Oral Biologics

Recent advances in oral biologic delivery are reshaping what’s achievable for delivery of peptides, protein and other complex modalities. Once considered non-viable, oral biologics are now emerging as a realistic development pathway – when the right technologies and expertise are combined.^1,2

Turning oral biologics from concept into clinically viable dosage forms

Delivering biologics orally demands integrated expertise across formulation science, capsule engineering, and scalable manufacturing – supported by the Innovaform® Accelerator capsule delivery platform and Tampa, FL site, for end-to-end CDMO support. At Lonza Capsugel, our scientists partner with you to design oral delivery strategies that address the core challenges of biologic drug delivery – instability, permeability, and site-specific uptake – with the goal of enabling clinically and commercially viable oral dosage forms.^1–5

At Lonza Capsugel, our scientists partner with you to design oral delivery strategies that address the core challenges of biologic drug delivery – instability, permeability, and site-specific uptake – with the goal of enabling clinically and commercially viable oral dosage forms.^1–5

Patient preference and beyond

Oral biologic delivery systems have the potential to expand patient access and reduce strain on health care resources^6–8

In one survey, 91% of patients with chronic health conditions preferred oral delivery over their current parenteral delivery; even 55% of patients with twice-yearly injections would prefer daily oral administration if given the choice⁶
Converting eligible patients from parenteral to oral delivery has the potential to decrease staff workload and the waste associated with sharps^7,8

Turning oral biologics from concept into clinically viable dosage forms

Combining capsule innovation with formulation development and CDMO expertise

                                
                                                            Lonza Capsugel supports oral delivery strategies for biologics across discovery, development and commercialization

Watch podcasts

The evolution of oral biologic delivery

For years, oral delivery of biologics has been viewed as impractical. But what if the issue is not the route, but the approach?

The commercial opportunity for oral biologic dosage forms

In our latest podcast, Lonza Capsugel’s Frank Romanski explores how patient preference is reshaping development strategies.

Our capabilities

Advanced bioavailability enhancement strategies

Focused on protection, precision delivery, and permeation, including lipid-based formulations, hydrophobic ion pairing, and permeation enhancers.^1–4

Capsugel® Enprotect® Capsules

Ready-to-use enteric capsules designed to protect sensitive biologic APIs from acidic and enzymatic degradation conditions.^2,4

Learn more

Customized polymer and bi-layered capsule technologies

Adapted for compatibility with your API, previous examples include a scalable oral GLP-1 delivery models, demonstrating oral peptide delivery.^1,3,4

Learn more

Leak-free sealing

Secure closure with propriety technologies: Licaps® capsules for liquid fills and Coni-Snap® capsules for solid fills.

See what’s possible in oral biologic drug delivery

Whether you are evaluating the viability of oral biologics, advancing a peptide formulation, or exploring new drug delivery systems, our teams can help you identify a tailored path forward.

^1.Dumont C, et al. Improving oral bioavailability of therapeutic peptides with lipid-based formulations and ready-to-use customized enteric capsules AAPS. 2025. Poster M1230-06-38.
^2.Jannin V, et al. Enteric properties of Capsugel® Enprotect® capsules filled with fecal microbiota transplant are confirmed after 12-month storage at -80°C. ECP. 2025.
^3.Grimm M, et al. The influence of different HPMCAS grades for preparation of enteric capsules investigated by MRI in human volunteers. AAPS. 2025. Poster T1430-07-42.
^4.Grimm M, et al. In vivo evaluation of a gastro-resistant Enprotect® capsule under postprandial conditions. Pharmaceutics. 2023;15(11):2576. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112576.
^5.Nombret D, et al. Enhancing capsule swallowability via double-layer design for superior glide in wet conditions. AAPS 2025 PharmSci 360 Annual Meeting. 9–12 November 2025, San Antonio, TX. Poster M1030-08-05.
^6.Myers J, et al. Preference for novel alternative to parenterally administered medications. 2024;18:1547–1562.
^7.Lau BD, et al. Budget impact analysis of conversion from intravenous to oral medication when clinically eligible for oral intake. Clin Ther. 2011;33:1792–1796.
^8.Palacios JI, et al. High-velocity delivery of biologics via the gastrointestinal tract by self-pressurized oral capsules. J Controlled Release. 2025; 385:113963.

Capsules & Health Ingredients