding to patient appeal.
- Accurate and convenient dosing
- Soft, chewable shell
- Unique, patented dosage forms*
- Fast-acting for cold and/or cough
*Patents obtained in the United States, Europe, and other countries
Our proprietary softgel technologies offer different shapes and sizes for customization
Sofgels
SofgelsTM technology is suitable for liquid formulations, applications requiring faster onset of action, low-dose products, and those with poor bioavailability that would benefit from a lipid system. These capsules are easy to swallow, and twist-off options are available.
- Easier to swallow
- Faster onset of action
- Improved bioavailability
- Accuracy and uniformity in low dosage
- Unique product differentiation
Our proprietary softgel technologies offer different shapes and sizes for customization
Soflet
SofletTM Gelcaps employ a gelatin-enrobing technology that makes tablets easier to swallow. A broad palette of colors and imprinting choices are available, including inline printing.
- Preferred by 3 out of 4 patients*
- Multiple appearance options and palette of colors
- Great for clinical trial blinding
- Could help detain private-label New Biological Entity (NBE) if exclusivity is negotiated
*Based upon study by Banner Life Sciences LLC: Consumer Acceptance of SofletTM Tragon 2002
Our proprietary softgel technologies offer different shapes and sizes for customization
Versatrol
VersatrolTM controlled release softgels possess an innovative tamper-resistant technology, making them an excellent choice for abuse-deterrent formulation and/or preventing dose dumping. They are immune to injection, sniffing, crushing, or dissolving. The controlled release properties are never compromised.
- Customized release profile
- Improved bioavailability
- Tamper-resistant technology
- Compatible with lipophilic and hydrophilic formulations
Our proprietary softgel technologies offer different shapes and sizes for customization
Twist-offs
Twist-offs can help reduce dosing errors observed with other oral liquid formulation by providing the exact amount of liquid needed in the capsule. Twist-offs are suitable for newborns and young infants and are also well-suited for dermatologic products.
- Easily transported for individual dosing
- Prevents recontamination
- Improved bioavailability
- Unique product differentiation
- Accuracy and uniformity in low dosage